Bradley's first day--The Putrid Smell of Bigotry---by Bob Kholos

     The putrid smell of bigotry was still hanging around City Hall, when Wanda Moore stepped into the new Mayor’s office on the first day.
    The entire political structure of Los Angeles had changed that day.  Power was now vested into carpenters who never had a chance to pound a nail on behalf of the mostly white Building Trades Union.  Shoe Shine “Boys” became men, and all minorities had a chance at a piece of the power pie at City Hall for the first time.
    Race was the least thing Tom Bradley ever thought about.  He was a scientist of the city. He knew where every penny was being spent, and he was going to take control of a budget that was out of control.
It was July 1973.
    Sam Yorty was not man enough to face the transition of power, and left town instead.  He went on a boat cruise to Alaska two weeks prior to the new administration taking over.
    For many American’s of African decent this was a change in life, not just political power.
    But, some people will never let go of their own cheapness and small-minded jealousy.
    Perhaps the most beautiful woman ever to step onto the 3rd floor of the Mayor’s office was Wanda Moore.  A great laugh, a great smile, and a joyful person on that day as she opened the drawer for the key to Mayor Bradley’s office.
    There was a note attached.  It said, “Here are the keys to the Mayor’s office, Saffire.”    White people, who were racists, used the wife’s name from the old Amos and Andy radio and television show, as a negative stereotype against Black women.
    It put Wanda to tears.  Crying, the young aide went to the Mayor.  Tom Bradley said, “We got the last laugh.”
    Indeed, Wanda Moore got the last laugh, when a special person stepped in to help.
    Johnny Grant, the very honorable Mayor of Hollywood, and former KMPC radio host, who had worked for Gene Autry, introduced Ms. Moore to the powers at KTLA TV. 
    For 16 years Wanda Moore hosted a public affairs television show on KTLA TV.
    It is truly amazing what can happen when bigots are thrown out of city hall.
    Thanks for reading, and more on Bradley in a few days.
Bob Kholos
 

Comments

[Dana Gabbard]

Capitol Weekly recent had the following trivia question that says volumes about what kind of person Sam Yorty was:

Q: Why was Assemblyman Sam Yorty known as "Outhouse Sam"?

A: He
crouched on the toilet seat in the member's bathroom and listened to
conversations of other members in the bathroom.

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