A huge crowd witnessed history when Heather Hutt was appointed to represent the L.A.’s 10th Council District on Friday, Sept. 2. The Los Angeles City Council voted 10-2 for Hutt to serve as interim council member, making her the first woman and the first Black woman to hold the position.
Cheers and applause filled the John Ferraro Council Chambers when Council President Nury Martinez announced the vote in favor of Hutt. CD 10 community members, who overwhelmingly filled the audience, hugged each other and gave high fives upon realizing that a voting member would represent the district.
“We have a vote and a voice again,” exclaimed one constituent. “Thank God, we will be represented again,” shouted another resident.
According to the council motion, Hutt will serve as the voting representative until Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas, who was suspended by the Council in October 2021, is acquitted or the charges against him in his federal corruption case are dismissed.
“This is a historic occasion,” Hutt said after being confirmed. “I’m honored and I’m humbled to be in this space. As the first woman to represent CD 10 — although temporarily — and the first Black woman, I just want to put everybody on notice, I won’t be the last.”
With great emotion, Hutt added, “I want to thank my colleagues for really putting in time and effort to be thoughtful about this appointment, to understand the needs of the people in CD 10, and knowing that having a voting member is the way to have their needs met.”
Based on the testimony of scores of attendees, Hutt was favored by a wide margin to fill the temporary assignment. Person after person approached the podium to commend her character, integrity, and experience as a public servant.
Among the people offering public comment advocating for Hutt was Danny J. Bakewell Sr., executive publisher of the L.A. Sentinel; Melina Abdullah, co-founder of Black Lives Matter – LA; and Ron Herrera, LA County Federation of Labor president. In addition to African American speakers, Hutt received the backing of several members of the Mexican, El Salvadorian, Korean, and Taiwanese communities.
CD 10 constituents lauded Hutt’s credentials as well as the fact that she was born and raised in the district and currently resides in Baldwin Vista.
“Heather understands our needs, knows our history, lives in the community, and can do the job,” added Brenda Ashby, an executive board member of the Crenshaw Manor Community Association and a local realtor.
Expressing confidence in Hutt’s abilities, Pastor J. Edgar Boyd of First AME Church of Los Angeles said, “The constituents of Los Angeles’ District 10 will be well represented by Heather Hutt as their interim Councilmember. The council’s vote approving her represents both wisdom and vision, as her talent and qualifications will help her to provide excellent leadership in addressing the needs of our beloved 10th District, and the city, as a whole. Heather Hutt is a people’s person, and no stranger to the work she will face.”
Pastor Charles E. Blake II of West Angeles Church of God in Christ noted, “I commend the City Council for returning representation to the 10th District by appointing Heather Hutt as the interim Councilmember. As I’ve stated in the past, I sincerely believe that she will serve the people with compassion and excellence.”
Prior to her appointment as Councilmember, Hutt served as Caretaker and chief of staff in the 10th District and is intimately familiar with the issues and concerns of the constituents. As a longtime community advocate, she has also developed strong relationships with civic leaders, business owners and other elected officials on the local, state and federal government levels.
Previously, she served as the state director for then-Senator Kamala Harris – the first Black in this position in California’s history – and as district director for former State Senator Isadore Hall. Both positions allowed Hutt to build coalitions and work closely with diverse groups in support of civil rights, economic equity and social justice for all people.
Moving forward, Hutt vowed focus on the concerns of CD 10 constituents by working “tirelessly” on issues, specifically on homelessness.
City News Service contributed to this report.
