Dagastino Blames Racism and Sexism for Campaign Defeat
Daily Breeze Photo
In an article appearing in Rafu Shipo, recent candidate for Torrance City Council Leilani Kimmel-Dagastino ripped critics and cited racism and sexism as the causes of her campaign defeat. Referring to the recent election she said, “I could not believe how nasty this campaign turned out to be … It just goes to show you that Torrance still does not want Asians on the City Council, let alone an Asian woman.”
Dagastino also sharply criticized the Daily Breeze. She claimed the newspaper published at least four articles containing inaccurate information about her and that the publication contributed to the alleged racism by including a racist photo of her in their stories.
Updated Daily Breeze Photo
Of that photo, she related that “several Japanese people who were imprisoned in camps during World War II said it reminded them of some of the caricatures that were done by the media to make fun of us. They said all that was needed in the photo was a set of buck teeth and a pair of round glasses to be a complete mockery.”
Dagastino said the Daily Breeze removed the photo after she complained, but that by then the damage was already done as people that saw the photo “would not cast their vote for someone who looked like the Wicked Witch of the East.”
Dagastino also attributed her defeat to a “vicious hate campaign” waged against her by a “hater” who called her a liar in a paid Facebook advertising campaign, Republican clubs that she used to belong to, and an unidentified blog that raised questions about her fundraising.
The Rafu articled also referenced Mayor Furey’s endorsement as a possible cause for Dagastino’s defeat due to the mayor’s recent troubles with the FPPC. Like Dagastino, Mayor Furey has repeatedly attacked the Daily Breeze for inaccurate reporting.
Dagastino’s divisive comments are reminiscent of those recently made by the mayor’s son. In a scathing letter he penned announcing his resignation from the Traffic Commission, Furey Jr. denounced “extreme elements” of the city, and people that make “vicious public attacks” and write “racist and homophobic blogs.” Two companies associated with Furey, Jr. were paid nearly $40,000 by the Dagastino campaign.
Dagastino indicated in the article that she will no longer be involved in Torrance politics. Her current term on the Commission on Aging ends next January.
Mrs Dagastino is in the denial cloud. She did it all to herself.
Typical Leftist victim mentality by Ms. Kimmel-Dagastino. Her defeat was only due to the fact that voters did not agree with her positions and her association with the Furey clan.
Believing she was entitled to the position on the City Council simply because she is a woman and Asian is pathetic.
Sexism can’t be it. A woman running with no other woman on the ballot hasn’t lost in decades. Racism? The top vote getter was black in a city with a higher Asian population than any other minority. Don’t think that sounds right based on the facts. Hmn I think I will let you all come to your own conclusions with those two facts in play.
Wow … My thoughts expressed separately are differently worded … But the observations are the same.
Over $100,000 couldn’t buy LieLani a seat on the Torrance City Council. She has proven to be the LIAR I have been calling her all along. I can take credit for helping expose the TRUTH, but the election she lost all on her own. I can also say this, that I didn’t choose to live in Torrance to make political friends. I moved here because I truly love this city and I will do anything to protect it against corruption and lying politicians. Mayor Furey may be “In-Furey-ated” with me and some of the “Hateful” crowd, but in the end, the truth will prevail and the good will rise to leadership roles. The Furey family has a chance to make things right by taking responsibility for there actions and stop blaming the public for their shortfalls. I still like Pat as a person, I just don’t think he likes me back. 🙂
WELL WHATAYAGONADU?
I’m glad to see your all about turning out corruption. Maybe you’d like to lend your voice to my cause. I’m Ken christiansen and have been speaking at city counsel meetings your going to want to watch the next ten or so cuz I’m just getting warmed up.
kcdb999@gmail.com
“Next ten or so”?! Must be really bad if it will take that many shout-outs.
Care to fill us in at all?
I summarized some of Ken’s concerns previously (see link below). Sadly, I believe the situation has further deteriorated since I wrote the article. http://torrancecitycouncil.com/?p=1273
I’m just as curious as Mike Moran is. I believed the mayor has a conflict of interest in matters concerning McCormick Ambulance and I’ve asked publicly for his resignation. I would like at least a clue such as subject matter.
Wow. Linda (and all), look at the thread linked above. If Ken’s assertions are true, and they sure appear to be through corroboration, this is absolutely ridiculous.
