After more than 30 years as an activist and community leader, her message remains clear: “We can’t keep facing the same problems year after year. Communities are asking for the basics—clean streets, safety, collaboration.
A few days ago, Lou Calanche was doing some repairs at her home when neighbors approached her with a simple question: how much would it cost to fix a small crack in the sidewalk shared between her property and her neighbor’s?
“Let’s do it,” she replied.
“In the end, we paid $300, and it was fixed in just over an hour,” says Lou Calanche, a candidate for District 1 City Council in the June 2 primary election.
Complaints about sidewalks are among the most common concerns she hears from residents across District 1. As the executive director of Expand LA, Calanche says these everyday issues represent an opportunity to transform neighborhoods—if addressed creatively.
“It reminds me of programs where residents make improvements in their communities and are later reimbursed by the city,” she explains. “Those are the kinds of ideas I want to bring forward. I don’t want to focus only on problems, but on solutions. These ideas come directly from the community—I know we can do this work together.”
Despite a slight sore throat, Calanche sounds energized, driven by the momentum of the campaign as she heads into the final stretch before the primaries.
“There are issues I could address as a council member and others I couldn’t; I would have to be creative to help fix some problems—but those decisions must be made together with the community,” she says. “These past months have been intense but incredibly rewarding. Listening—really listening—is the key to connecting with people. I want to give them hope that this time, things can change.”
Lou Calanche with Father Gregory Boyle.
Calanche describes herself simply: “I’m a problem solver. Tell me what needs fixing, and together we’ll find a way.”
Her campaign’s final phase will reflect that philosophy. “I’ll be presenting real plans and real solutions—not promises. One video, one solution. One video, one solution. The city has tools—we just need to use them. People need to feel included in this effort. This is their fight too.”
She emphasizes that what sets her apart is passion—not political ambition.
“I’m not a typical politician looking for the next position,” she says. “This is about service.”
Her commitment to community work began early.
“When I was in elementary school, teachers took us to visit other neighborhoods. I remember asking myself: why can’t we have homes like these? Why can’t our streets be this clean? Those questions stayed with me—they’re what pushed me to fight for our communities.”
After more than 30 years as an activist and community leader, her message remains clear:
“We can’t keep facing the same problems year after year. Communities are asking for the basics—clean streets, safety, collaboration. That’s what this job should be about. Right now, we’re lacking leadership that stays connected to the community.”
During her campaign, Calanche says she’s also realized that many issues extend far beyond specific neighborhoods like MacArthur Park.
“Trash is everywhere. I’ve walked the district and seen the frustration firsthand. Streets get cleaned, and within days, they’re the same again. Sometimes services are inconsistent, and garbage piles up—we need to fix that.”
She also points to homelessness and public safety as urgent, citywide challenges.
“These issues require a coordinated effort between the City Council and the mayor. Los Angeles will host the Olympics—how can we present ourselves to the world like this?”
Calanche has expanded her presence across the district, meeting residents face-to-face.
“Knocking on doors—that’s the formula. People need to see that you’ll be there for them, not just during elections. We’ll be organizing weekly community meetings across neighborhoods. We’ll be proactive—Lou will be visible.”
For her, thinking outside the box is essential.
“Ask yourself: how can we make it happen? The community has to come first.”
She believes even small details can make a difference.
“I have lights on a tree outside my home—it brings joy. Imagine doing that across neighborhoods. It doesn’t cost much, but it changes people’s mood. It’s a way of saying: I’m here for you, and you’re part of this transformation.”
Calanche is realistic about the limits of public office, but determined to push meaningful programs forward.
“The economy is a challenge, immigration is impacting families, small businesses are struggling. I want to create programs that support them. Food insecurity will be a priority—not just food giveaways, but sustainable programs that provide quality food through partnerships with local markets.”
As the campaign enters its final two months, she is preparing to go all in.
“Starting in April, I’ll reduce my work hours to focus on the campaign. We’ll increase our presence on social media, expand outreach, and stay in the community.”
She often reflects on a moment from her youth, when she told former councilmember Richard Alatorre:
“One day, I’m going to have your job.”
“That determination is still with me,” she says. “I imagine him telling me, ‘You can do it.’ And I know he—and my mother—would be proud.”
Dreaming Big for District 1: Lou Calanche Turns Vision Into Action
