The Huntington Park City Council appointed a civil service commissioner to fill the vacant council seat of Esmeralda Castillo, who was removed due to residency violations. This decision followed a court stay that allowed the council to proceed amidst Castillo's ongoing legal challenges against the city for her removal. Castillo's attorney warned that this appointment was made against judicial advice, pointing to potential due process violations. Despite Castillo's claims, city officials maintain that their actions align with legal requirements for residency among council members and followed an investigation supporting their decision.
Judge Barbara A. Meiers of the Los Angeles County Superior Court directly and unequivocally cautioned the City Council not to appoint a replacement and if they did so, it would be 'at their own peril.'
Huntington Park officials said they're committed to due process and transparency. They also say they respect Castillo's right to seek judicial review of the council's decision.
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