INGLEWOOD—Inglewood City Council District 4 Councilwoman Dionne Faulk is fighting for her political future, as several well-established candidates are seeking voters’ support to remove her from the city council.
Faulk is described as being “unresponsive to resident’s needs until it suits her politically.” It is believed she was hand-selected by Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. after the abrupt departure of former District 4 Councilman Ralph Franklin.
District 4 candidate Carlos Zurita is no stranger to Inglewood politics as he has previously served as the past president of the Rotary Club of Inglewood, the leading humanitarian service organization in the City of Inglewood. It was established on April 10, 1923, with the Inglewood Club being one of the first Rotary Clubs chartered in California.
I had a chance to speak with him about what inspired his run for office, his priorities if elected, and his vision for the City.
What prompted you to run for office?
CZ: My love for the community and the inspiration I’ve drawn from leaders like Alex Padilla, Jessie Lopez, Hugo Soto, and Marqueece Harris Dawson have motivated me to run for office. They’ve set an example of the kind of councilmember I aspire to be. The opportunity to access resources that would allow me to take on even larger community projects is a significant driving factor as well. I’ve built strong relationships within the city through my active involvement, and I genuinely enjoy serving my community. So, running for office feels like the natural next step in continuing that work.
What are the top 3 issues facing the City that you would like to address?
CZ: First and foremost, affordable housing is my top priority. I want to ensure that long-time residents can stay in our city without the constant fear of being displaced due to rising rents or sudden eviction notices. We need proactive measures to address housing challenges before residents receive a three-day notice, face a rent increase, or see a ‘For Sale’ sign on their building. As our city grows and improves, it’s crucial that we grow together, maintaining our existing community while welcoming new development. I believe we can strike a balance that keeps our city diverse and vibrant without pushing anyone out of their home.
Second, I want to make District 4 not only an entertainment hub but also a place where our youth can thrive. Growing up here, I remember having limited options for recreation—just a few parks and the streets where we rode our bikes. My goal is to change that by creating more youth-oriented spaces, entertainment options, and programs. I envision developing more youth sports leagues, educational initiatives, and community events that give young people the opportunity to grow, learn, and enjoy themselves. By listening to our students and understanding their needs, we can build a district that truly supports the next generation.
Lastly, addressing traffic congestion is a key concern. I plan to conduct surveys and work with the community to find practical solutions to ease traffic flow and explore alternative transportation options that benefit our residents.
What is your vision for the City?
CZ: My vision for the city is one that is safe, clean, and truly supportive of its local residents. I want our streets to be safe for everyone to walk at any time of day or night. I envision a city that is clean and free from litter, where designated family areas are well-maintained and free of issues like garbage and other public disturbances. Most importantly, I want a city that puts its long-time residents first, ensuring they don’t feel pushed out as the city grows. Our community should evolve in a way that allows everyone to thrive, without sacrificing the well-being of the people who have called it home for years.
Do you support evening council meetings?
CZ: I fully support holding council meetings at times that best serve the residents of District 4. If the community feels that evening meetings would allow for greater participation, I’m absolutely in favor of that. The most important thing is that our residents have the opportunity to voice their opinions and engage with the decision-making process in a way that fits their schedules. Evening meetings can be especially beneficial for working families and individuals who might not be able to attend during the day. Ultimately, I will advocate for whatever meeting time works best for District 4, ensuring that we are accessible and responsive to the community’s needs.
Mayor Butts appears to have total control of the City’s finances and a council that doesn’t vote against him. How will you work with him if elected?
CZ: Mayor Butts has undeniably transformed Inglewood, instilling a sense of pride in the community, and his leadership has played a major role in shaping the city as we see it today. I recognize the different perspectives and changes that have come with his leadership. However, my priority will always be to represent the voices of District 4 residents first and foremost. If elected, I will ensure that their interests are at the forefront of every decision I make.
I’m confident we can work together to accomplish great things for the city. While no one can achieve everything alone, my focus will be on ensuring that the concerns and needs of District 4 are heard and addressed. Ultimately, I am accountable to the people I see and interact with every day—the residents of my community—and I will always put their interests first.
Finally, you can wave a magic wand and change ONE thing about the City what would that be and why?
CZ: If I could change one thing, I would reopen and heavily invest in our schools, making education the focal point of the city. My vision is for Inglewood to one day be recognized as having one of the top school districts in the country, a place where families are drawn to our city because of the exceptional quality of education. By focusing on our schools, we can empower our youth and create a brighter future for the entire community, ensuring that education becomes a cornerstone of Inglewood’s growth and success.
