L.A. on the Record: With Ridley-Thomas out, what should happen to his district?
1 year, 9 months ago

L.A. on the Record: With Ridley-Thomas out, what should happen to his district?

LA Times  

Good morning, and welcome to L.A. on the Record — our City Hall newsletter. If Hutt’s arrangement lasts through November 2024, the 10th District will have been represented by someone they did not elect for more than three years, said Aura Vasquez, a former city commissioner now running for the Ridley-Thomas seat in next year’s election. “Why should taxpayers be put on the hook for another special election that would end in December at the earliest, just to have another election that’s already planned three months later in March?” she said. Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who represents the northeast San Fernando Valley, plans to vote against Hutt’s reappointment, saying the council should call for a special election instead. Rob Quan, lead organizer for the group Unrig LA, said a decision to appoint Hutt would give her a “significant leg up” as a candidate in next year’s election.

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History of this topic

Former L.A. City Councilman Ridley-Thomas’ ultimate campaign: To clear his name
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Former L.A. City Councilman Ridley-Thomas’ ultimate campaign: To clear his name

LA Times  

Mark Ridley-Thomas at an interfaith service in March 2023 before his criminal trial. Ridley-Thomas has also turned to backers for financial help, writing in an April email, “We’ve got to be ready to turn this injustice around.” He asked for donations of $250 “or whatever you feel comfortable contributing.” California Mark Ridley-Thomas asks to remain free while appealing corruption conviction …

Ridley-Thomas was facing prison in a month. Now he’ll remain free while appealing conviction
1 year, 3 months ago

Ridley-Thomas was facing prison in a month. Now he’ll remain free while appealing conviction

LA Times  

Former L.A. City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, who was convicted of bribery, conspiracy and fraud, will be allowed to remain free while pursuing his appeal. In a stipulation filed Thursday, prosecutors wrote that the agreement was done “to expedite the appellate process and obtain a final resolution of this case in a timely manner.” U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer, who …

Judge denies new trial for Mark Ridley-Thomas, upholds guilty verdict
1 year, 6 months ago

Judge denies new trial for Mark Ridley-Thomas, upholds guilty verdict

LA Times  

Mark Ridley-Thomas leaves court during his federal trial in Los Angeles in March. A federal judge in Los Angeles has upheld the conviction of longtime politician Mark Ridley-Thomas, declining Friday to acquit him of all public corruption charges or grant him a new trial. California Mark Ridley-Thomas found guilty in corruption case Veteran L.A. County politician Mark Ridley-Thomas is found …

In a city rocked by corruption, Ridley-Thomas’ conviction brings public tributes, not scorn
1 year, 9 months ago

In a city rocked by corruption, Ridley-Thomas’ conviction brings public tributes, not scorn

LA Times  

Former Los Angeles City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas attends an interfaith service last month at which clergy and community members offered him their spiritual support. But in the days since a jury found former City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas guilty of bribery, conspiracy and fraud charges, some of the city’s political leaders have given a markedly different type of response, offering tributes …

Ridley-Thomas’ felony convictions dictate his removal from L.A. City Council
1 year, 9 months ago

Ridley-Thomas’ felony convictions dictate his removal from L.A. City Council

LA Times  

The City Charter calls for the removal of suspended L.A. City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas after he was convicted of several felony counts. Veteran Los Angeles politician Mark Ridley-Thomas’ felony convictions bring new shock waves to a City Hall that had been settling into relative normalcy after months of upheaval. But after five days of deliberation, jurors found Ridley-Thomas guilty of …

Column: Why a guilty verdict for Mark Ridley-Thomas doesn’t feel like justice to Black L.A.
1 year, 9 months ago

Column: Why a guilty verdict for Mark Ridley-Thomas doesn’t feel like justice to Black L.A.

LA Times  

Prosecutors will say that justice was served. California Mark Ridley-Thomas found guilty in corruption case Veteran L.A. County politician Mark Ridley-Thomas is found guilty of federal corruption charges related to benefits his son received at USC. After five days of deliberations, a jury found Ridley-Thomas guilty in a sprawling federal case involving a quid pro quo with the then-dean of …

As trial determines Ridley-Thomas’ fate, his son’s life gets dissected
1 year, 9 months ago

