Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez Faces Criticism Over Debate Absences and Response to Activists Ahea

  As the June election approaches, Los Angeles City Council District 1 has become the focus of mounting controversy surrounding incumbent Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez. Hernandez, who is seeking reelection, is facing multiple challengers—and intensifying criticism—after failing to appear at any of four scheduled candidate debates. Opponents argue that debates are a basic responsibility for candidates seeking public office and a key opportunity for voters to assess leadership, transparency, and policy priorities. At one recent debate, challenger  Lou Calanche  highlighted Hernandez’s repeated absences by bringing a life-size cardboard cutout of the councilmember to the stage, a move that drew attention to her continued no-shows and sparked widespread discussion. The issue gained further visibility after the  New York Post  published an article criticizing Hernandez’s absence from debates and questioning her engagement as a councilmember over the past three yea...