Along with their invitations for a Jan. 31 fundraiser in the Hollywood Hills for Council President Eric Garcetti, potential contributors got a personal note from Obama fundraising chief Yolanda Parker. Just one of the benefits of being an early Obama supporter, I guess — unlike, say, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who only joined Team Obama after the Hillary Clinton locomotive lost its steam.

Last week I spent four days at the Inauguration Celebration of President Barack Obama. It was the most amazing four days of my life. I cannot even begin to express the hope, the enthusiasm, the feeling of unity that permeated the entire ceremony and city. As one of President Obama's California Co-Chairs, City Council President Eric Garcetti shares our President's vision and commitment to positive change. He has a long track record of responsiveness to constituents and active support of projects that have transformed the Hollywood community and our City. It is no secret that Eric is destined to greater statewide and national office.

We are having a small gathering of people to meet and speak with Eric. Please come to this small gathering and begin or continue to dialogue with this talented public servant on issues that are important to you. Thank you!

Cookie Parker

The reception's named hosts include Jarone and Lisa Jones Johnson, June M. Baldwin, Carol A. Davis, Kelly S. Goode, Anne and Charles Johnson, Beverly P. Ryder, Barbara M. Rubin, Jody Simon and Stasia Washington.

Add City Hall: Emmanuelle Soichet has left the mayor's press office to be a deputy for communications and policy to Board of Education president Monica Garcia, starting Feb. 2.