As trial determines Ridley-Thomas’ fate, his son’s life gets dissected

LA Times  

He has not been charged with a crime. “FYI … rumors are another Los Angeles Legislator is next,” Sebastian Ridley-Thomas wrote to his father when he forwarded news of Assemblymember Matt Dababneh’s resignation amid sexual misconduct allegations. they are suggestive without being defensive,” wrote Wong regarding one draft that described Sebastian’s health issues as “persistent” rather than “significant.” The news …

L.A. City Council votes to reinstate salary of indicted member Mark Ridley-Thomas
2 years, 1 month ago

L.A. City Council votes to reinstate salary of indicted member Mark Ridley-Thomas

LA Times  

The Los Angeles City Council voted to restore the salary of indicted Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas, who was suspended by his colleagues in October 2021 and is awaiting trial. The Los Angeles City Council voted Wednesday to reinstate the salary of indicted Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas, more than a year after he was suspended from his post while facing federal corruption charges. …

How L.A. City Hall became so corrupt: A recent history of bribes, kickbacks, scandal, leaks
2 years, 2 months ago

How L.A. City Hall became so corrupt: A recent history of bribes, kickbacks, scandal, leaks

LA Times  

Less than a year after a leaked racist recording led to the downfall of several of Los Angeles’ top officials, a new bombshell is rocking the city’s political world. After the bombshell recording went public, the California attorney general said his office would open an investigation into the city’s redistricting process, which last year redrew lines for the 15-seat City …

L.A. council fails to pick a replacement for Ridley-Thomas, exposing a divide at City Hall
2 years, 4 months ago

L.A. council fails to pick a replacement for Ridley-Thomas, exposing a divide at City Hall

LA Times  

Five L.A. City Council members blocked a vote on a proposal to name Heather Hutt, above, as the interim representative of the 10th District, sending it to a committee for review. Councilwoman-elect Eunisses Hernandez, who defeated Councilman Gil Cedillo in June but won’t be seated until December, also weighed in, saying the choice of an interim council member should not …

L.A. City Council splits on how to fill indicted Councilman Ridley-Thomas’ seat
2 years, 4 months ago

L.A. City Council splits on how to fill indicted Councilman Ridley-Thomas’ seat

LA Times  

Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas has been suspended since October. Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez on Friday called for a new replacement for indicted Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, days after a judge torpedoed the council’s previous choice. Hutt, who served as a political aide to Vice President Kamala Harris during her time in the U.S. Senate, has spent …

L.A. City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas sues City Hall, seeking to restore his pay
2 years, 5 months ago

L.A. City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas sues City Hall, seeking to restore his pay

LA Times  

Los Angeles Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, pictured in 2020, has sued the city to overturn its decision to cut off his pay while he fights federal corruption charges. Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking to have a judge strike down the city’s decision to cut off his pay while he fights federal corruption charges. In his …

Column: How the fight over a City Council seat is tearing apart Black Los Angeles
2 years, 5 months ago

Column: How the fight over a City Council seat is tearing apart Black Los Angeles

LA Times  

Mark Ridley-Thomas, who is suspended from his position on the Los Angeles City Council, speaks to the press in 2020. For months, he and others with the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment have been trying to get help for hundreds of Black and Latino tenants living in slum-like conditions at the Chesapeake Apartments, a sprawling complex in the heart …

Group sues to reinstate Mark Ridley-Thomas, block Herb Wesson from filling his seat
2 years, 10 months ago

Group sues to reinstate Mark Ridley-Thomas, block Herb Wesson from filling his seat

LA Times  

A civil rights group asked a judge to strike down the suspension of Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, who faces federal corruption charges. A civil rights group asked a judge on Friday to strike down the Los Angeles City Council’s suspension of Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas and halt the plan for replacing him with former Councilman Herb Wesson. The City Council is scheduled …

Lawmakers, clergy question legality of council’s suspending Mark Ridley-Thomas after indictment
2 years, 11 months ago

Lawmakers, clergy question legality of council’s suspending Mark Ridley-Thomas after indictment

LA Times  

Then-Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas after casting his vote at Hot and Cool Cafe in Leimert Park on Nov. 3. Two state legislators are questioning the legality of the Los Angeles City Council’s move to suspend Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas and potentially appoint a voting member to represent his district after the councilman was indicted last year on federal bribery …

Column: A fight for Ridley-Thomas is a fight for voting rights? Call it the MLK strategy
3 years, 2 months ago

Column: A fight for Ridley-Thomas is a fight for voting rights? Call it the MLK strategy

