First of a series

On a flawless, sunny mid-autumn Sunday afternoon, the well-liked Albert Vera’s new political world attained its desired symphonic quintessence.

On the first official day of his campaign for the City Council  that will be decided five months in the future, the scene was a massive, jubilant generational community reunion of those who admired his legendary father, Albert Sr., who died in 2010, and those who now feel as strongly about Albert Jr., now just plain Albert.

“I don’t know if Albert will be different from his father,” said community activist David Voncannon. “But he certainly will bring his own considerable sensibilities and his own sense of right and wrong to the Council.”

City Councilman Goran Eriksson said he is supporting the owner of the almost as legendary Sorrento Italian Market for several reasons. “Albert is very independent, well-grounded, and he will consider the law,” said the first-term incumbent. “He does not have a narrow, specific, one-subject agenda.”

Looked like a Culver City class reunion as much as a community reuniting. To stretch a point to bursting, it was almost as if you had to be instantly recognizable to gain entry.

Sunday’s overflow turnout in Culver Crest did not expand the candidate’s bashful personality.

He is plenty eloquent, but it is not likely he ever will need to be shushed. He spends words as if they were hundred-dollar bills.

Comparisons with the master of the previous generation are — and will be — inevitable. They must wait, however.

It is going to be a long campaign for the two open City Council seats – autumn, winter, spring. The present field of four is expected to double before the deadline.

(To be continued)