Los Angeles City Council ejects a few protesters at start of meeting

Fewer than 10 protesters demanding that Councilmen Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo resign before the city conducts its business were removed from the Los Angeles City Council meeting Wednesday, as Council President Paul Krekorian again moved quickly to eject a few people who began shouting as the meeting began.

On Tuesday, Krekorian ejected around 20 protesters after several quick warnings. Protesters have attempted to disrupt City Council meetings since the City Hall racism scandal broke, but the number of people has dwindled this week. Neither de León nor Cedillo were present Wednesday, and neither has attended a meeting in weeks.

“As the shouting continues in the back of the room and the council meeting continues to be disrupted, I’m going to say this for everyone else who’s waiting in the audience: There will be no disruptions of this council. Any shouting, any noise that actually disrupts this meeting will make you subject to removal,” Krekorian said Wednesday.

Krekorian this week has cited Council Rule 12, which states in part that “no person in the audience at a Council or Committee meeting shall engage in conduct that disrupts the orderly conduct of any Council or Committee meeting.” Krekorian, in his third week as council president, had not cited the rule by name during previous protests.

Only a few members of the public remained in the chamber following the protesters’ removal. Krekorian had previously allowed a couple of dozen protesters to chant, shout and slap benches while the council members continued with the meeting, with council members wearing earphones to hear.

Wednesday’s agenda included consideration of an ordinance to hold a special election to fill the Sixth District seat formerly occupied by Nury Martinez — who resigned last month for her role in the scandal — and requesting a report clarifying the definition of provisions in the City Charter regarding vacancies in office.

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