Why LA Councilmember Imelda Padilla Is Facing a Recall

Five San Fernando Valley residents last week moved forward with an effort to recall Los Angeles City Councilwoman Imelda Padilla for what they described as a “pattern of behavior and decisions that have failed to represent the best interest of our community.”

On Tuesday, residents James Adrian Stein, Steven Leffert, Gwendolyn Flynn, Stephen Fredreick Smith and Karen Schatz filed a notice of intent to recall with the City Clerk’s Office. The document is intended to inform the councilwoman that recall proceedings are about to begin.

The group of residents — who reside in Padilla’s Sixth Council District — alleged the councilwoman has failed to be transparent and accountable to her constituents, and has disregarded community input and stakeholder voices.

“Our community deserves ethical, responsive, and committed leadership. The recall of Council member Padilla is not just about one vote or one issue — it is about restoring trust and ensuring our council truly reflects and serves the will of the people,” according to paperwork filed with the city.

A representative for Padilla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Padilla represents the Sixth Council District, encompassing east San Fernando Valley communities such as Sun Valley, Van Nuys, Panorama City, Arleta, Lake Balboa, among others.

The notice of intent is the first step of a long process before any action can be taken on the matter.

The paperwork is expected to be served to the elected official, who can then prepare an answer or respond. Circulation of recall petitions can begin 28 days after service of the Notice of Intent on the elected official, if the petition has been approved by the City Clerk.

The group would then have 120 days to secure enough signatures for their petition to recall. After the petition is filed, the City Clerk would then examine and verify signatures. If enough signatures are found to be sufficient, the City Clerk would present the findings to the City Council for further action.

Under the city’s regulations, a recall petition requires valid signatures by registered voters equal in number to at least 15% of the registered voters eligible to vote for the office. With about more than 118,000 registered voters in the Sixth Council District, proponents of the recall would be required to collect roughly 17,700 signatures.