Hopeful mayor Spencer Pratt woos the voters of Sigodini in a rival district

Lake Balboa resident Jose Meraz wants a mayor who will turn LA around, clean up the streets he says are “full of trash.”

School teacher Tracey Schroeder, a Republican candidate for the state Assembly, is unhappy about crime, drug use in the open and the slow rebuilding effort after the Palisades fire, which destroyed thousands of homes.

Greg Whitley, a resident of Reseda, said he is frustrated by homelessness and the influx of what he calls “criminal illegal immigrants.”

“I live with the Spanish community. Great people,” he said. “But these illegals who come here for criminal reasons, they make them look bad, and they don’t like them.”

All three appeared outside a five-bedroom home in Sherman Oaks on Saturday, seeking to speak with reality TV personality Spencer Pratt, who is now running an insurgent campaign for Los Angeles Mayor in the June 2 election.

Standing in the driveway of his home’s two-car garage, the former “The Hills” star spent more than two hours shaking hands, hugging and taking pictures with his well-wishers, who waited in line under the punishing sunshine of the San Fernando Valley.

Pratt used social media to invite the public to a campaign event, which was in a district represented by one of his mayoral opponents, City Council Member Nithya Raman.

He did not speak outside the building, which is listed for rent on Zillow for $15,950 a month. He and a member of his bodyguard say he does not take interviews.

Pratt has been running in polls behind Mayor Karen Bass, who is running for re-election, sometimes alternating with Raman in second and third place. He had a strong debate this month and was outpacing his rivals in fundraising, according to recent disclosure reports.

While running for office, Pratt blamed Bass for the 2025 wildfire that destroyed much of Pacific Palisades, including his home. He has criticized the city’s handling of homelessness, saying it will pursue a “treatment first” approach to drug addicts living on the streets.

Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt, back on camera, addresses supporters Saturday during a community meet-and-greet event.

(Etienne Laurent / For The Times)

Pratt said recently that he wants to increase the Los Angeles Police Department’s workforce to 12,500 officers over the next decade, from about 8,600. Speaking to one supporter on Saturday, he said the city needs to “make sure all the rules are followed.”

“Most active cities use their own ordinances,” he said.

That message resonated with many people in line.

“He’s fighting for the safety and security of our families – specifically, for mothers to be able to go to school with their children,” said Saba Lahar, a resident of Sherman Oaks, after speaking with the candidate.

Pratt’s supporters left ballots, picked up lawn signs and stopped to pick up coffee drinks from the Hustle N Dough donut truck parked out front.

Some showed up even though they couldn’t vote in LA

Ruben Jr., whose last name has not been released, takes a picture of his father during the Spencer Pratt community meet and greet Saturday in Sherman Oaks.

(Etienne Laurent / For The Times)

Brian Rodda, who runs a food tour company, described himself as a “disaffected Angeleno” even though he lives in West Hollywood, which is not part of downtown LA.

“Unfortunately, because I live in West Hollywood, I can’t vote for him,” he said. “But I think we need a change.”