Mark Ridley-Thomas

Herb Wesson Appointed to Temporarily Represent 10th District 

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously today to appoint former Councilman Herb Wesson to represent the city’s 10th district, as a replacement for Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, who was suspended after being indicted in a federal corruption case.

Earl Aims to Transform Lives in L.A. by Tackling Racism in Government

Monique Earl, senior assistant general manager and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, aims to fulfill her vision of transforming lives by “unraveling institutional racism and discrimination in our government institutions.”

Arraignment Due for Former USC Dean in Ridley-Thomas Case

A former dean of the School of Social Work at USC is expected to be arraigned today on federal corruption charges in an alleged bribery scheme involving City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas that resulted in the university receiving lucrative county contracts.

Marilyn Louise Flynn, 83, is expected to plead not guilty via Zoom in Los Angeles federal court to charges that she conspired with Ridley-Thomas when he was a member of the Board of Supervisors. Flynn’s attorney, Vicki I. Podberesky, said her client “has not committed any crime, and we believe that the evidence in this case will ultimately support this conclusion.”

Ridley-Thomas Suspended from LA Council, Hours Before Not Guilty Plea

City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas was suspended from office by a divided Los Angeles City Council today, hours before he entered a not-guilty plea to federal bribery and conspiracy charges stemming from his time serving on the county Board of Supervisors. Ridley-Thomas did not attend the downtown Los Angeles arraignment hearing in person, but entered his plea via video. A status conference in his case was set for Nov. 1, and a tentative trial date of Dec. 14. In a statement, the councilman’s attorney, Michael Proctor, said, “Today marks Day One of due process for Mark Ridley-Thomas.” “While some have rushed

Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas’ Statement on Today’s Council Vote

“I am humbled by the support of my colleagues who did not rush to judgment and disappointed in those who did. 11 members of this Council have stripped the constituents of the 10th District of their representation, of their voice and of their right to the services that they deserve. “

LA City Council OKs Street Engagement Strategy For Anti-Camping Law

The Los Angeles City Council approved a street engagement strategy today to accompany its sweeping ordinance to restrict sleeping and homeless encampments in certain areas of the city. The ordinance went into effect on Sept. 3, but enforcement was limited to accessibility obstructions pending the city’s approval of the street engagement strategy. Under the engagement framework, which was approved 14-0, each council office will have at least three engagement teams to deploy to areas chosen for the ordinance’s enforcement. The teams will assess the encampments, determine how long engagement will take place, collaborate with city and county departments, as well

Racial Equity Finds a Permanent Home in Los Angeles

Monday, September 13, 2021, marks a monumental day in the history of Los Angeles. Attorney and Executive Director of the Civil and Human Rights Department, Capri Maddox has cut the ribbon to the newly established building looking to house the first racial equity branch of local government in the Los Angeles City Mall arena. 

Newsom Mobilizes Black Vote Ahead of Election

Governor Gavin Newsom organized labor, community, and elected leaders across South Los Angeles to recognize Black worker contributions to the American Labor Movement on Labor Day at the headquarters of the African American Voter Registration, Education, and Participation Project (AAVREP).

Assemblymember Gipson and Senator Kamlager partner with African American Voter Registration, Education and Participation Project (AAVREP) to Defeat Right Wing Recall

In an unprecedented display of unity Black members of Congress lead by Karen Bass, local elected officials lead by Supervisor Holly Mitchell along with Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, and representatives of the California Legislative Black Caucus have organized themselves to oppose the September 14th Right Wing Recall. This dynamic group will focus specifically on ensuring Black voters turn out to vote, and vote ‘No’.