**Blair Clarkson in Feinstein Kicks Off Reelection Bid, The Lookout News 15 June 2004 mentions that Lori Nafshun is a Recreation and Parks Commissioner and that her and her husband's house was the birthplace of Santa Monicans for Renter's Rights in the late 1970s.
Blair Clarkson, Feinstein Kicks Off Reelection Bid, The Lookout News, 15 June 2004
Staff Writer
"June 15-City Council member Michael Feinstein threw his green hat into the ring over the weekend, officially announcing his re-election bid for one of four open council seats on the November ballot. The two-term council member and former mayor made his formal announcement to more than 40 long-time supporters and interested first-timers at a "meet and greet" fundraiser in Ocean Park on Saturday.
"The fundraiser, held at the home of Rec and Parks Commissioner Lori Nafshun and her husband Mike Bone, was the first in a series of community events Feinstein plans to attend across the City in order to drum up grassroots support for his campaign.
""I've learned a lot on the council over the past seven-plus years, including serving two years as Mayor," Feinstein said after the fundraiser. "But I think it's critical as I seek re-election that I re-engage myself with people on a block-by-block, neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis.
"In addition to re-energizing and educating myself," he added, "these house parties are about reaching all kinds of people-people who are already active in the community, people who haven't been politically active before, new people in town and people who simply may have new issues that need to be addressed."
"Holding firm to his Green Party platform, Feinstein addressed several sustainable development issues during the wide-ranging four-hour discussion, including the need for more parks and open space, tackling traffic and parking problems, improving City Hall's bureaucracy and revising of the City's General Plan.
""As we map out how our city will evolve over the next 20 years," he said, "I'm committed to the principles of sustainability and community input as critical guides for our common future."
Feinstein, who received several checks during the event and handed out fundraising envelopes to many in attendance, said he was pleased with the result and plans to release his first campaign disclosure report in July.
"Interestingly, the site of Saturday's get-together was also the birthplace of Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights in the late 1970's.
"Feinstein, a member of SMRR, is actively seeking an endorsement from the powerful tenants group, which can translate into thousands of automatic votes from rent-control tenants and the influence of the group's political clout.
""I didn't consciously choose the house because of SMRR's origin there," he said. "Rather the house seemed to choose me, as it was Lori and Mike's idea to have an event there.
""But if the symbolism of this seeming coincidence is any indication of upcoming SMRR support, I will certainly welcome it," Feinstein said.
"Feinstein is well aware of the group's potential influence.
"After earning SMRR endorsements during his previous two council campaigns, Feinstein rolled to impressive and surprising victories. In 1996, as a first-time candidate, he shocked many by finishing second in total votes among the 13 contenders, behind only incumbent Asha Greenberg.
"Then in 2000, Feinstein received the second-highest vote total ever recorded in a Council election (21,084 votes)-following Ken Edwards' re-election bid in 1984-and finished first in the 13-person field.
""SMRR has played an important role in my having the opportunity to serve our entire community," he said. "This year I will again place my faith in the SMRR grassroots membership and hope for their support."
"The tenant's lobby will hold its nominating convention in August.
"Yet while he acknowledges SMRR's vital role in his prior campaign wins and would dearly covet its continued support, Feinstein makes no bones about his ability to go it alone.
""I've enjoyed support across political lines in every part of the City, because people appreciate the independent, common sense role that I've played on the Council," he said. "That's why I have received numerous endorsements from a broad array of community organizations in the past."
"As for whether he would consider running as an independent should he not get a SMRR nod, Feinstein noted, "Given the breadth of the support and encouragement I am receiving, I would have to strongly consider moving forward to November."