LOS ANGELES — Politicians, religious leaders, activists and everyday Angelenos directed their fury at the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday, telling elected leaders about the rage and sadness they felt over a recording in which Council member Nury Martinez is heard making racist remarks and denigrating colleagues.
Martinez was not in the room, announcing shortly before the meeting that she was taking a leave of absence. She stepped down as council president a day earlier.
In the packed council chamber, audience members made clear that they viewed both of those steps as insufficient. Many said the meeting should not take place until Martinez and fellow Council members Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo resigned. All three can be heard on the recording, which was first reported Sunday by the Los Angeles Times.
