Santa Monica Political Fight Spills Over Into SMMUSD Criminal Probe
Written by 991KBU on April 2, 2018
A nasty political fight in Santa Monica continues to affect Malibu’s school district.
Latino activists are represented by Malibu attorney Kevin Shenkman … as they seek to have the city convert to district voting for city council.
Shenkman is getting depositions from city council members … and has told the court he wants to ask questions about allegations of conflict of interest and self dealing against city councilman Tony Vazquez and his wife … school board member Maria Leon-Vazquez.
According to the Santa Monica Lookout newspaper … Shenkman now wants to depose school board member Leon-Vazquez about her repeated votes which benefited vendors who employed her husband’s consulting firm.
Prosecutors at the LA County District Attorney have launched a conflict of interest probe involving the couple.
And the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission is also investigating.
Last week … Shenkman was given permission by a court referee to extend his questioning.
Shenkman has been active in the Malibu schools independence drive.
And Maria Leon-Vazquez was the only “no” vote last month … when the Santa Monica school board approved Malibu school district independence … if … financial terms can be agreed on.
