“Who was Edmund D. Edelman?” That’s the question this plaque silently poses to every passerby. The Edmund D. Edelman Plaque commemorates a man who dedicated his life to public service in Los Angeles. Edelman’s journey began in Los Angeles. He was born on September 27, 1930.
Edelman’s career spanned decades. He was a Los Angeles City Councilman from 1965 to 1974. Later, he served as a Los Angeles County Supervisor from 1975 to 1994. He shaped local government. He aimed to make it more responsive to the needs of the community.
Edelman’s impact is visible through the agencies he helped establish. These include the Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Consumer Affairs. He also championed the Community Youth Gang Services. Furthermore, he backed the Hollywood Bowl Museum.
Before entering politics, Edelman honed his skills in law and public service. He clerked for U.S. District Judge William M. Byrne. He was also Deputy Legislative Counsel to the State Legislature in Sacramento. In Washington, D.C., he served as Counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Labor. He acted as Special Assistant to the General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board.
As a City Councilman, Edelman focused on reforming the Los Angeles City Charter. He sought to improve the efficiency of city government. As a County Supervisor, he prioritized human needs. He supported agencies aiding the homeless, battered women, and abused children.
Edelman’s approach was often described as understated. He built consensus behind the scenes. This allowed him to achieve significant progress on various issues. These issues included AIDS programs, children’s dependency courts, and homeless services.
Edelman married Mari Mayer in 1968. They had two daughters, Erica Nancy and Emily Rose. He was a UCLA alumnus. He graduated cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1954. He earned his LL.B. degree from UCLA Law School in 1958. UCLA recognized his contributions. He received the Professional Achievement and Public Service Award for Excellence. He was also named Alumnus of the Year from the UCLA Law School.
Even after retiring from public office, Edelman remained active. He worked as a negotiator and mediator. He resolved public and governmental disputes. He was a Senior Fellow at RAND. There, he assisted with domestic policy issues.
Edmund D. Edelman passed away on September 12, 2016. He was 85 years old. His legacy lives on through the many programs and services he championed. Remember him when you pass by this Edmund D. Edelman Plaque. He worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those in Los Angeles County.