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Podcasts Take Two
Women lose political footing at Los Angeles City Hall
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May 15, 2013
Listen • 4:34
Women lose political footing at Los Angeles City Hall
Los Angeles has gone backwards in how women are represented in municipal government. On July 1, L.A. city government could be run entirely by men.
A portrait of Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg, who was the first openly lesbian woman elected to the Los Angeles City Council.
A portrait of Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg, who was the first openly lesbian woman elected to the Los Angeles City Council.
(
LA Public Library/Gary Leonard Collection
)
Councilwoman Peggy Stevenson on a sidewalk cleaning machine in 1977.
Councilwoman Peggy Stevenson on a sidewalk cleaning machine in 1977.
(
LA Public Library/Herald-Examiner Collection
)
Councilwoman Pat Russell in 1980 with Undersheriff Sherman Block, LAPD Chief Daryl Gates, DA John Van de Kamp, Mayor Tom Bradley and City Attorney Burt Pines.
Councilwoman Pat Russell in 1980 with Undersheriff Sherman Block, LAPD Chief Daryl Gates, DA John Van de Kamp, Mayor Tom Bradley and City Attorney Burt Pines.
(
LA Public Library/Herald-Examiner Collection
)
Councilwoman Joan Milke Flores attends a 1985 hearing on the Watts Towers.
Councilwoman Joan Milke Flores attends a 1985 hearing on the Watts Towers.
(
LA Public Library/Herald-Examiner Collection
)
L.A. City Councilwoman Joy Picus seen here in 1987.
L.A. City Councilwoman Joy Picus seen here in 1987.
(
LA Public Library/Mike Sergieff
)
Councilwoman Janice Hahn at her inauguration ceremony for the 15th District. She ultimately left the council to serve in the U.S. Congress.
Councilwoman Janice Hahn at her inauguration ceremony for the 15th District. She ultimately left the council to serve in the U.S. Congress.
(
Slobodan Dimitrov
)
Councilwoman Ruth Galanter watches crew put a Armorflex lining in the Venice canals in 1988.
Councilwoman Ruth Galanter watches crew put a Armorflex lining in the Venice canals in 1988.
(
LA Public Library/Herald-Examiner Collection
)
In 1999, L.A. City Councilwoman Rita Walters helped cut the ribbon on the new Staples Center.
In 1999, L.A. City Councilwoman Rita Walters helped cut the ribbon on the new Staples Center.
(
LA Public Library/Gary Leonard Collection
)
L.A City Councilwoman Jan Perry's district included the Skid Row area. Here she is in 2005 outside the Midnight Mission.
L.A City Councilwoman Jan Perry's district included the Skid Row area. Here she is in 2005 outside the Midnight Mission.
(
LA Public Library/Gary Leonard Collection
)
Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski speaks at her last city council meeting on June 28, 2005.
Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski speaks at her last city council meeting on June 28, 2005.
(
LA Public Library/Gary Leonard Collection
)
Laura Chick, who was a city councilwoman before she was the controller, at Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's inaugural gala. Chick is the only woman to hold a citywide office in Los Angeles.
Laura Chick, who was a city councilwoman before she was the controller, at Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's inaugural gala. Chick is the only woman to hold a citywide office in Los Angeles.
(
LA Public Library/Gary Leonard Collection
)

Los Angeles has gone backwards in how women are represented in municipal government. On July 1, L.A. city government could be run entirely by men.

With Wendy Greuel on this year's mayoral ticket, it may seem like Los Angeles is moving forward on gender equality. But you may be surprised to learn the city actually has gone backward in how women are represented.

KPCC's Alice Walton reports on the state of women at City Hall.

RELATED: Check out KPCC's printable voter guide