Local News in Brief : New Center Election Set

The board of Angels Gate Cultural Center, facing the threat of a lawsuit and unable to sign a lease with the City of Los Angeles because of a challenge to its September election of directors, will hold a new election in January.

The unanimous board decision Tuesday night came two weeks after the city attorney advised recreation officials to delay signing a three-year lease with the center in San Pedro until the election dispute is resolved.

Board President George Beck said center officials, who have insisted that the September election followed the spirit of the center’s bylaws, were following the advice of their lawyer in holding another election. Beck said the new ballot will not be structured to ensure the reelection of incumbents, which was a major point of contention in the September election.

The new election, by written ballot, will be held at the Jan. 18 board meeting. Center members may vote by absentee ballot.

Despite the board’s decision, Anne Alberts, who lost the September election, said she still intends to file a suit claiming damages and violation of her civil rights.