Some Gardena Residents Still Think Tanaka Is Good Mayor Despite Misconduct Conviction

GARDENA (CBSLA.com) — Gardena residents will get a new mayor now that Paul Tanaka is going to federal prison.

A judge Monday sentenced the former undersheriff of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to five years in federal prison for conspiring to hide evidence from the FBI during its investigation into alleged inmate abuse and other misconduct at the L.A. County Men's Central Jail.

But some residents CBS2/KCAL9's Rachel Kim spoke to still thought Tanaka was a good mayor despite his misconduct conviction.

"It's really sad because he's been a bedrock in the community," said Michael Giuliano, manager of Giuliano's Deli and Bakery. "He's given us a lot of support. He's pulled the city out of debt. We know his family, and we feel bad that has happened here."

"He seemed to me to be a mayor that was concerned for the citizen and he seemed competent," Tina Coleman said.

But others did not feel the same way. "I was kind of feeling ashamed of the incident because he is originally Japanese, and I am Japanese," Mitsuoki Numamoto said.

Tanaka has been Gardena's mayor for the last 11 years. Now that he's been sentenced, he must resign his position immediately.

City officials declined to comment Monday night when asked whether Tanaka has stepped down. However, his picture was still up on the wall inside city hall.

Last month, the city attorney said after the mayor resigns, the other council members will have 60 days to appoint a replacement or call a special election.

"It's a situation where there's a split city council. We can't find a mayor that's going to have a consensus," Giuliano said.

Some hope there is a lesson learned.

"If justice was served, I think it's going to hopefully provide government that's more transparent for the citizens," said Coleman.

Tanaka must report to prison on Aug. 1. His attorney said he will appeal.