Culver City Observer -

Local activist Mark Lipman was removed from the Advisory Committee on Housing and Homelessness due to allegation of domestic abuse at the recent City Council meeting.

Culver City Council member Goran Eriksson offered: "There was a resident in our city who wrote a complaint to staff, and we have to act. We can't ignore that. I don't think this is a petty issue. Our police department registered three complaints, and on one occasion brought Mr. Lipman to jail, but the D.A. decided not to prosecute."

Gloria Villamil, Lipman's domestic partner, told the Council, "This is a personal matter. I don't understand why [this is being brought up now.] All this happened more than a year ago." She defended Lipman, saying "We are even friends now."

"I have personally witnessed behavior [on the part of Mr. Lipman] that I feel is problematic, in regard to female staff, and this is worse than problematic," added Council member Alex Fisch, saying he would support removal.

Council member Yasmine McMorrin said "Discussing possible disciplinary action, including removal, the policy states, "Their conduct must be consistent with the obligations of public office." I was pretty alarmed by the allegations. . . Given the policy that we have, it's incredibly clear...I would support removing Mr. Lipman."

Vice Mayor Albert Vera – who was running the Council meeting at that point as Mayor Daniel Lee has to leave early – remarked "We have a duty to act on any complaints we receive from the community." He blamed himself for not acting on the matter more quickly, and agreed that anger management could help. "If he feels after completing that that he would like to reapply, we will be happy to consider," Vera added.

Eriksson made the motion, which was seconded by Fisch, to oust Lipman from the committee. The vote for dismissal was 4-0.