About Darrel Menthe
My wife, Sarah, and I moved to downtown Culver City 15 years ago, wanting to raise our family in a close-knit community with a small, responsive school system. Our two children, Vivian and James, are Culver-born, attended Linwood E. Howe Elementary, and are now entering Culver City Middle School and Culver City High School. We know our public schools connect our families to one another, in a way no other Culver City institution can.
I love Culver City. It has given so much to me and my family and I have worked hard to give back to the community. Over the years, I’ve served as Vice president and Treasurer of the Culver City Centennial Committee and Vice Chair of the Culver City Finance Advisory Committee, and am currently President of the Culver City Downtown Business Association. In these positions, I’ve worked hard to make sure all members of our diverse community are represented and served with equity.
As much as we may wish the School District were a fully independent organization, no community or public service organization exists in a vacuum. In addition to representing our parents and students, the Culver City School Board must also be able to understand and work with other institutions and communities whose support is vital to getting the work done. My years of experience with various Culver City institutions have given me insight into how they function and the experience necessary to work with them to best serve all Culver City families.
A Commitment to Culver City
HONORING CULVER CITY HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
I was proud to help create a new tradition: Culver City Senior Day. On this day, the names of all graduating CCHS seniors are displayed proudly throughout our downtown and local business community provides gifts and food to our Centaurs.
WORKING FOR OUR FAMILIES
I took on the fight for the pandemic street closure in downtown that allowed restaurants to continue to operate during the pandemic with outdoor dining – maintaining jobs and the community character that makes living here so special.
HALLOWEEN IN CULVER CITY
In my first year as President of the Downtown Business Association, I created the Hip & Historic Halloween event for children of all ages in Downtown Culver City. I believe our families and children should always be at the center of our community celebrations.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
I have spent years working on the things that make Culver City a special place to raise our children.
Annual Tree Lighting
I have the honor each year of serving as Host and Organizer of Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, a family and environmentally friendly event featuring CCUSD’s Music Program with performances from elementary school students, Culver City Middle School, and Culver City High School (AVPA).
100th Anniversary Celebration
As Vice President and Treasurer of the Culver City Centennial Celebration, I helped the City celebrate its 100th anniversary, including inviting every elementary school student to participate in the parade marking the event.
President, Culver City Downtown Business Association
Currently in my sixth year as President of the Culver City Downtown Business Association, I have been charged with leading the development of downtown Culver City as the beating heart of our community, the Heart of Screenland.
Vice Chair, Culver City Finance Advisory Committee
Appointed by the current City Council, this group of Culver City residents, businesspeople, labor and school representatives advises the City Council on financial matters to make sure all those who live and work in Culver City are served fairly and equally.
More Details
Darrel was born in Connecticut and spent early teenage years in Arizona. He moved to Southern California during High School. He received his B.A. in Comparative Literature and Political Science from U.C. San Diego, his M.A. in Political Science from UCLA, and his J.D. from Stanford Law School. He has been an attorney for 25 years and maintains a practice in downtown Culver City with a focus on employment and contract law.
