Untitled California Attorney General Opinion

BACKGROUND

The City of Los Angeles is a charter city governed by a city council consisting of 15 members, each representing a geographical district. The city council members are elected for four-year, staggered terms in even-numbered years.

We begin by reviewing the sequence of events relevant to the application:

• November 3, 2020: Mark Ridley-Thomas was elected to a four-year term as the District 10 council member on the Los Angeles City Council. He assumed the office on December 15, 2020.

• October 13, 2021: In a 20-count indictment, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California charged Ridley-Thomas with conspiracy, bribery, mail fraud, and wire fraud. His trial on these charges is currently set for August 9, 2022.

• October 18, 2021: Ridley-Thomas announced he would immediately step back from participation in City Council meetings and committees, but did not resign.

• October 20, 2021: Pursuant to section 211 of the Los Angeles City Charter, entitled “Suspension Pending Trial,” the city council voted to suspend Ridley-Thomas as a result of these pending criminal proceedings.

• February 16, 2022: City Council President Nury Martinez…