Argumedo
People ex rel. City of Commerce v. Argumedo
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Chaney, J.
*129 *276 Plaintiff City of Commerce (the City) appeals from a judgment entered after the trial court rejected its attempt to oust defendant Hugo Argumedo from his seat on the City Council in this quo warranto *130 action. The City claimed Argumedo's 2010 guilty plea for misdemeanor obstruction of justice constitutes a conviction for "malfeasance in office" within the meaning of article VII, section 8, subdivision (b) of the California Constitution that forever disqualifies him from public office under Government Code section 1021. Finding no error, we affirm the trial court's judgment rejecting the City's claim.
In a consolidated appeal, Argumedo challenges the trial court's post-judgment order denying his motion for an award of attorney fees under Code of Civil Procedure section 1021.5. 1 Again, finding no error, we affirm.
BACKGROUND
Argumedo was elected as a City council member in 1996 to fill an unexpired term. He was reelected in 1997, 1999, 2003 and 2007.
The City Accuses Argumedo of Committing Perjury
In May 2008, the City's Mayor asked the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office to investigate Argumedo for several alleged crimes, including perjury. A synopsis…