Mar Vista Community Council Candidate: Mitchell Rishe

Editor’s note: This is one of several articles in a series of profiles on Mar Vista candidates that Patch will be running leading up to the election.

What would you prioritize if you were voted in?  

My priorities are issues related to health and safety, particularly in matters relating to crime, traffic congestion and the Santa Monica Airport. Additionally, living adjacent to Mar Vista Park, I recognize the Park as a unique source of recreation and community, but also that it presents safety, noise and light concerns.  I will work to improve and beautify the Park, while minimizing its impacts on neighboring residents, like me. I also care deeply about the environment.  I will work to promote green gardening, Mar Vista's Green Garden Tour, community home solar programs, and our wonderful Mar Vista Farmers' Market.

Who are your primary supporters?  

I believe that the voters who should support me are those who share my sense of pride and affection for our Mar Vista community; those who enjoy our park but want to minimize its impacts on the community; those who are concerned about the rise in crime in our neighborhood; and those who care about the environment.

What issue do you feel most strongly about and what’s your position?  

As a parent of two young children, one with asthma, I am most concerned with issues related to health and safety.  If elected, I will work to address the troubling rise in crime in our neighborhood, including car break-in's and home invasions.  I am also concerned about the air quality in our neighborhood, and will work to minimize the impacts of the Santa Monica Airport and to reduce traffic congestion.  I believe that health and safety are the primary factors influencing a person's quality of life.  I will work to preserve and improve the quality of life for all residents of Mar Vista.

What's one thing most constituents don't know about you? 

I am a Deputy Attorney General in the California Department of Justice, where I am an environmental attorney.  I am also the coach of my children's soccer team at Mar Vista Park, and I play roller hockey at the Park rink.

Why did you decide to run? 

I was born in Los Angeles, and moved to the Westside when I attended UCLA for law school. I moved to Mar Vista 10 years ago with my lovely wife Jessica, who is a public school principal.  We are raising our two boys in Mar Vista, and I feel fortunate to live in such a vibrant city and exceptional community.  As a Deputy Attorney General, I have dedicated my career to serving the People of the State of California. I am a proud public servant, working every day to protect California's natural resources for future generations. I am running for the Mar Vista Community Council to serve the local community and preserve and protect the character of Mar Vista for my children.

Mitchell Rishe is running for At-Large Director, a two-year term. To read more candidate profiles, click here.

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