SAN DIEGO – The city suspended its acting mayor and a council member after the men were convicted of taking cash from a strip club owner in exchange for repealing a "no touch" ordinance.
Michael Zucchet was found guilty of conspiracy, extortion and fraud on his first working day as interim mayor yesterday. Ralph Inzunza was found guilty of the same charges. They were immediately suspended by City Attorney Michael Aguirre.
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According to U.S. Attorney Carol Lam, Inzunza and Zucchet had agreed to take money to assist Lance Malone, a representative for strip club owner Michael Galardi, to repeal the "no touch" provision of the San Diego Adult Entertainment Ordinance.
The ordinance restricts nude dancers from coming within six feet of patrons.
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The now-defunct Citizens for Community Values – San Diego spearheaded the effort to get the ordinance enforced by the San Diego Police Department.
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The law generally was considered by strip club owners and the adult entertainment industry to be a nuisance, depriving their clubs and workers of tips and extra income.
Aguirre said the "clear and unambiguous provisions" of the state code requires the council members suspension, because they were found guilty of felony charges.
Suspension, according to Aguire, includes losing compensation, benefits rights and the exercise of powers of office and the rights to be seated in office.
San Diego already is reeling from a federal investigation of its city employee pension fund. With Mayor Dick Murphy's resignation several months ago, most observers agree these convictions will further destabilize the city government.
