It was a seemingly normal day of virtual learning in American Government class at the Upper Campus.
All of the Google Meet squares of students popped up on the screen at the start of the class as they do each morning. But on this morning, in the middle of them all, appeared a special guest speaker.
OVS alum Cooper Hefner joined the class on Wednesday to give students more insight into the American government system and to talk about his own run for public office.
Over the years, since graduating from OVS, he said he has developed a deep interest in politics and public service. That interest culminated earlier this year when he decided to run for the state Senate seat in California’s 30th district.
’’I wanted to run because I knew that this seat was going to be open, so a part of it was opportunity,” said Mr. Hefner, a member of the OVS graduating Class of 2009. “The other [part] was that I, for a number of years, have been incredibly passionate about government and public policy.’’
During his time at OVS, Mr. Hefner had already developed an interest in representing people’s voices.
He reminded students on Wednesday that his first role in government came at OVS when he was elected student body vice president his senior year, showcasing even then his interest in public speaking and making a difference in people’s lives.
He also explained his decision to run for public office in California’s 30th Senate District, home to about 900,000 people in Los Angeles County.
The senate seat is not technically open, Mr. Hefner explained. However, he said it is currently held by a good friend of his, Holly Mitchell, who is running for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. If she wins, that would cause her to vacate her seat and result in a special election, allowing Mr. Hefner to get his name on the ballot.
But even if Ms. Mitchell loses her bid for supervisor, she has indicated she will serve out her term and then not run again for that seat in 2022, opening the way for Mr. Hefner to run at that time.
“We need new voices who are interested in finding the things that connect us,” Mr. Hefner explained about his decision to run for office. “I have been watching the events that have been unfolding in government across our country and across the world…and I thought, what can I do to lead us in a direction that would allow the train to get back on the tracks.”
Mr. Hefner carries a broad and deep background in business, philanthropy and military service.
He was the chief of global partnerships and chief creative officer for one of the most recognizable lifestyle brands in the world, Playboy Enterprises. He founded and successfully sold an internet based content platform, teaches at his alma mater Chapman University, and serves on various boards and nonprofit foundations. He also served as a specialist in the California State Military Reserve and is a reservist for the United States Air Force Reserve.
He is married to British actress Scarlett Byrne, and the couple in August welcomed their first child, daughter Betsy.
History teacher and Dean of Studies Laurel Colborn taught Mr. Hefner when he was a student at OVS, and she said it was exciting to see one of her former students actively participate in government. She said she invited Mr. Hefner to speak to her Government class to give the students the opportunity to learn firsthand what goes into the political process.
“I am proud of him, and seeing him explore a seat in the state legislature is extremely exciting for me,’’ Mrs. Colborn said. “One of the things I admire most about Cooper is his ability to connect with and converse with people of all ages and backgrounds in a genuine and authentic way’’
After Mr. Hefner finished explaining how and why he chose to run for office, he spent about 40 minutes fielding questions from the students, all seniors, including some who will vote for the first time next month.
Senior Kanna Terunuma asked if there was any significant strength needed for those who run for office.
“The most important one, aside from having the experience, is caring about people and being interested in people,’’ he responded, reflecting his care for people’s voices.
Mr. Hefner added that his main political interests include addressing homelessness, climate change, and the financial strains on families and individuals who have been impacted by the COVID pandemic.
Mr. Hefner also has a deep interest in making a difference in America’s politics. He said he believes that there are many deep-rooted issues that need to be addressed.
“’Most people nowadays are trying to divide the country,” he said. “I don’t think that is good for the nation, for morale, or for the economy. What we ended up with is a world where people who have money, have a lot more influence rather than really what the public’s needs are, and that absolutely needs to change.’’
He encouraged the students to actively participate in politics, reminding them that their voices make a big difference and that their generation needs to speak up and make changes.
“Engaging in our democratic institutions and voting and being passionate about it is ultimately taking an interest in your own future,’’ he said. ’’My hope is that people who are younger do exercise their right and find a great deal of pleasure in that pursuit.’’
The students in Mrs. Colborn’s class appreciated the opportunity to dive deeper into some of the government systems they are studying.
“I thought having Cooper Hefner was a really great experience for the whole class,’’ senior Sydnee Rousseau said. ’’I think we were all able to learn a lot from him and I appreciate that he took the time to answer our questions and talk with the class.’’