Darrel Menthe
President
2024 Endorsements Vice President, Darrel Menthe was elected as 2025 President on December 11, 2024. Darrel is an accomplished lifelong Democrat and lawyer, currently serving as the Executive Director of a Culver City non-profit. He earned a degree in Comparative Literature in Russian, German, and Latin from UCSD, where he led the College Democrats chapter for three years. Darrel later received his M.A. in Political Science from UCLA and his law degree from Stanford Law School. Over the past 25 years, he worked as a litigator in private practice, representing individuals and small businesses. Darrel and his wife, Sarah, moved to Culver City in 2007. He has served as the Vice President and Treasurer of the Culver City Centennial Celebration Committee, Vice Chair of the Culver City Finance Advisory Committee, and is now a Planning Commissioner for Culver City. Darrel lives in downtown Culver City with his wife, also a lawyer, and their two teenagers. He is an avid Dodgers fan and makes literal (not metaphorical) sausage in his spare time.
Richard Martin
Endorsement Vice President
Elected January 21, 2025 as Endorsement Vice President. Richard is a lifelong resident of Culver City. He is an alumnus of Farragut Elementary, Culver City Middle School, and Culver City High School. He stayed local for his postsecondary education by attending West Los Angeles College and graduating from University of Southern California with a degree in Business Administration. For the past 8 years, Richard has worked in the music industry and currently works as a data analyst. Since college, Richard developed a strong interest in politics and has done field organizing in both national and local races, including several campaigns in Culver City. He is often seen at various city events to support his hometown. Richard likes to play video games, traveling, and collect vinyls in his spare time. He speaks four languages and has traveled to 12 countries.
Judy Scott
Treasurer
Re-Elected December 11, 2024 as 2025 Treasurer. Judy, originally from Northern New Jersey, graduated from California State University in Northridge with a degree in Philosophy. She has lived in Culver City for 46 years with her partner Monika, and their daughter Torie. Judy worked in the film production and distribution business for many years as an acquisitions executive, attending national and international film festivals. She retired from the film business in 2014. Judy is an author, having published a memoir titled “Leonard, Marianne and Me” about her time on the Greek island of Hydra in the 70s and 80s. Judy enjoys cooking, traveling, and is a “news junkie.” She has volunteered for public services in Culver City for over 30 years, serving on several committees, including the Culver City Ad Hoc Committee on the Homeless, the Culver City Centennial Celebration Committee, and the Culver City Landlord/Tenant Mediation Board. Judy also serves as the treasurer of the Culver City Democrats United democratic club and is very active in local politics.
Rafia Cooper
Membership Vice President
2024 Community Outreach Vice President, Rafia Cooper was elected as 2025 Membership Vice President on January 21, 2025. Rafia Cooper grew up on the Westside and Culver City. She graduated from Culver City High School and met her husband Jeff towards the end of high school. They bought a home in Culver City shortly after they were married and raised their 2 daughters here. Rafia is a jewelry designer. She designs and manufactures her jewelry in Culver City and sells to small and large retailers throughout the world. Over the years Rafia has volunteered on many committees and organizations in Culver City. She helps with many of the events the Culver City Exchange Club puts on. She was also on the Culver City Centennial Committee. She is the founder of Culver City Biz a platform which helps connect businesses. Since its launch in 2021 now has more than 1100 members. Rafia is active in the local politics and continues to gather and connect the Culver City community. Rafia is passionate about Culver City and all its history and charm and wants to see it continue to thrive.
Amy Hee Kim
Secretary
Elected June 17. 2025
Ross Piro
Community Outreach Vice President
Elected January 21, 2025 as 2025 Community Outreach Vice President. Originally from Connecticut, Ross has lived in Culver City since 2011. He attended Brown University where he earned a BA in Political Science. Having had careers in a number of fields over the years, including finance, music and advertising, Ross currently works as an actor, film producer, and real estate investor. He enjoys traveling, reading, watching English and American football, eating delicious food, and spending time with his amazing family and dog Henry. His wife Katherine runs a successful local business, and his daughters Carmen and Francesca attend Culver City High School. Ross previously served as Co-President of the Farragut Elementary Fan Club and is currently the President of the Lindberg Park Neighborhood Association. He is passionate about politics, policy, and quality of life in Culver City and honored to serve on the Executive Board of CCDU.
