The Los Angeles City Council has elected Paul Krekorian as its new council president. Krekorian will be immediately tasked with leading the council through a turbulent stretch, with Councilmen Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo facing fierce calls to resign for their roles in the City Hall racist hate speech scandal.
Krekorian represents LAs’ Second Council District, which stretches from Toluca Lake to the edge of Verdugo Mountain Park in Sun Valley. It includes the NoHo Arts District and is the center of film and television production.
The council has also voted to begin the process of placing a measure on the 2024 ballot or sooner that would create an independent redistricting commission for both the city and the Los Angeles Unified School District, and to explore a ballot measure that would increase the number of council districts in Los Angeles.
“Our city’s healing from this injury caused by those who violated our trust can only begin when they take responsibility for their actions,” Krekorian said. “Nury Martinez has done the right thing and resigned from the City Council. Councilmembers Cedillo and De León must now do the same.
“They swore an oath to serve the people of this city, and the only way they can honor that oath now is by stepping down. Every hour they delay risks more damage to the city we love, and more division among the people we represent. I hope and expect that they will do what is best for the city and resign immediately.”
Cedillo was defeated in the June primary by community organizer Eunisses Hernandez. His term expires in December. De León was elected in 2020. His term expires in December 2024.
Mayor Eric Garcetti was pleased with the election of Krekorian as the new president of the city council.
“Paul is a committed and conscientious leader who can bring a smart, collaborative, and effective approach to a painful moment when Angelenos deserve steady leadership on the City Council,” Garcetti said.
“I am confident that he’ll assemble a leadership team of bridge builders, and I’ll work closely with the council to help heal the wounds caused by the hateful words of a few. Our collective mission must be partnering to press forward on the causes of racial justice and inclusive government – and pushing for new reforms to bring greater transparency, fairness, and decency to how business is conducted and people are treated by those who represent them at City Hall,” he added.
This article is a part of a series of articles for Our Weekly’s #StopTheHate campaign and is supported in whole or part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library. #NoPlaceForHateCA,
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