The mayors of Los Angeles have never had the political muscle of their Big Apple and Big Shoulders counterparts. Well into the 20th century, L.A.’s mayors had less power and a smaller salary than the zanjero, the man in charge of the all-important city water system. But by hook and by crook, they brought roads and lands and light and water and waterfronts -- and an acid zing of scandal -- to civic life.
OP-ED: “L.A.’s mayors: A cast of characters” by Patt Morrison
