Malibu Lawyer Sues Santa Monica Over Voting
Written by 991KBU on August 1, 2018
Santa Monica goes on trial today … the city of Santa Monica is defendant in a lawsuit brought by a Malibu attorney.
Kevin Shenkman is suing the city of Santa Monica over alleged voting discrimination.
His claim … minority representation on the city of Santa Monica city council is diluted … because the city does not have district voting.
This lawsuit could have an effect on Malibu.
That’s because the city of Santa Monica city charter controls election procedures the Santa Monica Malibu School District.
It’s a legal quirk … and part of the reason why Malibu education leaders so badly want to split Malibu out of the Santa Monica District.
It is not unimaginable that a federal court judge could order in Santa Monica to have its city council and school district board members elected by district.
If that were to happen … Malibu has about 1/7 of the population of Santa Monica … and one school board seat would be elected by Malibu residents.
Shenkman’s lawsuit has already triggered repercussions … as it is partly responsible for uncovering an alleged conflict of interest involving Santa Monica Malibu school board member Maria Leon Vazquez.
Her husband … Tony Vazquez … is a member of the Santa Monica city council and he has been paid as a consultant by companies that have benefited from his wife’s vote at the school board.
The LA District Attorney’s Office is investigating … according to the Los Angeles Times.
