Read L.A. Weekly feature story “Meet Emanuel Pleitez.”

That was quick.

Los Angeles mayoral candidates Kevin James and Jan Perry are still figuring out if they'll endorse primary winners Wendy Greuel or Eric Garcetti, but Emanuel Pleitez announced on Saturday that he's backing Garcetti.

“Eric Garcetti is the best choice to create jobs, strengthen underserved communities and fix Los Angeles' budget,” said Pleitez, an underdog candidate and former technology executive who placed fifth in the March 5 primary.

Pleitez added, “I strongly endorse Eric Garcetti for Mayor. My endorsement isn't about words. It's about action. I'll be campaigning hard for Eric every day between now and May 21.”

In front of campaign volunteers, Garcetti said about his former rival, “Emanuel Pleitez is a passionate campaigner and passionate advocate for the people of L.A. and I am proud to have earned his endorsement.”

The announcement was made in the Westlake neighborhood at the Doll Factory, where the L.A. Derby Dolls play roller derby in front of their raucous, beer-swilling fans — and where Garcetti once sang the National Anthem.

Garcetti has described the Derby Dolls as one of L.A.'s “treasures.”

The Derby Dolls weren't pounding away at their opponents during the time of the announcement, but Pleitez, who grew up on the gang-plagued streets of El Sereno, had been tough on Garcetti leading up to the primary.

Pleitez told L.A. Weekly that Garcetti “touts his Hollywood renaissance, which, quite frankly, has pushed thousands of families out of those areas. To me, it's not something to be proud of.”

Read the Weekly cover story “Hollywood's Urban Cleansing,” which examines a mass exodus of Latinos from Hollywood during Garcetti's time as City Councilman there.

Garcetti and Greuel are working hard behind the scenes to now grab the endorsements of Kevin James and Jan Perry.

Contact Patrick Range McDonald at pmcdonald@laweekly.com.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.