The southwest San Fernando Valley is at a crossroads. With Councilmember Bob Blumenfield terming out after more than a decade in office, the seat representing Los Angeles City Council District 3 is completely up for grabs. If you live in Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Reseda, Canoga Park, Winnetka, or the Warner Center area, this contest dictates how your local government tackles everything from housing development to public safety.
Two distinct candidates survived the primary battle to face off: businessman Tim Gaspar and community affairs director Barri Worth Girvan. They bring very different backgrounds, endorsements, and approaches to the table. Let us break down what this race is actually about. Don't forget to check out our recent article on this related article.
The Candidates and Their Paths Here
Tim Gaspar is a local business owner who founded Gaspar Insurance Services. He finished first in the primary election with roughly 46 percent of the vote, leaning heavily into a message centered on business acumen, public safety enforcement, and skepticism toward current city spending on homelessness. Gaspar has locked down key support from outgoing councilmember Bob Blumenfield, former state senator Bob Hertzberg, and major public safety groups like the Los Angeles Police Protective League, as reported by LAist.
Barri Worth Girvan secured her spot in the runoff after finishing second with about 42.5 percent of the vote during the June primary according to Ballotpedia. Girvan comes to the race with a background in community leadership and county affairs. She has worked extensively within local Jewish organizations and community advocacy groups. Her platform emphasizes building consensus, addressing housing affordability, and taking a pragmatic approach to neighborhood services across the West Valley. If you want more about the background here, USA Today offers an in-depth breakdown.
Key Issues Shaping the West Valley
If you talk to voters in CD3, three major themes dominate every single conversation. You cannot win this district without addressing them directly.
First is public safety. Gaspar pitches himself as a pro-law enforcement candidate who wants to aggressively ramp up backing for the LAPD and local first responders. Girvan approaches safety through a broader community lens, emphasizing local resources and youth programs alongside standard municipal protection.
Second is homelessness and housing. The West Valley has seen visible increases in encampments along major commercial corridors like Ventura Boulevard and residential side streets alike. Gaspar wants strict enforcement of anti-camping ordinances and scrutinizes the high per-person costs tied to current municipal initiatives. Meanwhile, Girvan focuses on structural housing solutions and regional coordination to bring people indoors responsibly without relying solely on punitive measures.
Third is local economic vitality. Given that CD3 covers massive commercial hubs like the Warner Center, candidates must answer to business owners struggling with inflation, local regulations, and permitting delays. Groups like the Valley Industry and Commerce Association have weighed in heavily on this race, pushing for candidates who understand commercial friction points.
Navigating the General Election
Deciding who gets your vote means looking past the campaign mailers and social media noise. With roughly 5,500 primary votes from third-place finisher CR Celona now up for grabs, both campaigns are fighting hard for every undecided moderate in the district.
If you want to cast an informed ballot, check out the official voter guides and portals provided by the Los Angeles City Clerk to track your specific district boundaries, find mail-in ballot tracking tools, and review sample ballots before November 3, 2026. Do your research, weigh the candidates' records, and make your voice heard.
