Getty House Foundation Civics Program students in City Hall Council Chamber

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa 

After 12 years, another Los Angeles mayor took up residency in Getty House. In 2005, Antonio R. Villaraigosa became the City’s 41st mayor, and he moved into Getty House. 

In his historic inaugural speech as the first Latino Mayor in the modern era, Villaraigosa inspired Angelenos with his message: “I am asking you to dream with me. Dream with me of a Los Angeles where our kids can walk to school in safety and where they can receive an education that gives them a genuine opportunity to pursue their own dreams. Dream with me of a Los Angeles that’s the leading economic and cultural center in the world. Dream with me of a Los Angeles where … every Angeleno is an equal stakeholder in our city’s future.”

In May 2006, more than 500 guests joined Mayor Villaraigosa and GHF at the mayoral residence for a gala to benefit civic education. The evening was an opportunity to honor individuals and businesses that exemplified the spirit of Los Angeles. The theme for the benefit was “Jazzin’ It Up with the Mayor,” a nod to the 1920s, the historic period in which the house was built.

In 2010, Getty House was home to The Hollywood Reporter‘s Oscar Party where Academy members and award nominees were welcomed to Los Angeles by the Mayor.

For the Villaraigosa administration, Getty House truly offers a venue where community, government and business intersect. In addition to opening its doors to residents of Los Angeles, Getty House has welcomed renowned visitors such as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzengger, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Gov. Emilio Gonzalez of Jalisco, Mexico, HRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York, President Ma of Taiwan, writer Carlos Fuentes and Academy Award-winner Morgan Freeman to name just a few. 

Above and Beyond School Award check presentation at Cahuenga Elementary, November 2005