Days before the SMRR convention, which was held Sunday, former State Senator Tom Hayden endorsed a candidate of his own, Maria Loya, in her run for Santa Monica City Council.
Hayden, a politician for more than 40 years, cast his support after meeting with Loya. If Loya wins Santa Monica residents’ vote, she will be making history as the first Latina elected to sit on the city’s lead governing board.
“I believe Maria Loya offers the bold vision that embodies the great progressive tradition of Santa Monica,” Hayden said. “She is a fighter for social justice who offers passion, intelligence and commitment.”
In addition to Hayden’s endorsement, Loya has picked up the support of the Living Wage Coalition and a number of community leaders. Doug Willis, a member of Santa Monica’s Rent Control Board; Griselda de la Torre Garces, president of the PTA at Edison Elementary School; and UCLA’s Dr. John Rogers are only a few of the people vocalizing their support for Loya.
Loya’s community efforts include working for low-wage service employees, supporting working families in tenant harassment and unlawful eviction lawsuits and helping to found Mothers for Justice, a group that has changed school discipline policy and advanced equality in public education.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 2, 2004. Read the original PDF.