Embattled Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de León sat by himself in the council horseshoe Dec. 13, talking to staff and mulling over his options after he made his second consecutive appearance at a council meeting despite protesters and some of his colleagues making it known that he was unwelcome.
Tuesday’s council meeting devolved into chaos when de León walked into the chamber in the middle of a vote, slipping in quietly as he did last Friday. Like on Friday, he eventually left the chamber but remained in the building, allowing him to vote on items.
The council voted Tuesday to ratify new Mayor Karen Bass’ declaration of a state of emergency on homelessness—on which de León voted “yes” as part of a 13–0 vote. Upon seeing the councilman’s vote next to his name on the screen in the chamber, audience members were furious, shouting “shame” and “you lied!” Some began slapping the benches….