Los Angeles City Council member John Lee has represented the 12th District for more than three years. The area includes Chatsworth, Northridge and Porter Ranch.  

Lee was first elected during a special election in 2019 and reelected to a full term in 2020. But his ties to the San Fernando Valley go back more than 40 years — Lee is a California native who was born in Van Nuys.

One of the top issues for the Council during Lee’s tenure has been low staffing levels at the Los Angeles Police Department. Mayor Karen Bass has made hiring more officers a priority for her administration.

Lee said the department is not hiring fast enough to replace retiring officers. 

"We need to be doing whatever we can, because right now they’re retiring and leaving the force faster than we can bring them on," he said. "So I fully support Mayor Bass’ efforts in speeding up the process."

Lee also chairs the council’s Public Works Committee. He views the role as crucial in providing basic services. Lee says a major concern has been addressing the theft of copper wire from electrical boxes that power street lights. 

“We have welded them shut," he said. "We have poured concrete over them. People have found a way to get through them. And then steal this wiring, which may net them, you know, a few 100 bucks, which costs us thousands and thousands of dollars. But more importantly, the safety of our residents have just been in totally dark areas now."

Lee raised his family in the same district he grew up in and represents on the council. His children sometimes attend public service events with him, but they also find time for other activities.

“I don’t think a lot of people know that my family, we’re a hockey family," he said. "Both my kids played ice hockey. My daughter was an incredible defenseman. She’s looking at schools in the East Coast, in the Midwest, where she can continue playing hockey. So that has been a huge part of our lives.”

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