Sam Yorty

Who was Sam Yorty?

Samuel William "Sam" Yorty was a politician from Los Angeles, California. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives and the California State Assembly, but he is most remembered for his turbulent years as the 37th Mayor of Los Angeles from 1961 to 1973. The colorful “Mayor Sam” earned numerous nicknames from both admirers and detractors, such as Travelin’ Sam, Airplane Sam, Shoot-From-the-Lip Sam, the Maverick Mayor, Mad Sam Yorty, Scrappy Sam, Suitcase Sam, Saigon Sam, and the Reform Republican.