LOS ANGELES : 5 Aides to Councilman Svorinich Call It Quits

Five aides to Los Angeles City Councilman Rudy Svorinich Jr., including his longtime friend and chief deputy, John Vidovich, have left his office in what Svorinich portrayed as a reorganization but others saw as signs of upheaval facing the first-term councilman.

The resignation of Vidovich, 33, was the first to be announced by Svorinich, who was elected last year to succeed longtime Councilwoman Joan Milke Flores in the 15th District, which stretches from Watts to San Pedro. Vidovich, a Los Angeles city fire captain who was on leave to work for Svorinich, had said he would stay two years but decided Jan. 20 to submit his resignation.

Late Friday, Svorinich announced other resignations after a series of meetings with his staff. Others leaving his office will be Wilmington field deputy Lilia Fernandez, Harbor City/Harbor Gateway deputy Brian Hannon, senior consultant John Barbieri and San Pedro aide Kate Acuna.

Svorinich did not return repeated phone calls for an interview Friday, but his newly hired spokesman, Tom Kruesopon, said the resignations were part of a reorganization.