Herb Wesson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Herb Wesson
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Wesson in 2017
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| President of the Los Angeles City Council | |
| In office January 12, 2012 – January 5, 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Eric Garcetti |
| Succeeded by | Nury Martinez |
| Member of the Los Angeles City Council from the 10th district |
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| In office July 1, 2005 – December 14, 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Martin Ludlow |
| Succeeded by | Mark Ridley-Thomas |
| In office March 17, 2022 – August 25, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Mark Ridley-Thomas |
| Succeeded by | Heather Hutt |
| 65th Speaker of the California State Assembly | |
| In office February 6, 2002 – February 9, 2004 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Hertzberg |
| Succeeded by | Fabian Núñez |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 47th district |
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| In office December 7, 1998 – November 30, 2004 |
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| Preceded by | Kevin Murray |
| Succeeded by | Karen Bass |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Herman J. Wesson Jr.
November 11, 1951 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Fabian |
| Children | 4 |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Education | Lincoln University (BA) |
Herman J. "Herb" Wesson Jr. (born November 11, 1951) is an American politician. He served as a councilmember for the 10th District in Los Angeles for many years. He was also the President of the Los Angeles City Council and the Speaker of the California State Assembly. This means he held important leadership roles in both the city and state governments.
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Early Life and Career Journey
Herb Wesson was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 11, 1951. He has one younger brother.
He earned his college degree in history from Lincoln University in 1999.
Before becoming a state assembly member, Wesson worked as a chief of staff for other important politicians. A chief of staff helps manage the daily work and plans of an elected official. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Wesson's Family Life
Herb Wesson and his wife, Fabian, have four children.
Serving in the State Assembly (1998–2004)
Wesson was a member of the California State Assembly from 1998 to 2004. He represented the 47th district. In 2002, he was chosen to be the Speaker of the California State Assembly. This is a very important leadership role in the state government. He was the second African-American person to hold this position.
As Speaker, Wesson focused on important issues like:
- Improving education
- Protecting the environment
- Making healthcare better for people
City Council Service (2005–2020; 2022)
On November 8, 2005, Herb Wesson was elected to the Los Angeles City Council. He represented the 10th Council District. This district covers many neighborhoods in central and South Los Angeles, including Koreatown and Leimert Park.
He was re-elected several times, showing that people in his district supported his work. In 2022, he was appointed to serve again for a short time, from March to August.
Boosting Economic Growth
In 2015, Wesson started a committee to help Los Angeles become a more business-friendly city. This means making it easier for businesses to start and grow, which creates jobs.
Some new developments in his district during his time included:
- Midtown Crossing
- Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw Medical Offices
- Cumulus
Promoting Race Relations
In 2016, Wesson launched a program called "embRACE L.A." This program aimed to encourage people in Los Angeles to talk about race, ethnicity, and diversity. He wanted to help people understand each other better.
Supporting the Olympic Bid
Wesson led the City Council's committee for the 2024 Summer Olympics bid. He voted to approve Los Angeles's plan to host the games. When Los Angeles decided to bid for the 2028 Olympics instead, Wesson and the City Council also supported that plan. In 2017, Los Angeles was officially chosen to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games!
Helping Immigrants
In 2016, the City Council created a $10 million fund. This money was used to provide legal help for Los Angeles residents who were facing deportation.
Wesson also supported hiring an "immigrant advocate" in 2017. This person helps immigrants in the city. He also welcomed leaders from Mexico to discuss how Los Angeles and Mexican states could work together.
Community Fun and Support
Wesson also created several fun and helpful programs for the community:
Camping Adventures
Every year, Wesson partners with the city's Department of Recreation and Parks. They take about 150 children from communities that need extra support on a camping trip to Hansen Dam.
Movies in the Park
During the summer, Wesson hosts free "Movies in the Park" events. These are family-friendly film screenings in the 10th Council District. Everyone gets a meal, drinks, popcorn, candy, and a chance to win prizes. Thousands of people attend these events each year.
Winter Wonderland Event
Wesson's Winter Wonderland is a special holiday event. It includes a tobogganing course with real snow, arts and crafts, lunch, and a visit from Santa Claus. Wesson also gives toys to all the kids and raffles off bigger prizes like bicycles. In 2015, he even gave computers to 350 families!
After the City Council
In 2020, Wesson ran for a seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. He was not elected, and Holly Mitchell won the position.
