The dining room at Mi Ranchito hummed with good conversation and laughter, as Meghan’s supporters turned out for a delicious four-course meal to support her campaign.  Every seat was taken as families with children, couples, singles and folks of all ages enjoyed an evening out at this local eatery.

Meghan talked about her committment to running an effective grassroots campaign without accepting donations from developers — instead she depended on the contributions of supporters like those at the dinner, many smaller checks, and lots of committed volunteers adding up to a campaign with heart. We thank our wonderful supporters who made the fundraiser a night to remember!

Our FINAL phone bank is scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Monday! 

Choose your shift now (and enjoy good eats).

The countdown to Election Day on April 10 begins now!

Show your support for Meghan’s candidacy by volunteering during the final phone bank of the campaign and by pitching in on election day. Whether you are a new or seasoned volunteer, your willingness to participate is appreciated.

Phone Banking

An orientation and refreshments will be provided. Please bring your enthusiasm! A charged cell phone, would also be helpful; there will be a few landlines available. Most people sign up for 2-hour shifts; feel free to participate as much as you can.

Let us know when you are available to make calls:

Wednesday, April 4 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 5 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 7 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Monday, April 9 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Location:

Woolner Mailing
5280 W. Washington Blvd. (between Fairfax and La Brea)

Look for Meghan Sahli-Wells signs and ring the bell by the door when you arrive.

To RSVP and to ask questions:

call Michelle at: 310-390-3021 or email michelle@vote4meghan.com or
call Disa at: 310-435-9345 or email disa@vote4meghan.com

GOTV ELECTION DAY

Want to help out on April 10th? Volunteer help with GOTV activities is needed on election day!

To RSVP and to ask questions:

Call Michelle at: 310-390-3021 or email michelle@vote4meghan.com or
Call Disa at: 310-435-9345 or email disa@vote4meghan.com

Many thanks for your support!

Culver City High School teacher Genevieve Rolfe gave credit to the High School Seniors in her Government class for participating in the event. “Young people today are interested, they’re listening. They are engaged,” said Rolfe. They know that the world they are about to inherit must change, and they must be that change.”

The students voted in a straw poll and chose Meghan Sahli-Wells for City Council, along with Clarke, O’Leary, and Weisman. The students later urged all potential voters and citizens to “…attend a forum, do some research, go to their websites and find out for themselves. Then be sure to vote.”

“The turnout was huge, the students asked such interesting and thoughtful questions, the moderators were excellent, the cause was a good one and it gave the candidates a unique and valuable opportunity to share their positions and something about themselves as individuals,” said Co-Campaign Manager Disa Lindgren.

“Ask2Know was a great way to engage kids and youth in the local political process,” continued Lindgren. “The whole community benefits from it for this reason, even though the focus was on students.”

Meghan’s campaign also benefitted from the opportunity Disa and fellow Co-Campaign Manager Michelle Weiner had to talk with students before the forum, some of whom signed up to volunteer with the campaign, for which they are given community service/government class participation credit.

Campaign staff were blown away by the maturity, intelligence, and temperament of the students, and were very impressed with the terrific professionalism of the event.

There was free pizza at the forum and a very exciting “sodapalooza” tasting with 30 sodas from around the world. A silent auction will also take place to raise money for Claire’s Place Foundation, a nonprofit started by Claire Wineland, a 13 year-old former Culver City resident with cystic fibrosis.

“Getting students involved in politics through events like ‘Ask 2 Know’ is a terrific way to educate and engage them so they can be informed voters and citizens,” said Meghan. “These activities also help develop their confidence to take control of their lives and improve their community through the political process.”

The first ‘Ask 2 Know’ was a packed-house event at The Actors’ Gang on October 26, 2011, where students got the chance to question Culver City School Board candidates. ‘Ask 2 Know’ is the brainchild of event producer Michelle Mayans, who came up with the idea after attending School Board candidate forums that she felt were neglecting the very people most affected by the School Board election – the students.

“If you build a field they will come. I believe kids really do care about issues,” Mayans told Culver City Crossroads. “They just need to be allowed to care and be heard.”

Mayans’ goal is to involve students by making politics more fun and interesting for them – and everyone else – while still being respectful to the candidates and the electoral process. She often invites celebrities to moderate the events, and adds entertainment to attract students. The School Board forum in October was hosted by Nickelodeon star Devon Werkheiser (Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide) and included a Willy Wonka on stilts, The Real Princesses, and The Angel City Derby Girls.

‘Ask 2 Know’ is affiliated with Michelle Mayan’s Kid Scoop Media company, which produces events that bring student news reporters and others together with celebrities, athletes, politicians, authors, musicians, and other successful leaders to give children exposure to enriching life experiences, positive role models, and the chance to express themselves and shape their future. The company has held gatherings in conjunction with President Obama’s visit to Sony Studios, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s tour of Culver City, the Human Rights Campaign Gala, the Leeza Gibbons Charity Oscar Party, and an exclusive session with former President of Mexico Vicente Fox, among others.

