Where to begin? Calpeek readers are probably well aware of the recorded conversation among L.A. city leaders, that included racist remarks among other terrible statements. Knock LA has a detailed story along with excerpts of the audio. The story also links to an upload of the entire audio conversation. The Los Angeles Times has posted numerous stories since Sunday. We encourage all Calpeek readers to go to your favorite news source for updated information (and to subscribe).
Instead of reviewing the details, Calpeek would like to ask some questions. And maybe answer a few.
Now that L.A. City Council President Nury Martinez and L.A. County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera have resigned, will the other two participants in the conversation, Councilmembers Gil Cedillo and Kevin De Leon, also resign? We know that activists have pledged to prevent the City Council from conducting any business until the remaining two resign. Activists have already been successful in getting today’s council meeting canceled.
Who leaked the audio? We cannot confirm the rumors, but there is known information about this person or people, so we do expect to learn the identity at some point.
Will we see major structural changes in L.A. Government soon? Probably not. Many elected leaders are calling for reforms, but these are the same people who have been in office for years, if not decades. One could argue they are such an entrenched part of the problem that they are unable to lead any type of reform.
What will happen next? We would not be surprised to learn of more audio recordings. The L.A. City election, which is less than 4 weeks away, could usher in a new group of city leaders who may focus on reform.
If you find this sad, disheartening chapter in the city depressing, we recommend you read more about it. Then sign up to support local journalism and community-based organizations.