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WESTSIDE - Mark Ryavec, longtime neighborhood community advocate and President of the Venice Stakeholder's Association (VSA), has endorsed fellow Venetian Mike Newhouse to succeed the termed out incumbent, Senator Ben Allen of Santa Monica (D-24).
The Venice Stakeholders Association is dedicated to civic improvement.
The VSA supports slow growth, protection of the limits of the Venice Local Coastal Specific Plan, neighborhood safety, better traffic circulation, increased parking for residents, neighborhood beautification projects, historic preservation and protection of coastal waters.
Ryavec, a former legislative analyst with deep roots in LA city and county governance was specific in his support of Newhouse.
"While I have had my disagreements with Mike over the years, I am supporting him for three reasons:
- Mike knows Venice like the back of his hand and will bring our issues to Sacramento, such as the need for State support and resources to clean-up Venice Beach.
- Mike has made a public pledge to introduce and support legislation to remove the city of Los Angeles' veto power over "VEXIT," de-annexation to form our own city. This legislation may help stop City Hall from treating Venice as just a cash cow and force the city to provide the resources to make Venice Beach safe.
- Mike opposes the plethora of state efforts to erode local control of our zoning and to force huge high-rises into quiet bedroom communities."
Newhouse is in a crowded field of candidates seeking this open senate seat:
· Eric Alegria (Democrat), Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Board member.
· Ellen Evans (Democrat), president of the Doheny Sunset Plaza neighborhood council
· John Erickson (Democrat), West Hollywood city council member (2020–present)
· Brian Goldsmith (Democrat), political consultant.
· Brittany McKinley (Democrat), member of the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission.
· Newhouse (Democrat), former member of the Los Angeles Planning Commission and past president of the Venice Neighborhood Council.
· Sion Roy (Democrat), Santa Monica College trustee and former president of the Los Angeles County Medical Association.
· Nico Ruderman (Democrat), Venice Neighborhood Council Community Officer.
The 24th LD is a coastal senate district that encompasses the following communities:
Agoura Hills, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, El Segundo, Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Hidden Hills, Lomita, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Santa Monica, Torrance, West Hollywood, and Westlake Village; the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Bel Air, Beverly Grove, Brentwood, Fairfax, Holmby Hills, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Little Holmby, Mid City West, Pacific Palisades, Playa del Rey, Sunset Hills, Venice, Westwood, and Westwood Village; and the unincorporated Los Angeles County communities of the Santa Monica Mountains and Marina Del Rey.
The Primary is scheduled for June 2nd, 2026.
Ryavec, described Newhouse as a common sense, moderate Democrat who is not part of any political extreme like the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and has been a leading fundraiser in a campaign expected to be one of the most expensive senate races in all of California.
A husband, homeowner and father of two teenage sons, Newhouse is a practicing attorney with his wife Ruthie.
Mike's broad-based practice includes counseling and representing large businesses, small businesses and individuals. Clients include members of the real estate industry, hospitality and food service industries, the apparel industry, technology companies, insurers, licensors, financial institutions, accredited investors, multi-media and postproduction companies, interior designers, musicians and entertainers, as well as jewelry industry clients.
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-two-year resident of the neighborhood and covers the issues and people that impact the Venice community. Have a take or a tip on all things Venice? Contact him via e-mail at [email protected])
