Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt visited South Los Angeles on Wednesday, engaging with residents at a Hyde Park block party in a neighborhood previously represented by incumbent Mayor Karen Bass during her Congressional tenure.
Pratt spent two hours interacting with around 100 attendees, chatting and taking photos. Despite the presence of media, he chose not to answer their questions, echoing his decision at a recent Sherman Oaks meet and greet.
Resident Marcella Anglada, 61, showcased a video on her phone of broken sidewalks in the area. She explained that these obstacles hinder her mobility in a wheelchair, expressing her vote for Pratt based on her belief in his commitment to address such issues.
“And this is why I voted for you, because I know you’re going to do something about it,” Anglada said.
Anglada highlighted the impact of broken sidewalks on older residents relying on mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs. Jonathan Parker, a local, appreciated Pratt’s presence in the area, stating, “If you can go here, you can go anywhere.”
Jonathan and Victoriah Bech Parker, who manage a Skid Row charity, lauded Pratt’s support of their initiative seeking a U.S. Justice Department investigation into alleged animal abuse on Skid Row. Victoriah Bech Parker expressed readiness to collaborate with anyone—regardless of political affiliation—to improve conditions in downtown L.A., notorious for its homelessness and large encampments.
Attendees enjoyed barbecue, ice cream, and beverages provided by the Pratt campaign, while sheltering from the heat under canopies and listening to a mix of music, including modern tracks and classics by James Brown from the 1970s.
Pratt posed before a barbecue trailer, promising increased grilling in L.A., referencing opponent Nithya Raman’s previous proposal to restrict backyard barbecues on high fire danger days—a proposition Raman has since modified.
Among his supporters was Miki Yamashita, curator of the ‘asiansforpratt’ Instagram page, who highlighted Asian American backing for Pratt, aiming to boost small businesses and family values. Proudly wearing a chartreuse shirt with “pratt,” akin to Charli XCX’s “brat” album cover, Yamashita shared, “I am a frustrated Los Angeles resident, just like Spencer.”
Pratt’s visit attracted media coverage and individuals eager to share images on social media, illustrating the vibrant engagement throughout the event.