Maria “Lou” Calanche brings the energy, determination, and real-world experience needed to move Los Angeles City Council District 1 forward. For years, CD1 has faced rising homelessness, public safety concerns, and too little measurable progress. Lou is focused on restoring safe, clean neighborhoods and delivering results residents can feel.

Her plan addresses the core issues directly: homelessness, gang violence, youth opportunity, and neighborhood safety. Lou is pro-public safety and supports a fully staffed LAPD so communities across CD1 receive the protection and response they deserve.

Raised in Northeast Los Angeles, Lou understands these challenges personally. Her own experiences with hardship exposed her to systemic barriers that limit opportunity for working families, and those experiences shaped her focus on practical, community-first leadership.

Lou earned her BA from Loyola Marymount University and her Master of Public Administration from USC. She now lives in Montecito Heights with her rescue poodles, Paz and Courage.

On June 2, 2026, voters can choose a leader grounded in integrity, compassion, and practical solutions for a stronger, safer CD1.