Wesson takes over as council president

A new era began Tuesday for the Los Angeles City Council as Councilman Herb Wesson took over as council president, the first change in leadership since 2005. Daily News

And, if first impressions mean anything, Wesson was able to gavel the meeting to order at 10:04 when 12 of the 14 current members were present. A 13th member showed up minutes later.

There is one vacancy left by former Councilwoman Janice Hahn, who was elected to Congress, and another seat is temporarily empty while Councilman Bernard Parks is recuperating from surgery.