Overview

In a recent development surrounding the Cerritos City Council election, Bruce Barrows has made attempts to contest the certification of elected officials Grace Hu and Frank Yokoyama. His efforts, which occurred just days before the official certification, were based on claims regarding the candidates' eligibility.

Barrows alleged that both Hu and Yokoyama had prior criminal convictions of moral turpitude, which he argued should disqualify them from holding office. This claim was supported by a literal interpretation of a contentious section of the Cerritos City Charter.

Key details

  • Bruce Barrows, a former candidate for the Cerritos council, sought to invalidate the election results of Grace Hu and Frank Yokoyama.
  • His claims were based on allegations of prior criminal convictions related to moral turpitude.
  • Barrows utilized Article IV of the Cerritos City Charter in his argument against the candidates' eligibility.
  • The article in question has been a source of controversy and legal disputes in the past.
  • Barrows initiated his challenge by emailing Cerritos Mayor George Ray, stating the urgency of certifying the election results.
  • The email was sent shortly after midnight on April 20, containing multiple grammatical and spelling errors.
  • Mayor Ray forwarded Barrows' email to City Manager Art Gallucci, who then sought a legal opinion from City Attorney Mark Steres.
  • This legal opinion was funded by taxpayers and was prompted by Mayor Ray on Barrows' behalf.
  • Barrows suggested that Mayor Ray and possibly other council members had previously discussed Yokoyama's eligibility.
  • If true, this could indicate a coordinated effort among council members to influence the election outcome.
  • The official certification of the election results was scheduled for the following Tuesday night.
  • Barrows' actions raise questions about the integrity of the electoral process in Cerritos.

Context

This situation unfolds in a politically charged environment where the interpretation of the city charter has previously been debated, highlighting ongoing tensions within the Cerritos City Council.

What happens next

The certification of the election results is set to occur shortly, and it remains to be seen how Barrows' claims will impact this process and whether any further legal actions will be pursued.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific nature of the alleged criminal convictions and any potential responses from Hu and Yokoyama remain unconfirmed.