4 minute read
Sherri “Onica” Valle Cole Irma Kacharava
SHERRI “ONICA” VALLE COLE
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Q. Tell everyone who you are and what you do.
A. Sherri “Onica” Valle Cole is a mother, teacher and attorney specializing in domestic violence, tenant›s rights and homeless client›s re-entry into housing and the workforce. Onica is the first African-American candidate for the office of Los Angeles City Attorney in the history of the city. Once elected, she would be the first woman, first AfricanAmerican and first Latina to ever head the office. She spent nearly sixteen years in the office and was fired when she opposed the corruption within the office and spoke truth to power. Onica was appointed as Temporary Judge for the Los Angeles Superior Court and served as a judge throughout Los Angeles County.
While at the City Attorney’s Office, Onica developed expertise in prosecuting both criminally and civilly consumer and workforce protection cases. Since then, Sherri Onica has been tasked with working for several large insurance companies, litigation cases and conducting jury trials on behalf of her clients.
The day after the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict she left her position and opened a practice to help the vulnerable members of the Los Angeles community. Onica’s first client, was a domestic violence victim who could not stand up
for herself against her abuser and was unsheltered. A distressed homeowner has retained Onica to confront an abusive loan servicer that took advantage of her when her mother died.
Onica has also helped minorityowned businesses, domestic violence victims and others caught up with the child and protective services department. Currently, she works as a teacher to help keep the schools open during the day and as an attorney in her law practice.
Q. How would you define parenting in your own words?
A. I see parenting as the most challenging and joyful job, but my mother made it look easy. The sacrifices are great, but the reward is infinite. I developed multiple sclerosis after the delivery of my second child and had to parent a special needs child and recover at the same time.
Q. What made you want to pursue a career as a criminal prosecutor?
A. I love to fight and perform so being a prosecutor was the perfect blend for me. After I started with the office, I fell in love with helping community members get justice. I am a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault so I understand how important to have your day court can be to a crime victim.
Q. Let’s talk about the campaign that you are running for and what we can expect if you get elected?
A. I am running on the following values:
1. Police accountability - holding law enforcement accountable includes prosecuting them and also making a decision to not defend them in court if/when they do not follow policy. 2. Mental Health/
Unsheltered - We need to get the mentally ill out of the criminal justice system, off of our sidewalks and into supportive housing with supportive services. 3. Environmental Justice -
Sherri Onica is a long-time member of the Sierra Club and hike leader. We need to clean up Los Angeles and not continue degrading our community with pollutants. 4. Protect Consumers - Enforce housing regulations and section 8 applicants and landlords to improve the amount of low-cost housing available in Los Angeles. 5. Small Business - Los
Angeles has lost more than 50% of its businesses, we need to bring back the diversity of businesses within Los Angeles.
Q. Can you tell us what your favorite part is about being a mom?
A. I grew up very poor. In fact, there was a point in my life when we were homeless. I like showering my children with the things and opportunities I didn›t have.
Q. What are some of the things you do for the community as far as being an advocate on mental health and the homeless population?
A. I volunteer and work with the Los Angeles Mission to help the “unhoused” living on skid row. I provide legal services to allow people to locate well-paying jobs and permanent housing.
Q. Raising a child with Autism, what were some of the programs and support that helped you with parenting?
A. What helped me was the local school districts that had pre-school for children with Autism. Also, local communities had a parent and child program for autism families (Good to Grow) and a local non-profit provided play therapy and training for parents and families.
Q. What has been the biggest obstacle you had to overcome being a mother?
A. I was a superstar at work, but once I needed to take time off for my family or myself the workplace became hostile. No one understands that the best worker needs to step back to take care of family.
Q. Are you working on any projects for 2022?
A. Yes, I’m building my campaign and my law practice, Law Offices of Sherri Onica Valle Cole.
Q. Where can the readers follow you?
A. Campaign website www.Cole4Change.com