Join us at one of these upcoming candidate forums:

Blair Hills Candidate Forum – March 20 at 7pm
Kenneth Hahn State Park Community Center
4100 S. La Cienega Blvd.

League of Women Voters Forum – March 21 at 7pm
Culver City Hall Council Chambers
9770 Culver Blvd

Raintree Candidates Forum - March 22 at 7pm
Townhouse Community Center
Enter off Jefferson, three lights east of Overland

The campaign attracts growing support from City officials, civic leaders, advocacy organizations, and an impressive number of Culver City residents.

Meghan Sahli-Wells recently won prized endorsements from Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Culver City Employees Association, Culver City Democratic Club, LA County Democratic Party, National Women’s Political Caucus Los Angeles Westside, Southern California Americans for Democratic Action, and 47th Assembly District Democratic Club, as well as the support of the Beverly Hills/Greater Los Angeles Association of Realtors.

“As the City’s representative on the Board of Supervisors, I know the issues facing Culver City and its people, and I know Meghan Sahli-Wells will work tirelessly for the betterment of the City and the benefit of its people,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.

“Her work on so many efforts — to improve services, health, the economy, the environment — demonstrate her leadership and commitment to making life better for everyone in the community,” continued Ridley-Thomas. “She will make a profoundly dedicated and effective member of the Culver City Council.”

The latest supporters join a slate of endorsers that already includes U.S. Representative Karen Bass, State Assemblymember Holly Mitchell, Culver City Council Member and former Mayor Christopher Armenta, and all five Culver City School Board members: Karlo Silbiger, Katherine Paspalis, Patricia Siever, Laura Chardiet and Nancy Goldberg.

“Meghan’s strong commitment to Culver City residents and balanced approach to leadership are why I am so proud to endorse her in the 2012 election,” stated Assemblymember Holly Mitchell, who serves California’s 47th Assembly District.

City Council Member Christopher Armenta noted, “In the years she has spoken before the Council, Meghan has shown herself to be a strong, consistent, advocate for Culver City residents. From development to environment to education to transportation, she has the knowledge and experience to lead our city toward a healthy future.”

Meghan’s candidacy is also endorsed by a substantial roster of current and former Culver City mayors, Council members, officials, commissioners, and School Board members, including Civil Service Commissioner Dan Gallagher, Cultural Affairs Commissioner Ronnie Jayne, Advisory Committee on Redevelopment members Vernon Taylor, Jr. and David Voncannon, Former Culver City Mayor Dr. James Boulgarides, and Former Mayor Gary Silbiger, Downtown Neighborhood Association founder Judy Miller, and former School Board Members Dr. Wanda Boulgarides, Stew Bubar, and Barbara Honig.

“School Board and Council members who cooperate on community issues directly benefit their city,” observed School Board Member Nancy Goldberg. “That potential for exchange is why I support her candidacy…I cannot imagine a better advocate for Culver City residents.”

See Meghan’s complete list of endorsements here.

A silent auction followed dinner featuring the work of local artists Michelle Souza and Leslie Rosdol, and Oregonian Artist Greeley Wells (Meghan’s father). A number of area businesses and individuals donated gift certificates to the silent auction, including Koncept 67 Salon, Sada’s Flowers, Goda Yoga, voice lessons from Cecily Gardner, plumbing services from Chase Palmer, a garden design consultation from Mayita Dinos, and a bike tune-up from Bikes & Books, as well as local restaurants Shalimar Cuisine of India, and Conservatory for Coffee, Tea and Cocoa.

Meghan’s next campaign event is a spectacular evening of dining and theater on February 24 culminating in a groundbreaking interpretation of George Orwell’s classic novel 1984 at The Actors Gang at Ivy Station. The location of the dinner is TBA — we will soon be taking reservations and payments online!

Numerous other officials, representatives and community leaders have endorsed Meghan’s campaign, including Civil Service Commissioner Dan Gallagher, Cultural Affairs Commissioner Ronnie Jayne, Advisory Committee on Redevelopment members Vernon Taylor, Jr. and David Voncannon, Former Culver City Mayor Dr. James Boulgarides, Former Culver City Mayor Gary Silbiger, Downtown Neighborhood Association founder Judy Miller, and former School Board Members Dr. Wanda Boulgarides, Stew Bubar, and Barbara Honig.

Some who attended likened the mailing party to a quilting bee — stories were shared, there was much laughter, and the atmosphere of community was palpable as everyone sat working around a big table or sat on the floor to fold paper, collate the campaign literature, and place it all in envelopes to be stamped and affixed with address labels.

The next campaign meeting is scheduled for January 25, and will include a calling party — supporters who haven’t had a chance to RSVP for the fundraiser at La Dijonaise will be contacted by phone for a personal invitation. Interested in participating? Email the campaign at contact@vote4meghan.com to find out how you can join us and assure a big victory for Meghan on election day April 10.