Mr. Hahn and Mr. Villaraigosa participated in their last debate before the election for Los Angeles mayor on May 17, 2005. They responded to questions from panelists and had equal time for both answers and rebuttals. They were also allowed to ask each other one question and give closing remarks.

The moderator was Paul Moyer, KNBC Anchor. The panelists were: Mariel Garza, Los Angeles Daily News columnist, Raymond Mesa, Telemundo Report and KWHY Weekend anchor, and Salvador Hernandez, Cal State Northridge Daily Sundial, editor-in-chief.

The debate was held at California State University, Northridge, before an invited audience.