Heather Hutt was officially sworn in as Los Angeles City Councilmember for the 10th District during a ceremony held at the First AME Church on December 13.
The event was attended by prominent city officials, including LA Mayor Karen Bass, City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, former and current LA City Councilmembers, LAPD Chief, and other high-ranking city officials. Before Mayor Bass, Councilmember Hutt took her oath of office and vowed to dedicate her efforts to the progress of Los Angeles.
In an interview with the Korea Daily, Hutt outlined her vision for supporting Koreatown. “We will push forward plans to expand Seoul International Park and create a new park in Koreatown. We also aim to increase support for small businesses to bring vitality to the community,” she said.
Addressing community safety, Hutt emphasized her commitment to protecting Koreatown’s residents. “People going to the grocery store or seniors heading to the senior center should not feel threatened,” she stated. “We will work with the Olympic Police Station to strengthen public safety measures and ensure residents feel secure.”
Hutt also expressed a strong interest in the welfare of the Korean senior community. She pledged to continue providing Korean meals at senior centers. “I believe Korean seniors would prefer Korean food over turkey,” she said, vowing to ensure seniors receive meals that align with their preferences.
Regarding the homelessness issue in Koreatown, Hutt noted that the number of homeless individuals in the area is relatively low compared to other neighborhoods. However, she acknowledged the importance of addressing issues like large waste disposal, promising to take active measures to resolve them.
As the first Black woman elected as a councilmember for the 10th District, Hutt’s inauguration drew significant support from Black residents in the district. Korean American community members were also present, reflecting the district’s multicultural fabric.
Steve Kang, Commissioner of LA’s Board of Public Works, delivered a congratulatory address from the stage, highlighting his long-standing relationship with Hutt. “I’ve known Councilmember Hutt since 2020 and can attest to her sincerity in advancing the district,” Kang said. He called on the community to support Hutt’s efforts to beautify the 10th District, including Koreatown, over the next four years.
Alex Hugh, a Korean American attendee, shared his thoughts on the event, saying, “I came to celebrate Councilmember Hutt’s inauguration, as I’ve known her for a long time. I hope that one day, a Korean American will also be elected as a councilmember for the 10th District.”
The celebration also featured a traditional Korean drum performance by members of the Korean Traditional Dance Research Institute. Councilmember Hutt, impressed by the performance, remarked, “I just love drums.”
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
