Yebri Adds To Broad Coalition of Support, First in CD5 Race To Sport Both Business and Labor Endorsements
LOS ANGELES – The West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce announced today its endorsement of Sam Yebri for City Council District 5, with the June primary just over four months away. Yebri, who refuses donations from billboard companies, cannabis companies, and the oil and gas industry as well as any corporate or PAC money and who remains the only candidate in the race to refuse donations from real estate developers, active or otherwise, adds to his broad coalition of support, sporting endorsements from business, labor, and community organizations as well as from non-profit and neighborhood leaders throughout the 5th District.
When making the announcement, President Roozbeh Farahanipour said, “As a small business owner himself, Sam Yebri understands the critical importance of creating a supportive environment in Los Angeles for businesses of all size – small entrepreneurial businesses, mid-size companies, as well as large corporate entities. Sam is committed to a City government that actively encourages business growth and expansion in order to create more good paying jobs and a thriving business environment that is essential in Los Angeles.” He continued, “Especially given the impact the pandemic has had on business, Sam’s commitment to streamline bureaucracy, cut red tape in City Hall, and support innovations such as the L.A. Al Fresco outdoor dining program, Restaurant Beverage Program, and tax credits for “mom and pop” Legacy Businesses is a business-friendly agenda that our Chamber members can enthusiastically support. We look forward to working with Sam as our next 5th District Councilmember,” he added.
Serving over 2,000 members, most of whom reside within the 5th District, the West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce (WLACC) enhances opportunities for members of the West Los Angeles business community through referral, advocacy, and education. They are known as a small but mighty force, with members ranging from local “mom and pop” businesses to some of the nations’ largest corporate entities, and continue to grow in both membership and influence.
Yebri proudly responded to WLACC’s endorsement, commenting, “It is an honor to have earned the trust and endorsement of the West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce – an organization that has long been a champion of small businesses in our great District. These businesses are not only the engine of the Los Angeles economy but the heart and backbone of every neighborhood. As a small business owner of over a decade, who has paid the city’s gross receipts business tax every February, and who is responsible for meeting a payroll and paying rent every month to my landlord, I know the critical role of City government in fostering a thriving business community.” Continued Yebri, “I have centered the issues of homelessness and public safety in my campaign because these are issues that deeply affect our neighborhoods, our families, and our businesses alike. As Councilmember, I will work tirelessly with the West Los Angeles Chamber to support every business and improve every neighborhood in the 5th District, and I look forward to our partnership.”
This endorsement adds to the growing momentum behind Yebri’s campaign, accompanying recent endorsements from the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA – WR) and dozens of elected neighborhood leaders. More than 1,000 neighborhood, non-profit, faith, business, and community leaders have now endorsed Yebri, who has also earned the endorsements of LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, former LA Congressman Henry Waxman, current LA Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, and LA City Councilmember Joe Buscaino in supporting Yebri for LA City Council. See the full endorsement list HERE.
***
Sam Yebri is an advocate, small business owner, attorney, and husband and father of four young children who will fight tirelessly for the residents of the 5th District of the City of Los Angeles. Nearly 40 years ago, Sam and his family sought refuge as Iranian immigrants and moved to Westwood where they experienced firsthand the promise of Los Angeles. He attended public schools in the 5th District and went on to earn degrees from Yale and USC Law School. Sam built a successful law firm in Century City, working to provide effective representation in a broad range of issues, including civil rights. He has used his expertise to advise startups and small businesses and litigate on behalf of workers, tenants, and refugees. Committed to public service and championing the promise of Los Angeles, Sam formerly served as a Commissioner on the Los Angeles Civil Service Commission and currently serves as a board member of the Friends of Westwood Library. He has also served the Los Angeles community as a board member of numerous non-profits, including the Anti-Defamation League, Bet Tzedek Legal Services, the Jewish Community Foundation, and ETTA, which provides services and housing for developmentally disabled adults.
Los Angeles’ 5th City Council District is being vacated due to term limits by Councilmember Paul Koretz. The District includes the neighborhoods of Bel Air, Beverly Fairfax, Beverly Grove, Beverlywood, Castle Heights, Carthay, Century City, Century Glen, Cheviot Hills, Comstock Hills, Hancock Park, La Brea, Melrose, Miracle Mile, Palms, Pico Robertson, Rancho Park, South Robertson, Westside Village, and Westwood.