Name: Jennifer deNicola
Malibu Resident for: 6-7 years, La Costa neighborhood
Registration for this year’s election was on Monday and deNicola announced she has already secured the endorsement of Congressman Ted Lieu. The endorsement was confirmed by his office.
DeNicola has made headlines in years past for her fight against PCBs in Malibu schools with her organization America Unites for Kids, but she said she is certain her dedication to one issue in the past will not define her candidacy.
“What I’m known for is standing up against all odds — I’m a fighter,” deNicola said.
DeNicola said she has a “laundry list” of issues she wants to work on if elected to council, including environmental issues and improving safety on PCH, but it all goes back to community engagement.
“I want to increase engagement of our community in government. I want to work on decreasing the animosity of feeling unheard,” deNicola said.
She suggested multiple ways of making the council more approachable outside of council meetings where “you can’t have a conversation,” including open office hours and newsletters so citizens are more informed on local issues.
DeNicola said she hopes her own activism will inspire others to get involved.
“I affect policy. I affect people. I bring them out to inspire them. That’s what I hope to do this election, to get out the people,” deNicola said.