Former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan samples wine at one of his restaurants in 2014.
(Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
Richard J. Riordan, the take-charge venture capitalist who as mayor shepherded Los Angeles’ rebound from the 1992 riots, expanded its Police Department and masterminded its recovery from the Northridge earthquake, has died at his Brentwood home.
The last Republican mayor of what became a liberal city, Riordan was 92. Relatives said he died shortly after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday with family, friends, caregivers and his beloved dogs around him.
“Mayor Richard Riordan loved Los Angeles, and devoted so much of himself to bettering our city,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “Though born in New York, Mayor Riordan will be remembered as an L.A. original.”
City Council President Paul Krerkorian praised Riordan as a tireless champion of the city.
“Richard Riordan loved Los Angeles, and his contributions to the city are extraordinary and lasting,” Krekorian said in a statement. “When the city was devastated by the Northridge earthquake he threw every ounce of his energy and managerial skill into the city’s recovery, and vital infrastructure was rebuilt in record time.”
Read more at LA Times.