Sanchez and Padilla Lead in Fund-Raising

Corinne Sanchez and Alex Padilla have each raised about $100,000, extending their fund-raising lead over four other contenders in the race for the northeast San Fernando Valley’s 7th District Los Angeles City Council seat, according to reports filed Thursday.

In comparison, youth services Director Tony Lopez raised about $44,000, former San Fernando Mayor Raul Godinez II said he raised about $30,000, former Mission College consultant Barbara Perkins brought in $13,000 and housing agency officer Ollie McCaulley reported contributions of about $11,600.

Godinez said he is not discouraged.

“We were a little late in the race. We were the last in,” he said. “We’re a little bit behind but that’s all right.”

Sanchez and Padilla were helped in their fund-raising by key endorsements. In Padilla’s case, Mayor Richard Riordan’s backing may have helped bring in funds from Riordan allies.

Sanchez has the backing of former 7th District Councilman Richard Alarcon, whose supporters contributed to her campaign.

She reported having raised $108,161 to date, including $58,000 in contributions received from Jan. 1 to Feb. 27 and $27,000 in public matching funds, according a a campaign finance report she filed with the city Ethics Commission.

“As far as the funds it will take to win, we feel the money is going to be there,” said Jorge Flores, a Sanchez campaign spokesman.

*

Sanchez, president of the health agency El Proyecto Del Barrio, received funds from a wide range of contributors, including attorneys, physicians, Realtors and elected officials. They included Assemblywoman Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica), landfill operator BKK Corp. and Leroy Chase, head of the Boys & Girls Club of the San Fernando Valley.

Padilla, an aide to Assemblyman Tony Cardenas (D-Sylmar), reported raising $92,500 through Feb. 27, including contributions from Riordan allies, including Metropolitan Theaters head Bruce Corwin and attorney George Mihlsten. Padilla also received money from Ben Reznik, an attorney and board member of the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn.

Riordan is hosting his first fund-raiser for Padilla later this month, Padilla spokesman Rick Taylor said.

Padilla also filed papers Thursday seeking $25,000 in city matching funds.

Meanwhile, Padilla announced Thursday he has received the endorsement of the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley.

In other races, council President John Ferraro reported he has raised $157,900 for his reelection effort. Challenger Benjamin Lucas said he has raised $1,000.

Councilman Joel Wachs has raised $64,750 this year. In comparison, John Joseph Bunte said he has raised nothing to challenge Wachs but plans to put $1,000 of his own money into his campaign.

“I just can’t bring myself to ask people I hope to represent to give me money,” Bunte said.