Santa Monica councilwoman Lana Negrete is featured in a new ad from a pro-Nathan Hochman independent expenditure group - Working Families, First Responders, and Small Businesses for a Safer LA County Supporting Hochman for District Attorney 2024.
Hochman is running against incumbent George Gascon for Los Angeles District Attorney. Hochman has criticized Gascon for being too lenient and contributing to rising fears about crime in the County by preventing prosecutors from pursuing appropriate penalties.
In the ad, Negrete is speaking in her role as a small business owner rather than an elected official. She recounts the work her business and nonprofit does but describes the challenges caused by crime and the ad features video of her store being robbed.
“Hochman will restore neighborhood safety so that our music shop can serve our community for years to come…” she says before endorsing him.
Just days after the ad, Hochman’s campaign sent out an email announcing the endorsement of Mayor Phil Brock.
“As the Mayor of Santa Monica, I see the failures of the current district attorney on my streets every day,” said Brock in the announcement. “We must demand accountability from those who choose to break the law, and Nathan Hochman is the person best qualified to protect our residents from harm. I believe that Mr. Hochman will empower the District Attorney's Office to effectively bring justice that is compassionate and effective in enforcing the laws of our county. I am wholeheartedly supporting Nathan Hochman for Los Angeles County District Attorney to bring safety and justice to our city and county.”
Gascon also lists Santa Monicans among his endorsees including Mayor Gleam Davis and the Santa Monica Democratic Club.
