Candidate for
Council Member, Council; City of Long Beach; District 2

The City of Long Beach's Second District finally has one of its own running for City Council. M. L. "Sonny" Bozeman, who has lived in the District for over eighteen (18) years and once operated the highly successful Casbah Cafe, is taking up the challenge. "Local politics has to be more than responding to big money players from out of the big City." Sonny points out. "The Second District is more than the Port, I have lived in the District for a long time. I have a vision for Fourth Street. In some cases the visions and feelings reflect rejuvenation growth; in some cases they reflect stability and temperance. Second District Councilmembers have forgotten all the streets north of Fourth Street. I will work hard to improve all neighborhoods in my District, when I am elected."

"I like to talk about things that are happening in Long Beach," Sonny tells us. Of course anyone who watches public-access cable TV knows this. Bozeman is the producer and co-host of The Political Agenda Show." His role on Political Agenda keeps Bozeman abreast of all the political issues that are abuzz in the City. "I know the show is controversial, Bozeman laughs, 'but I like to stir things up. I hate it when public officials get away with murder."

Sonny is originally from Tennessee. His family has deep southern roots -- Doris Duke, the heir was a third cousin -- relationships like that seem to matter in the family-oriented South. (Sonny has a western connection, too, a forebear, John M. Bozeman. Who opened up the Bozeman Trail in Montana. Sonny was born in Nashville, raised primarily by his Grandparents Ada & Ed Bozeman, who while taking care of Sonny and his brother Peery also raised nine boys of their own. It was a strugle for the entire family, but the family was extremely close. He attended the University of Tennessee. For many years a segment of the Grand Ole Opry was sponsored by the Bozeman Motel and Restaurnat, owned by family members -- which gave him a nodding acquaintance with show business, and which sent him West.

After a stint in the military, he came to California in 1969 -- broke. In three years he was owner of Sonny's Flower & Gift Shoppe at the intersection of Fountain and Western Avenues in Hollywood. The business was fun, but he sold it anyway and joined the entertainment world. He became the personal accountant for Ms. Lainie Kazan, stage, screen, TV and recording star. Later he became road manager for the entertainer, Jim Bailey, who is a TV and Las Vegas hit.

In 1979, Sonny went back on his own. He used his business acumen and his Southern Charm to successfully operate Sonny's Baker Street, a North Hollywood nightclub. The club was successful, and, among other achievements, he introduced Ms. Jan Stratton (Emmy winner for Best Actress for Diary of a Mad Housewife) in her first night club appearance.

Starting in 1980, to the present Sonny moved to Long Beach, where he became intergrated into the economic, social and political life of the City. He was Campaign Manager for a Congressional Candidate. He has deep and continuing interest in philanthropy; he is involved in his Church and is Treasurer of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Carl Fisher Council No.10533 and presently sits on their Board of Directors.

To get to know Sonny, watch his every Wednesday at 5:00pm on Charter Cable, channel 57 or 65.