On Wednesday, mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt campaigned in South Los Angeles, an area previously represented by the incumbent Mayor Karen Bass during her tenure in Congress. Pratt devoted two hours at the Hyde Park block party, engaging with the community and posing for photos with around a hundred attendees. He chose not to answer questions from the media, mirroring his approach during a prior meet and greet in Sherman Oaks.
Among the attendees was 61-year-old Marcella Anglada, who shared a video with Pratt depicting impassable sidewalks which posed challenges for her motorized wheelchair. Anglada expressed her support, convinced that Pratt would address these issues. Observers noted that older residents, reliant on mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs, face significant mobility challenges due to deteriorated sidewalks.
Jonathan Parker, a local who grew up in the area, praised Pratt for campaigning there, acknowledging the significance of reaching out to diverse neighborhoods. Parker and his wife, Victoriah Bech Parker, operate a charity on Skid Row and have requested the U.S. Justice Department investigate alleged animal abuse in the area. Among the mayoral candidates, Pratt stands out as the only one supporting their cause. Bech Parker expressed a willingness to collaborate with any party to improve conditions in downtown L.A.’s homelessness-affected areas.
The Pratt campaign provided barbecue, ice cream, and drinks from food trucks for the attendees, who enjoyed the refreshments under shaded canopies while listening to music ranging from contemporary hits to classics by James Brown. At one point, Pratt posed in front of a barbecue trailer, declaring, “we’re gonna have lots of grilling in L.A.” This remark took aim at opponent Nithya Raman’s past proposal to restrict backyard barbecues on high fire danger days, although Raman has since retracted the proposal.
Supporters traveled from various parts of the city to attend. Miki Yamashita, who runs the ‘asiansforpratt’ Instagram page, was present in Studio City. Wearing a chartreuse shirt emblazoned with “pratt,” she noted that many Asian Americans back him to bolster small businesses and families. Yamashita identified with the challenges faced by Los Angeles residents, aligning her frustrations with those of Pratt.
Throughout the afternoon, Pratt drew attention from reporters and television cameras, alongside individuals eager to capture images for their social media platforms.
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