SAN DIEGO - A self-described Christian activist sent out fliers Wednesday announcing his candidacy for City Council.

James Hartline, founder of California Christian News, will be running for Council District 3, which is currently represented by Toni Atkins and includes North Park, Hillcrest and City Heights.

Atkins will have to give up her seat after next year's elections because of term limits.

Hartline described the district as being "controlled in recent years by a small group of special interest gays and lesbians."

Stephen Whitburn, American Red Cross spokesman in San Diego, filed papers with the City Clerk yesterday to run for the seat.

Hartline said his campaign staff will include notable conservatives including analyst Beverly Wyer, attorney Robert Sutton, financial investor Chuck Stout and former Assembly candidate Kim Tran.

"District 3 is home to dozens of large churches and thousands of Christian voters, but in the last 14 years, the concerns of those voters has been largely ignored by City Hall," he said.