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Mayor Dan O'Brien Newsletter — December 15, 2025
📬 Councilmember Dan O'Brien — Culver City — December 16, 2025
Happy Hanukkah and Holidays to all,
Sunday night at the Culver Steps, Rabbi Levi Begun reminded us that light is more powerful than darkness. I stood alongside Mayor Freddy Puza, Vice Mayor Bubba Fish, Councilmember Albert Vera, school board members Lindsay Carlson and Andrew Lachman and Police Chief Jason Sims as the community gathered for our annual Menorah Lighting—families bundled up, kids were running around, and neighbors caught up before heading home for the week. These moments are why I do this work.
My year as mayor wrapped up on December 9, and I'm grateful for what we accomplished together. But stepping down from the gavel doesn't mean stepping back. I'm still your councilmember, still showing up, and there's plenty ahead.
🏛️ Economic Development & Community Growth
🔹 Hank's Organic Grocery is coming to the Arts District. Matthews Real Estate just announced that Hank's Organic has signed a lease at Access Culver City, bringing fresh, organic groceries and prepared foods to our growing Arts District. This is exactly the kind of neighborhood-serving business we need as this area continues to develop—places where residents can grab dinner ingredients after work or meet a friend for lunch. The Arts District is becoming what we hoped it would be: a place people live, work, and gather.
→ 💡 Why this matters: Thoughtful development means nothing if we don't attract businesses that serve the people who actually live here. Hank's gets that.
🔹 Three Ribbon-Cuttings and More to Come! Last week, I was able to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony of three Culver City businesses– First, celebrating the Grand Opening of Leilo Coffee on the corner of Keystone and Culver. It is already a bustling cafe with neighbors from Carlson and Veterans Parks walking in for their caffeine fix and baked goods. Then, we had an energetic 5-year anniversary celebration at Do It Now! Fitness in Culver West neighborhood on Washington Blvd. They have a beautiful gym, with high-end equipment and both a wet sauna and infrared sauna available. And I have to say, their staff is incredibly friendly. Finally, we celebrated the Grand Re-opening of Shakey’s Pizza and their brand new outdoor patio space. With an adjacent sports watching-friendly bar, it’ll be another great place to catch a game with friends.
🙏 Community & Connection
🔹 Light overcame darkness at our Menorah Lighting. On Sunday evening, hundreds gathered at the Culver Steps for Culver City Chabad's annual celebration. Mayor Puza spoke alongside School Board Member Andrew Lachman and Police Chief Jason Sims about the recent attacks on Jewish communities in Sydney and Redlands, and the importance of standing together when hatred tries to divide us. The ceremony honored both the perseverance of Hanukkah's message and our school district's commitment to protecting students who observe religious holidays. Rabbi Levi Begun's words stayed with me: Light is always more powerful than darkness.
→ 🎯 My stance: No community should live in fear. We show up for each other, especially when it matters most.
🔹 Thank you to the Culver City Federation of Teachers. Last week, CCFT publicly recognized my year of leadership as mayor and my ongoing support for CCUSD and labor. Their words meant a lot, and I'm proud to have worked alongside educators, support staff, and union members who fight for our kids every day. That partnership doesn't end with the gavel—it continues in everything we do to support strong public schools.
🔹 Fun at the Senior Center Holiday Party. On Friday, all five council members joined our vibrant senior center community for their annual holiday celebration. With lunch from Panera, a fantastic blues band playing some gritty classics, and engaging conversation with the folks sitting at the table with me, it was a wonderful way to connect with our vital senior community.
🏥 Personal Update
🔹 Phase II of my knee surgery is done. Last Sunday, I completed the second half of my double-meniscus repair at SoCal Hospital of Culver City. I've got another 4+ weeks on crutches and physical therapy ahead, but I'm aiming to be back hiking and climbing by spring. I'm grateful to the incredible team at SoCal Hospital, especially Chief Nursing Officer Marie Aragon, for their care. Our holiday card this year will definitely be one for the ages—crutches and all.
→ 💡 What this means: I'm still working, still attending meetings (virtually when needed), and still available to you. Just moving a little slower for now. Getting stronger every day. Thank you for all your kind words!
📅 This Week & Looking Ahead
🔹 Every Tuesday, 2-7 PM — Downtown Farmers Market. Main Street. Grab produce, support local growers, and say hello to neighbors.
👉 Visit the Farmers Market page
🔹 Tuesday Dec 16, 7 PM — Cultural Affairs Commission Meeting. The commission meets tomorrow night to discuss arts programming, public art projects, and cultural equity initiatives. These meetings shape how we support artists and cultural organizations in our city.
🔹 Saturday Dec 20, 1PM to 2PM — Diaz Dance Delight. Culver City's Diaz Studio of Dance leads a follow-along dance fitness class at the Senior Center, designed for ages 50+ and any skill level. Free, energizing, and a great way to boost your mind and body before the holidays.
👉Learn more about Diaz Dance Delight
👉Learn about Senior Center programs
🔹 How to watch and participate in meetings. Agendas post Wednesdays before Monday meetings. You can attend in person or virtually.
🌟 Looking Ahead
I'm not going anywhere—just moving a couple seats down on the dais and taking my recovery one day at a time. This city has given me so much, and I'm committed to showing up however I can. If something needs attention, you have an idea worth exploring, or you just want to share what's working in your neighborhood, hit reply. That's how we keep moving forward together.
See you at the Farmers Market and please continue enjoying the most wonderful time of the year!
