Hawaiian Gardens Recall Election Delayed

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has rescheduled a recall election against three Hawaiian Gardens councilmen for Dec. 17, the same day city voters are set to decide whether to eject a fourth council member.

Superior Court Judge Diane Wayne offered minimal explanation for pushing back the election, which she originally scheduled for Dec. 3. Attorneys representing the council members, however, have argued that a consolidated election would save the city tens of thousands of dollars.

Wednesday’s ruling marks the third time the court has intervened in efforts to recall Mayor Lupe Cabrera and council members Robert Canada, Kathleen Navejas and Robert Prida. Citing various improprieties by city officials, Wayne recently postponed Navejas’ election--originally scheduled for Tuesday--and overruled questions about the validity of petitions filed against the other three council members.

Central to the recall efforts are concerns over city finances and a card club approved by voters last year.