CANDIDATES COURT ENDORSEMENTS.

Byline: Michael Coit Daily News Staff Writer

Three candidates for the City Council seat representing the northeast San Fernando Valley focused their efforts Saturday on the annual convention of area Democratic Party leaders in Van Nuys.

Vying for the endorsement of the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley were Corinne Sanchez, Alex Padilla and Barbara Perkins.

Although candidates are not listed by political parties on the council ballots, some stress their party affiliations during their campaigns.

The three other candidates for the 7th District did not appear at the Democratic gathering Saturday. They are government relations director Ollie McCaulley, youth services director Tony Lopez, and registered professional engineer Raul Godinez II.

Officials said the three who did seek the Democrat endorsement Saturday figure that individual support from any of the region's 100 most active Democrats should translate into more votes on election day.

``It really shows that they appreciate the grass roots,'' said Moreen Blum, chairwoman of the party's executive board.

The 7th District seat became vacant after the election of Councilman Richard Alarcon to the California Senate.

With the April 13 election nearing, the three candidates are seeking the support needed to help separate them from the field.

Sanchez made her pitch by recalling nearly three decades of work in the Northeast Valley, ranging from economic development and youth programs to her current efforts as a community health director.

``I'm very proud. What's next? What's next is the City Council,'' Sanchez said.

``I'm proven leadership. I'm not potential. I'm one of you. I'm a doer,'' she added.

Next up was Padilla, who recalled his years of work for the party including the campaigns of U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Assemblyman Tony Cardenas. Padilla, now a deputy for Cardenas, said he represents the politics of change reflected by Gov. Gray Davis' huge victory last fall.

``But don't support me just because of that. Support me because I am proud to call the 7th council district home,'' Padilla said.

``When I campaign, I don't just see future constituents. I see family. I see friends,'' he said.

Perkins, a community college executive, portrayed herself as the true community insider among the candidates.

``My record of community activism is unmatched by any other candidate,'' Perkins said.

``I come to you not with a long list of political endorsements. But I certainly come to you with passion and commitment . . . someone who is willing to roll up her sleeves and get the work done,'' she added.

Each of the candidates also worked the room before and after their presentations. They were among more than a dozen candidates for council, school board and other posts who spoke to the party faithful.

``It does equal votes,'' Sanchez said. ``They see us. They hear us. I want to make sure they're aware of my candidacy.''

Padilla said he was looking forward to the interview each of the candidates gets before the party's endorsement committee. Padilla said the Los Angeles County Democratic Party already had endorsed him.

``This is more personal because it's local Democratic activists,'' he said.

Perkins acknowledged she was a long shot to gain the party's endorsement, but it was still important that she show up and stake her claim to the council seat.

``I go through every interview whenever I can to make sure they know who I am. But the most important endorsement will be from the people,'' she said.