Top L.A. budget official enters rehab after arrest on suspicion of DUI
The top financial officer for Los Angeles announced Sunday that he had enrolled in an alcohol treatment center just days after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana, 40, issued a statement saying he had checked into an undisclosed program Saturday.
“I do not know how long this stage of my journey will be. I apologize to my family, friends, the mayor, City Council, CAO staff, and the entire city family for my irresponsible behavior,” Santana said in a statement. Santana was arrested by the California Highway Patrol in Covina at 12:15 a.m. Friday after he attended a charity roast for L.A. County Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley. Santana said his top assistant, Ray Ciranna, will be the acting city administrative officer.
Villaraigosa spokeswoman Sarah Hamilton said she did not know when Santana would return.
Since he took the job last year, Santana has been given the difficult task of addressing the city’s financial crisis.
L.A. currently is grappling with a $212-million budget gap that is expected to more than double in the next budget year.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