LA Times  

Longtime politician Mark Ridley-Thomas has been indicted on federal bribery and conspiracy charges and suspended from the L.A. City Council. “Give us the vote!” The people in the pews rise and repeat: “Give us the vote!” In some small way, I imagine this is how suspended L.A. City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas sees himself, rousing his mostly Black and Latino constituents …

Ridley-Thomas’ district gets a caretaker, but no word on a voting member
3 years, 2 months ago

Ridley-Thomas’ district gets a caretaker, but no word on a voting member

LA Times  

After indicted Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, above, was stripped of his duties, his chief of staff, Karly Katona, was named caretaker for the 10th District by Council President Nury Martinez. Two weeks after the Los Angeles City Council suspended Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, it is unclear whether the City Council will appoint a voting member to fill the vacant district seat. Ridley-Thomas’ …

L.A. City Council votes to suspend Mark Ridley-Thomas amid federal charges
3 years, 2 months ago

L.A. City Council votes to suspend Mark Ridley-Thomas amid federal charges

LA Times  

City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, shown in 2020, has denied wrongdoing following his indictment on federal bribery and other charges. The council voted 11 to 3 to immediately suspend Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, a veteran South Los Angeles politician who has been indicted on federal bribery, conspiracy and other charges. And I really don’t want to even have this come up.” Federal …

Mark Ridley-Thomas will ‘step back’ from council duties, but not resign
3 years, 2 months ago

Mark Ridley-Thomas will ‘step back’ from council duties, but not resign

LA Times  

City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, shown in November, said Monday he is stepping aside from council duties as he fights federal bribery charges. Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, who was indicted last week on federal charges, said Monday that he will “immediately step back” from participation in City Council meetings and committees but will not resign. In a letter to …

Mark Ridley-Thomas led L.A. homeless policies. Now what?
3 years, 2 months ago

Mark Ridley-Thomas led L.A. homeless policies. Now what?

LA Times  

Mark Ridley-Thomas faces a federal corruption indictment that threatens his legacy as the political leader who carried the cause of homeless people on his shoulders. “I saw him trying to moderate those enforcement forces using his experience and willingness to understand what homeless people are going through, and not just what his constituents are yelling about,” said Greg Spiegel, director …

Column: Why South L.A. is staying loyal to Ridley-Thomas, even as he faces federal charges
3 years, 2 months ago

Column: Why South L.A. is staying loyal to Ridley-Thomas, even as he faces federal charges

LA Times  

Mark Ridley-Thomas speaks to reporters on election day in November when he was elected to the City Council. But I’ve also heard people share how much respect they have for the work that Mark Ridley-Thomas has done,” said state Sen. Sydney Kamlager. “Ultimately, there’s room for forgiveness in the hearts of many in Black L.A. because he has been such …

After 30 years in the political spotlight, Ridley-Thomas is suddenly under a cloud
3 years, 2 months ago

After 30 years in the political spotlight, Ridley-Thomas is suddenly under a cloud

LA Times  

Over three decades, five mayors have passed through Los Angeles City Hall. Ridley-Thomas’ legacy as one of the city’s bright young political lights and then an establishment figure who won nine straight elections became clouded this week by a federal indictment that accuses him of taking bribes from a USC dean in exchange for directing millions of dollars in public …

Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas says he won’t resign, plans to fight bribery charges
3 years, 2 months ago

Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas says he won’t resign, plans to fight bribery charges

LA Times  

In his first public comments since he was indicted, Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas said he wouldn’t resign and plans to fight federal charges that were revealed this week. Ridley-Thomas is accused of conspiring with Marilyn Louise Flynn, former dean of USC’s School of Social Work, to steer county money to the university in return for admission of his …

L.A. City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas won’t run for mayor in 2022
3 years, 4 months ago

L.A. City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas won’t run for mayor in 2022

LA Times  

Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas announced Monday that he will not run for mayor, saying he intends to keep his focus on addressing the city’s homelessness crisis. Ridley-Thomas’ announcement comes a few weeks after another well-known political figure in South Los Angeles, Democratic U.S. Rep. Karen Bass, confirmed that she had been asked by supporters to consider her own …

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas declares victory in 10th District
4 years, 2 months ago

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas declares victory in 10th District

LA Times  

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas declared victory over attorney Grace Yoo in his race to represent a Koreatown-to-Crenshaw district on the Los Angeles City Council, setting the stage for a return to City Hall after an 18-year absence. In L.A.’s Silver Lake-to-Sherman Oaks district, urban planner Nithya Raman maintained a smaller but significant lead over City Councilman David Ryu, …

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