Election Day Is Here

Residents of more than a dozen cities will choose mayors and City Council members today, but the mayoral race in Long Beach may draw the most attention as political insiders and newcomers battle to take over from the outgoing Bob Foster, who opted against seeking re-election.

Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, is considered a top contender for the post, carrying the endorsement of Gov. Jerry Brown and the Los Angeles County Democratic Party. She also has the benefit of strong name recognition in the city.

But council members Robert Garcia, who has been endorsed by Foster, and Gerrie Schipske are also strong hopefuls. A win by either Garcia or Schipske would give the city its first openly gay mayor.

Also in the mix to lead the Los Angeles County's second-largest city are businessman Damon Dunn, Long Beach City College trustee Doug Otto, businessman Steven Mozena, nonprofit executive Jana Shields, auditor Mineo Gonzalez and residents Richard Anthony Camp and Eric Rock.

Given the size of the candidate field, the race will likely head to a June 3 runoff with the top two vote-getters.

Long Beach voters will also be choosing representatives in five of the city's nine council districts, along with a city attorney, prosecutor and auditor, although current auditor Laura Doud is running unopposed.

Elections are also being held today in Arcadia, Avalon, Bradbury, Culver City, El Segundo, La Puente, Lancaster, Lawndale, Malibu, Santa Clarita, Sierra Madre, Vernon, Walnut and Whittier.

--City News Service