San Fernando City Councilwoman Maribel De La Torre, left, has been charged with vandalism in battery in relation to a fight with her ex-lover, former Councilman Mario Hernandez.
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More Tumult at San Fernando City Council
San Fernando Councilman Mario Hernandez resigned Tuesday and the recall effort against two others picked up support. Councilmembers called Mayor Brenda Esqueda to step down amid allegations she had an affair with a police officer while still voting on police matters. Esqueda says she may be an elected official, but she is "still a human being." Kim Baldonado reports for the NBC4 News at 11pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Councilman Mario Hernandez stepped down from his post hours before the city council was set to meet Tuesday, July 10. Colleagues called on Councilwoman Maribel De La Torre, with whom Hernandez admitted to have an affair, and Mayor Brenda Esqueda to follow Hernandez's example. Kim Baldonado reports from San Fernando for the NBC4 News at 6 p.m. on July 10, 2012.
The San Fernando councilwoman at the center of an affair with a council colleague that went public was charged Friday with vandalism and battery of her former lover during a breakup last month, according to a misdemeanor complaint filed by the LA County District Attorney’s office.
Maribel De La Torre allegedly attacked Mario Hernandez, with whom she served on the San Fernando City Council, and destroyed his laptop and a picture frame during a June 28 incident, according to the complaint.
De La Torre, 41, and Hernandez, 47, took out restraining orders against each other after the incident and were ordered to stay 100 feet apart.
San Fernando City Council members and residents have criticized the pair for letting their personal lives invade City Hall and have demanded their resignations.
Hernandez – who announced the couple’s relationship during a city council meeting last fall with his wife in the audience – stepped down from his post Tuesday, hours before the council was set to meet.
"I want to apologize to the community for the inconveniences caused by my personal life," Hernandez said in a statement at the time.
Hernandez, De La Torre and Mayor Brenda Esqueda – accused of having a relationship with a police official while voting on police matters – face a recall election in the fall.
San Fernando Mayor Pro Tem Antonio Lopez said Tuesday that the pair has caused "enough damage" and it was time for the city of 23,000 to get its government in order.
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