The anonymous post from May 3 is a real piece of work.
Wow oh wow Mike. I read the link … Is this another can of worms? If credible, and backed by evidence … This is probably the most intrusive type of behavior a business can impose on their residential neighbors
And oh, Aurelio … LOVED ur play on words
Aurelio, I have always known you as someone that has the courage to speak their mind and that certainly held true over the course of this past election. Thank you helping to bring the truth to the surface even at the risk of rocking the boat and making political enemies. Leilani’s comments confirmed everything you were saying. It has been very interesting to see Leilani’s viewpoint about the community change over the course of the last few years. I think it may be a reflection of who she has been hanging out with. I am very saddened to see race being interjected into the local political discourse and hope that some of the “good leaders” you refer to will continue to ensure that race is not a factor when it comes to decisions made at City Hall.
OMG I am so offended of Daily Breeze’s first choice of photo for Leilani……. I’m kidding, she looks offensive on both photos.
That’s hysterical. 🙂
Leilani lies, panders, has questionable associations, and maliciously attacked an upstanding member of the community with completely false misogyny accusations.
I don’t care which gender you are or if you have green skin, but with the four items mentioned above you will never get my vote.
Apparently many other voters feel the same way.
(I’ve voted for Herring and Ashcraft, so Leilani’s “reasons” are just stupid.)
Honesty is the best policy. Torrance is a small town and knowing who is dishonest gets around.
Let’s hope you are right. We will test that theory in a couple of years when we vote for the mayor’s seat.
Is this lady seriously claiming that a photograph taken of her, that was indeed a true depiction of how she appeared at the time that picture was taken, is racist? How so? This community has a large Asian population so …. Really? Ted Lieu had no trouble getting elected in this community. Most importantly, Milton Herring got the most votes of the three successful council candidates … And he is African American. I don’t know Leilani personally, but these sour grapes are moldy too.
We should all have Ken’s back here and around the city. Please check the link:
http://torrancecitycouncil.com/?p=1273
Keep me (us?) posted Ken.
Mike … I am very, very concerned about the quality of life on Ken’s street. That video clip is very strong proof of Penske’s interference with any resident’s quiet enjoyment Of their property. The honking .heard in that tape inside the home is quite disturbing.
Ken … If you would like unaffected residents to support you when you address city council, please post the date you plan to attend, and whether you intend to speak at the first oral session … Or at the second (at the end of the meeting.) That way people can attend in support of your efforts. You have Mike’s support … And mine too. You have sooo many problems … It may take an appointed person working for the city to handle all the complaints, to direct them to the appropriate department for resolution. However, the city isn’t likely to devote resources without more documentary proof.
Thanks Linda.
Ken, Linda and I will obviously support you either vocally or otherwise, and I believe others will as well, BUT:
You need to keep us posted, as Linda stated above. My hunch is that if you go it alone again, even 10 times, you’ll just be dismissed as you have been in the past. We have shown through recent actions that when enough of us get loud at council meetings and through the press and social media, we can effect change.
Clint, I have a request: Please move or copy the relevant comments to Ken’s (and his neighbors’) issue to a new thread.
Time to remove your signs that are now just littering the city.
To anonymous … What? What does a lawn sign have to do with anything on this website …. And why won’t u identify who u are when u make (an arguably innocuous) request? Clint Paulson has created this site for issues relating to the government if this city. I’ve lived in this city 17 years, and I’ve never seen lawn signs up for any extended period of time post election. The election was held 2 weeks ago. Perhaps residents haven’t done any lawn care in that time. Why don’t you ask your neighbor to take it down? What are you so afraid of? Don’t fret, anonymous … They even eventually come down.
I know u aren’t addressing your comments to me, anonymous. My yard sign for councilman Mike Griffiths was removed about two days after Mike was successful in keeping his place on city council.
To Mike. Well stated to men. Clint … I like Mike’s thoughts on a separate link for Ken’s issues. You’ve educated us by documenting the outrageous problems, but comments we post have no home but here … On Dagastino’s sour grapes rant following her loss in the recent election.
Hi Mike. Sorry about typo … That ur comment was well stated “to men”. :). It is … But it was well stated to all. Lol