Hernandez Claims Riordan ‘Ambushed’ Him

The name-calling continued at Los Angeles City Hall on Tuesday as Councilman Mike Hernandez dubbed Mayor Richard Riordan a “gutless wonder” for holding a news conference to forcefully call for Hernandez’s resignation shortly after the two men had met privately.

After the 25-minute private meeting, which Hernandez described as supportive and low-key, Riordan on Monday told reporters in no uncertain terms that Hernandez should resign. Riordan said Hernandez sends a “terrible, terrible message” because of his felony cocaine arrest.

“He ambushed us,” Hernandez said Tuesday. “I was surprised. . . . He shared with me that I should consider resigning. I was surprised at how strong he came out. . . . I think the mayor is a gutless wonder.”

Noelia Rodriguez, the mayor’s spokeswoman, responded: “If there’s any reason for surprise, it’s that the council member . . . 24 hours later is reacting this way. Here the councilman is talking about being able to devote his energy and attention to the needs of the 1st District and yet he’s spending so much time on political battles to recover his name. Where does rehab fit on the priority list?”

She added: “The mayor was direct with the councilman.”

Also on Tuesday, Councilman Hal Bernson became the latest council member to call for Hernandez’s resignation, joining Laura Chick, Mike Feuer and Rudy Svorinich, who say Hernandez has eroded the public’s trust in City Hall.

But as he did so, Bernson took a shot at some of his colleagues.

“I’m not a vulture like some people,” Bernson said, pointedly noting that he had met with Hernandez to present him with a letter seeking his resignation before he made his request public. “I’m not looking to kick anybody in the tail to get a little recognition.”

Other council members who have refrained from publicly calling on Hernandez to resign are becoming more frustrated by what they view as a sideshow in the council chamber. They are growing increasingly fed up with the television cameras and reporters now regularly attending meetings--not for the votes cast or the council’s debates but to gauge reactions and gather comment about Hernandez.

Division among council members over whether Hernandez should resign continues to grow. But City Council President John Ferraro said he has seen worse over the years in the council chamber.

“We have our disputes and discussions,” Ferraro said. “It’ll probably get worse. It’s up and it’s down--like the stock market.”

While the council has no power to remove Hernandez from his elected office, members quietly--and successfully--encouraged him to give up his position as assistant president pro tem of the council.

Hernandez on Oct. 7 wrote to Ferraro and resigned from that post, saying he finds it “difficult to hold a leadership position” because of his rigorous recovery program requirements. The position gave Hernandez responsibility for running council meetings in the absence of Ferraro and the president pro tem, Joel Wachs. The position has now been given to Councilwoman Ruth Galanter.

Meanwhile, Ferraro said he is withholding judgment on whether Hernandez should resign, as long as he continues to adequately represent his Eastside district.

“Obviously I don’t agree with what he’s done,” Ferraro said in an interview. “As president of the council, my concern is to make sure he’s representing his district. If I feel he’s not doing it right, I may speak out.”

But Ferraro said Hernandez’s attendance has been good, and he is participating in council debates and casting votes.

Hernandez says he intends to remain in office despite his cocaine possession arrest in August. He pleaded guilty to the charge Monday and entered a drug diversion program, allowing him to avoid a felony conviction if he successfully completes a drug treatment program.

Hernandez, who has admitted alcohol and cocaine addictions, was arrested after a law enforcement task force observed him buying cocaine 10 times. He has admitted attending council meetings high on cocaine, saying he needed the drug to help him get through the day after long nights drinking.

Recall supporters are expected to begin circulating petitions today seeking signatures for a recall election. During the council’s regular public comment period Tuesday, several speakers praised Hernandez for remaining in his position. “I just want to say to Mr. Hernandez . . . stay strong,” said former Burbank City Councilwoman Susan Spanos, who said she too was accused of drug abuse.

While Hernandez said he receives support when he attends events in his district, other council members say their offices are being flooded with letters and electronic mail messages urging them to seek Hernandez’s resignation.

Under the City Charter, council members face removal from office only for felony convictions--which Hernandez will avoid if he completes his court-ordered program. Chick is trying to amend that provision with a proposed ballot measure.

Feuer is seeking a ballot measure to establish a code of conduct for the council.