Ernani Bernardi, Age 94

Ernani Bernardi, the former councilmember from the Northeast Valley (and who swore in my colleague Alex Padilla, who holds his seat today), has died at the age of 94.

Any one who has lived in Los Angeles, has voted in Los Angeles, or has aspired to serve the people of Los Angeles must shed a tear at the dimming of this light. Councilmember Bernardi was well and rightly known as "the conscience of the council" through his work on political transparency, campaign finance, rent control, and much more. May his spirit guide our reflection and our stewardship of the city he loved.