This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Staff for L.A. City Councilman, Accused of Not Living in his District, Called to Grand Jury
Los Angeles City Counciman Richard Alarcon has been the subject of an investigation by the District Attorney's office since the beginning of the year and now six members of his city staff have been ordered to appear before the grand jury, according to the LA Times. Earlier this year, the councilmember was accused of not living within his Northwest Valley district, instead residing at his wife's home in the nearby Council District 2, which is represented by Paul Krekorian.
It is a felony for a politician who registers to vote at a place that is not his residence.
Neighbors have told the Times that Alarcon hasn't lived at his district home for three years. He denied that, but admitted to not living in his district temporarily because he feared for his safety after a burglary in October 2009. A second apparent burglary took place in March.
“I don’t think anybody wants their staff people to be called before a grand jury, but we believe we have a very solid position and when all the information comes out, we’ll be fine,” Alarcon said. “We do have two houses and maybe that’s caused some confusion, but my permanent residence is on Nordhoff Street."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
