Los Angeles Headlines

LOS ANGELES, CA — As Heather Hutt approaches Tuesday’s Election Day, she stands as the incumbent City Councilwoman for the 10th District, offering voters their initial opportunity to evaluate her candidacy. Hutt was appointed by the council last year to complete Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas’ unexpired term after his conviction on federal corruption charges.

The runoff on Tuesday will see Hutt face off against attorney Grace Yoo, who previously ran against Herb Wesson for the seat in 2015, and then Ridley-Thomas in 2020.

Among five candidates, Hutt succeeded in the March primary with 37.78% of the vote, while Yoo secured second place with 23.11%.

The Tenth District includes neighborhoods such as Arlington Heights, Koreatown, Mid-City, Palms, South Robertson, West Adams, and Wilshire Center.

Supporters praised Hutt’s 2023 appointment following Ridley-Thomas’ conviction related to his tenure on the Board of Supervisors, while critics contended that the council should have organized a special election for CD10 voters to select their representative.

Now, voters will have that opportunity on Tuesday.

In a conversation with City News Service, Hutt expressed her hope to secure a full four-year term and to continue representing a district where her family has resided for nearly a century.

She mentioned her objective is to “provide everyone the best quality of life possible.”

Hutt characterized the Tenth District as a vibrant tapestry of cultures, highlighting notable areas such as Little Ethiopia, Koreatown, Little Bangladesh, the Oaxacan Corridor, Mid-City, and Leimert Park, among others.

“I truly appreciate the diverse communities and their valuable cultural contributions, and I am here to represent all of them,” Hutt stated.

She emphasized her initiatives to support the unhoused population, citing an estimated 12% reduction in homelessness due to various programs.

Hutt advocates for increased affordable housing and supports the city’s anti-camping law while noting that arrest rates for camping in her district remain significantly lower than in other areas.

Her office has reported a rise in women and children living unhoused in their cars. She conveyed to CNS her commitment to using every available resource to assist individuals in securing housing and access to necessary support.

Hutt also highlighted her role as chair of the council’s Transportation Committee, leading efforts to address speeding issues.

“I prioritize pedestrian and bicycle safety, particularly around schools,” Hutt remarked.

Previously, Hutt served as the statewide director for then-U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris and was the chief of staff for former Councilman Wesson.

On the other hand, Yoo, in a recent discussion with CNS, shared that her motivation for running again stems from witnessing “the corruption.” She emphasized that ordinary citizens deserve a government that works for them and demands timely city services.

Yoo is an advocate for affordable housing and clearing encampments, pushing for strong measures against street takeovers and ensuring streetlights are functional following a recent wave of copper wire thefts.

Yoo expressed her desire for more surveillance cameras in her district to tackle these challenges and, with her background in grant writing, believes she could secure the necessary funding.

Both candidates share concerns regarding environmental justice in the Tenth District.

Hutt mentioned plans to increase the tree canopy and pursue other projects in her area.

Conversely, Yoo argued that the city has not done enough, referencing the Murphy Site, an oil field in Jefferson Park that has been “emitting pollutants for years.” She said she would advocate for shutting down the oil site.

“I’m running because I know I can make a positive impact for more people,” Yoo stated.

“Public policy has always been crucial, and I once believed elected officials acted in the public interest, but the reality now shows otherwise, with three out of fifteen council members having been convicted or pleaded guilty,” Yoo remarked.

However, Hutt views her biggest challenge not as her opponent but in securing resources for the residents of the Tenth District.

Regardless of whom they choose, Hutt urged residents to participate in the election by going to the polls or submitting a mail-in ballot.

“(Voting) is extremely important,” Hutt said. “My brother and sister, along with their kids, and I always vote together after dinner. It’s a tradition for us. Make (voting) a priority, encourage others to do the same. If you’re hesitant to do it alone, create a group to ensure it’s done.”

By JOSE HERRERA, City News Service