David Sommers
Press Secretary

(213) 974-4444

dsommers@lacbos.org

David Sommers is Supervisor Knabe's spokesperson to the media, primary speech writer and directs all communications functions for the Fourth District, which includes more than 2 million residents.

David brings experience in both print and broadcast newsrooms with him to the Fourth District. Prior to joining Supervisor Knabe’s staff in June 2005, Sommers worked as a news producer for the Belo Corporation’s NBC news affiliates in Portland, Oregon (KGW-TV) and Boise, Idaho (KTVB-TV). At both stations, he produced a variety of newscasts and supervised coverage of local and regional political issues, including serving as producer of “Viewpoint,” a weekly political discussion/interview show which was broadcast across the Northwest. He was also a member of the news team nominated for a 2004 Regional Emmy Award for Outstanding Daily Newscast for the ‘News at 10’ at KTVB-TV.

He is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, with a B.A. in Government and Journalism. While a student at CSU, Sacramento, David served as Editor in Chief of the State Hornet, the campus newspaper. During his tenure, David became one of the youngest journalists in the nation to ever be held in contempt of court after invoking his shield law rights as a working member of the media. David eventually won his six month legal battle thanks to the support of several of the state’s largest media organizations. He’s the recipient of the James Madison Award, which is the Society of Professional Journalist’s highest honor for the protection of the Freedom of Information Act.

Sommers is a Burbank resident, but grew up in the San Fernando Valley and graduated with honors from El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills. His parents are officers and ministers with the Salvation Army and are currently stationed in Glendale. David does a variety of volunteer work for the Salvation Army, including serving as a member of the Army’s Los Angeles Metropolitan Advisory Board.