Supervisor Ridley-Thomas Joins the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

December 1, 2008

On December 1, 2008 among a standing-room only crowd of 700 supporters, family, close colleagues and an additional audience of 500 individuals seated in the outside courtyard, Mark Ridley-Thomas was sworn in as the first African-American male elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Supervisor Ridley-Thomas Hires Chief of Staff

December 22, 2008

Supervisor Ridley-Thomas assembled his senior staff to reflect his public-private approach to rebuilding Martin Luther King, Jr. Medical Center and with an eye toward boosting Second District economic activity. The new hires include Sylvia Drew Ivie, Chief of Staff; Vincent Harris, Senior Advisor and Special Assistant; Randi Tahara, Senior Deputy for Board Affairs; Dan Rosenfeld, Senior Deputy for Economic Development, Sustainability and Mobility; Yolanda Vera, Senior Deputy for Healthcare Services and Advocacy; Dorrine Jordan, Senior Deputy for Budget Accountability and Advocacy; and Aurelio Rojas, Senior Deputy for Communications.

At left, Supervisor Ridley-Thomas stands with senior staff members Sylvia Drew Ivie and Yolanda Vera.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute and Barack Obama Inauguration

January 15, 2009 and January 20, 2009

Supervisor Ridley-Thomas:

“President-elect Barack Obama's Inauguration is the best celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday we have yet to witness. His election helps to fulfill Dr. King’s legacy of struggle for political empowerment for basic democratic rights.

This moment in history is an opportunity for reflection on the contributions of countless souls who are not here to bare witness, but whose efforts made it possible. It’s also an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the causes of peace and social justice and for renewal of the work of non-violent, direct action.”

At left, Supervisor Ridley-Thomas and his son Sebastian traveled to Washington, D.C. for the historic inauguration of the Nation’s first African American President.

Also see the Second District's Martin Luther King, Jr. tribute page.

Supervisor Ridley-Thomas' Second District Transition Team Meeting

January 30, 2009

The Second District Transition Team is an advisory group appointed by Supervisor Ridley-Thomas that provides advice and counsel to the Supervisor on policy issues, critical community concerns, county commission appointments, county budget priorities and related matters. The transition team is led by Chair, Steven B. Sample, president of the University of Southern California. Additional members of the Transition Team advisory panel include, Connie Rice, Esq. (Public Safety), the Honorable Sheila Kuehl (Budget Reform), Robert K. Moss, M.D. (Health Services), Dora Leong Gallo (Housing Services), Martin Schlageter (Environmental Quality), Cynthia McClain-Hill, Esq. (Small Business Development), and Maria Elena Durazo (Commissions/Governance).

In the photo, Supervisor Ridley-Thomas stands next to Chair Steven B. Sample.

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas Launches New and Innovative Website

February 1, 2009

Supervisor Ridley-Thomas launched a new Second District website on February 1, 2009. The site is updated daily with information, current events and important news about the Second District. There is also a wealth of multimedia content and a daily blog which constituents are encouraged to follow to track the Supervisor's efforts to improve the Second District.