San Fernando City Council Schedules Recall Election
SAN FERNANDO (CBS) — San Fernando City Council members Monday voted to schedule a recall election for Nov. 6 in an attempt to oust councilwoman Maribel De La Torre and Mayor Brenda Esqueda, who are both accused of having extra-marital affairs.
De La Torre came under fire after it was revealed that she had an affair with fellow councilman Mario Hernandez, who resigned last week.
Their affair has been public since Hernandez, the former mayor of San Fernando, announced it at a council meeting last November, with his wife in attendance.
"I'd like to put out there, before, and squash the rumors, that yes, I have been in a relationship with Councilwoman De La Torre," he said at the time.
De La Torre was charged Friday with vandalism and battery in connection with an alleged physical confrontation involving Hernandez that took place June 28.
Hernandez told police De La Torre punched him, tried to strangle him and smashed his iPad during the confrontation.
The incident resulted in both parties filing for restraining orders against each another.
However, Hernandez announced Monday he wants to drop his battery complaint against his former lover. He says the detective investigating the incident acted inappropriately by posting comments on the matter to his Facebook account.
"Words cannot begin to express how saddened I am over the events of the past several days. I would like to address the allegations," De La Torre said in a statement at the time, but her attorney said she was unable to comment due to a pending court hearing on July 24.
During Monday's meeting, citizens lashed out at council members, saying they are more focused on what happens in the bedroom than the city.
"The citizens of this city are so ready for this change. We feel confident that they are going to be out there and tell us what they demand in a candidate," recall leader Julian Ruelas says.
Meanwhile, Police Chief Gil Carrillo, who was overseeing the investigation, was fired a few weeks ago after just four months on the job.
De La Torre and Hernandez did not vote on the firing.
