BELL GARDENS : Duran, Garcia Again Targeted for Recall

A new recall effort has been launched against City Council members Frank B. Duran and Rodolfo (Rudy) Garcia.

Recall proponents need the signatures of 1,400 registered voters before the issue can be placed on the ballot, city officials said.

Duran and Garcia are accused in the petition of discrimination, prejudice and racism. Recall proponents also claim that Duran is sexist and that Garcia is using the office for personal gain. The council members could not be reached for comment, but have denied similar allegations.

The accusations are nearly identical to those made during a recall effort against Duran and Garcia last spring. That effort failed when the county registrar of voters ruled that nearly half the 2,100 signatures on the petition were invalid.

According to papers filed last week at City Hall, the new recall petition is being circulated by Bell Gardens resident Mary Ann Palmer, who could not be reached for comment.

Among those who signed the papers are Frank Vasquez and Lund F. Colton, key participants in the first recall effort. The papers also were signed by Jose Macias, whose wife, Councilwoman Josefina (Josie) Macias, has clashed with Duran and Garcia on a number of issues.