Spencer Pratt’s Campaign Event in South Los Angeles

Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt visited South Los Angeles on Wednesday, focusing his campaign in a neighborhood that incumbent Mayor Karen Bass represented during her time in Congress. During a Hyde Park block party, Pratt spent two hours interacting with attendees and posing for photographs instead of addressing media queries, similar to his approach during a previous meet and greet in Sherman Oaks.

One of Pratt’s supporters, Marcella Anglada, 61, highlighted the area’s infrastructure issues by showing him a video of broken sidewalks, which are problematic for her motorized wheelchair. She expressed confidence in Pratt’s commitment to improving the situation, stating, “And this is why I voted for you, because I know you’re going to do something about it.”

Older residents requiring mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs face difficulties navigating their neighborhoods due to these obstacles, Anglada explained to The Times. Jonathan Parker, who grew up in the area, praised Pratt for reaching out to the community, saying, “If you can go here, you can go anywhere.”

Jonathan Parker and his wife, Victoriah Bech Parker, manage a Skid Row charity and have filed a request with the U.S. Justice Department to investigate alleged animal abuse in the area. Bech Parker appreciated Pratt’s support for their cause, noting his willingness to work across political lines to improve conditions for both people and animals in downtown L.A.—an area marked by high homelessness rates and large encampments.

During the event, attendees enjoyed refreshments provided by food trucks, including barbecue, ice cream, and drinks. They also sheltered from the heat under shaded canopies and listened to a mix of music genres, from modern hits to 1970s tracks by James Brown. Pratt used one photo opportunity in front of a barbecue trailer to criticize opponent Nithya Raman’s past proposal to ban backyard barbecues on high fire danger days—a stance Raman has since reconsidered.

Supporters came from different parts of the city, one of whom was Miki Yamashita, known for her asiansforpratt Instagram page. Sporting a chartreuse shirt with Pratt’s name, she informed him of considerable Asian American backing aimed at advancing their small businesses and families. “I am a frustrated Los Angeles resident, just like Spencer,” Yamashita remarked.

Throughout the afternoon, Pratt was accompanied by reporters and TV cameras, as others took advantage of the opportunity to share images on their social media platforms.