South Los Angeles Area Planning Commission

• Read more about Ariel Torres-Socarras

Commissioner Torres-Socarras brings nearly 30 years of experience in urban planning, community development, and public administration. Commissioner Torres-Socarras currently serves as the Planning and Development Deputy for L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger (District 5). Most recently, he served as Building and Safety Division Manager for the City of Santa Monica, where he led the city’s permitting, plan review, and inspection operations; and collaborated closely with residents, businesses, and stakeholders to improve customer service and processes.

• Read more about Julio Esperias, Jr

Julio C. Esperias, Jr. is a strategic communicator and storyteller with more than 15 years of experience advancing social justice across California. As Communications Director at Western Justice Center,  he shapes the organization’s voice, leads media strategy and develops narratives that uplift restorative justice, peer mediation and community-driven conflict resolution as tools for social change.

• Read more about Stacey Pruitt

Commissioner Pruitt is an attorney for a Special District in Southern California that addresses environmental issues. She is a career prosecutor, and is certified in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Ms. Pruitt attended the University of Southern California and the University of West Los Angeles for undergrad and obtained her doctorate in Law from Loyola Law School.

• Read more about Eric D. Bates

Commissioner Bates is a Special Assistant Inspector General with the California Office of the Inspector General. Previously, he served as a Deputy Attorney General with the Office of the Attorney General in the California Department of Justice. Mr. Bates holds a doctorate in Law from Whittier College.