Meet Your Candidate
About Lester Friedman
A lifetime of service. A commitment to our community's future.
A Leader Shaped by Experience
Lester Friedman has dedicated his life to public service and community leadership. An attorney, mediator, and judge pro tem by profession, he has worked tirelessly for decades to make our neighborhoods safer, our local economy stronger, and our government more responsive to the needs of residents.
Born and raised in our community, Lester understands firsthand the challenges facing local families. His career has spanned both the private and public sectors, giving him a unique perspective on how to create partnerships that benefit everyone. From supporting small businesses to advocating for improved public safety, Lester has consistently put the interests of residents first.
Throughout his career, Lester has been recognized for his ability to bring people together across political divides. He believes that the best solutions come from listening to all stakeholders and finding common ground. This collaborative approach has made him an effective advocate for our community's needs at every level of government.
Lester's leadership has been tested in times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked to ensure that local businesses received the support they needed to survive. When wildfires threatened our region, he advocated for improved emergency preparedness and response capabilities. And in the face of rising antisemitism and hate, he has been a vocal defender of tolerance and mutual respect.
Education has always been a priority for Lester. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1973 and earned his Juris Doctor from Southwestern School of Law in 1976. He has continued to expand his knowledge throughout his career, serves on several nonprofit boards, and has mentored countless young people interested in public service.
Now, Lester is ready to bring his experience, energy, and vision to the City Council. He is committed to addressing the issues that matter most to our community: public safety, responsible development, economic opportunity, and quality of life for all residents.
Family & Community
Lester's commitment to public service is a family tradition. His wife, Simone, has been his partner in both life and civic engagement for many years. Together, they have built a life centered on community involvement and making a positive difference.
Simone has been deeply involved in local civic organizations, volunteering her time and expertise to causes ranging from education to environmental conservation. Her dedication to community service mirrors Lester's own, and together they have inspired others to get involved in making our community a better place.
Lester and Simone are proud parents to four children and grandparents to six grandchildren. Watching the next generation grow up in our community reinforces Lester's commitment to building a future that is safe, prosperous, and full of opportunity.
"Everything I do in public service, I do thinking about the world my grandchildren will inherit," Lester says. "I want them to grow up in a community where they feel safe, where they have opportunities to succeed, and where they can be proud of their neighbors and local leaders."
Rooted in Family Values
The Friedman family's commitment to community service spans generations. Lester and Simone have instilled the values of civic responsibility, compassion, and integrity in their family.
40+
Years in Beverly Hills
4
Children
6
Grandchildren
Join the Movement
Ready to make a difference? Whether you want to volunteer your time or simply connect with our campaign, we'd love to hear from you.