Live: L.A. City Council meets after racist audio leak

Tensions could come to a head this morning when the Los Angeles City Council holds its first meeting since a leaked recording was released in which Council President Nury Martinez was heard making racist remarks and denigrating other politicians.

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LA council members made racist comments in leaked audio files. Read our full coverage

Council members Nury Martinez, Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo’s conversation with union leader Ron Herrera quickly became a new and hot topic in the November 8 election.

Calls for the resignation of Martinez and fellow city council members Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo continued on Monday as the aftermath of the inflammatory leaked talk rippled through the city. Just before the meeting, Martinez announced that she was taking “a leave of absence” from the council.

City Council President Pro Tem Mitch O’Farrell will serve as Acting President at today’s meeting.

It’s unclear what will happen. The council does not have the power to suspend Martinez, De León and Cedillo.

The city charter includes a provision that gives the council the power to suspend an elected officer only if he is awaiting trial in a criminal case, as was the case with former councilor Jose Huizar and suspended councilor Mark Ridley-Thomas.

It is possible that the council could move to censure the three members, although such a move would be largely symbolic.

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