Richard Riordan Dies: Former Los Angeles Mayor & Businessman Was 92
21.04.2023 - 03:49
/ deadline.com
Two-term Mayor of Los Angeles Richard Riordan “passed peacefully this evening at his home in Brentwood, surrounded by his wife Elizabeth, family, friends and precious pet dogs,” according to a family statement released Wednesday night. He was 92.
Los Angeles landmarks, including City Hall, will be lit tonight in the green, yellow and red colors of the city flag in honor of Riordan.
The announcement Thursday by Mayor Karen Bass was just the latest in an outpouring of tributes to Riordan, a venture capitalist who was mayor from 1993-2001, and who faced the challenges of rebuilding the city, first from the Rodney King riots and then the Northridge earthquake.
In addition to City Hall, L.A. landmarks that will be illuminated in the city color’s Thursday night include the Richard J. Riordan Central Library, the LAX pylons, the L.A. Zoo and the 6th Street Bridge.
The lightings are “to commemorate Mayor Richard Riordan’s service to the people of Los Angeles,” Bass’ office said.
Riodan, the only Republican to hold the nonpartisan position since 1961, was elected in 1993, succeeding Tom Bradley, who held the position for a record 20 years.
He took office slightly more than a year after the rioting that followed the verdict in the state trial of the Los Angeles Police Department officers accused in the beating of motorist Rodney King, then had another challenge to face in his first year in office — the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
“Mayor Riordan’s legacy includes our city’s iconic Central Library which he saved and rebuilt, and which today carries his name,” said Bass. He also put his stamp on two other city institutions: The Original Pantry, Downtown and Gladstones, in Malibu, both of which he owned.
The onetime lawyer founded