On March 3, Santa Monica City Councilmember Oscar de la Torre filed a lawsuit against the City of Santa Monica in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The lawsuit seeks an injunction against the City of barring him from taking part in discussion and voting on action relating to a voting rights case brought against the City by his wife.

A Councilmember is suing Santa Monica over a conflict of interest decision relating to a voting rights case brought against the City by his wife.

Interestingly, suing the City where he is a council member also puts Torres in a conflict of interest position. The City Council makes ultimate decisions over the conduct and resolution of litigation, with the advice of the City Attorney’s office.