L.A.'s Mayoral Candidates Square Off

In less than six weeks, L.A. voters go to the polls to choose their next mayor. Whoever ends up succeeding Antonio Villaraigosa will face epic problems: a ballooning budget deficit, exploding pension costs, unemployment above the national average, and a critical lack of affordable places to live. The race has stayed under the radar for a while, but the candidates have been out there raising money and facing off in more than a dozen debates.

On January 24, our very own Val Zavala hosted a mayoral forum at Forest Lawn's Hall of Liberty in the Hollywood Hills. This event was sponsored by the League of Women Voters and Communities United for Smart Growth. The mayoral candidates in attendance were council members Eric Garcetti and Jan Perry, City Controller Wendy Greuel, attorney and broadcaster Kevin James, and former technology company executive Emanuel Pleitez. We've brought you the full forum, right here.