Lynwood : 2-Vote Loss to Be Recounted

Alberto M. Penalber, who lost by two votes in his bid for a seat on the Lynwood City Council, has asked for a recount by the Los Angeles County registrar-recorder’s office. Penalber filed a written request with the recorder’s office Wednesday, said Marcia Ventura, public information officer.

The recorder will notify Penalber when the recount, which will cost $140 per day, will take place, Ventura said. If the recount results in a reversal, the money will be returned to Penalber.

One of seven candidates for two seats on the council, Penalber, 45, finished third. He received 924 votes while incumbent Councilman Robert Henning had the second highest number of votes with 926. Louis Heine received the most votes with 1,333. Results of the Nov. 3 municipal and school board elections were certified this week by the recorder’s office.

Penalber said he was encouraged to ask for a recount because preliminary unofficial results had him losing by 19 votes. A recount could result in him winning, he said.

Meanwhile, Rachel Chavez, who lost by eight votes in her bid for one of three seats on the Lynwood Unified School District board, said she has not decided whether to ask for a recount.