(FiveNation.com)- Last Monday, former Democrat Congresswoman Karen Bass was sworn in as the 43rd Mayor of Los Angeles during her inauguration at the Microsoft Theater.
Initially, the mayoral inauguration was scheduled to take place outside of City Hall. But with rain in the forecast, the event was moved indoors.
After being sworn into office by Vice President Kamala Harris, Mayor Bass said she would spend her first day in office declaring a state of emergency over the city’s homeless problem. She said as Mayor of Los Angeles, she recognized “the severity of our crisis” and planned to “break new ground to maximize our ability to urgently move people inside.”
Bass plans to find housing for 17,000 homeless before the end of her first year in office, hoping to “build housing in every neighborhood.”
The new mayor also vowed to tackle violent crimes “in progress and hold people accountable.” She said her administration would provide the additional police officers neighborhoods have requested.
Dozens of prominent California politicians attended the inauguration, including Governor Gavin Newsom, California Senate President pro-tempore Toni Atkins, and LA County Democrat Party Chair Mark Gonzalez.
Those in attendance were entertained by singer Stevie Wonder who performed “Living for the City” and “Keeping Our Love Alive.” Also performing during the inauguration were Chloe Bailey and Los Cafeteras.
Bass is the first black woman to be elected mayor of Los Angeles.
During her speech, Mayor Bass boasted of how historic and “monumental” her inauguration was, both for her and the city of Los Angeles.
The 69-year-old Karen Bass began her career as a community activist and social worker before being elected to represent Los Angeles in the state Assembly for 6 years. She went on to become the first black speaker of the Assembly.
In 2010, she was elected to the House where she remained until running for Los Angeles mayor.
