UPDATE: A recall effort against L.A. Councilmember Imelda Padilla is officially underway, following approval from the Los Angeles City Clerk’s Office. Organizers now have until February 18, 2026, to gather 18,509 valid signatures—15% of registered voters in Council District 6—to trigger a special election.
The petition was submitted on November 10 and approved for circulation just two days later. This urgent move follows mounting frustration among residents over controversial housing developments in the San Fernando Valley, specifically in Sun Valley and Lake Balboa. Advocates argue the councilmember has failed to adequately represent community interests.
The recall effort began on September 23, led by five local residents: James Adrian Stein, Steven Leffert, Gwendolyn Flynn, Stephen Fredreick Smith, and Karen Schatz. They claim Padilla’s decisions reflect a “pattern of behavior” detrimental to the community, citing allegations of corruption and a lack of transparency.
In their statement, they stressed, “Our community deserves ethical, responsive, and committed leadership.” They view this recall as essential to restoring trust and ensuring their council genuinely represents the public’s will.
Padilla has vehemently denied these allegations, stating she has been “focused, determined and dedicated” to improving the quality of life in her district. In a response issued on November 12, she expressed being “saddened, appalled, and offended” by the claims, emphasizing her commitment to tackling issues like homelessness and public safety.
The recall movement is fueled by discontent over two proposed housing projects: a 208-bed tiny home village in Sun Valley and a 194-unit affordable housing development in Lake Balboa, both facing significant community opposition. Residents argue these developments threaten their neighborhoods and have been pushed through without adequate community input.
In Sun Valley, critics of the tiny home village argue it could worsen safety and sanitation issues while compromising transit access. Padilla’s office hosted a community meeting in response to protests earlier this year, and she recently introduced a motion aimed at improving safety and access around the Metrolink station area.
Meanwhile, in Lake Balboa, residents are concerned about safety near Birmingham Community Charter High School due to the proposed affordable housing development. Frustration erupted at a recent neighborhood meeting, where attendees felt excluded from the decision-making process.
Padilla asserts her office has facilitated communication between developers and community stakeholders but acknowledges the dissatisfaction among residents. She remains committed to ensuring safety and quality of life for all constituents, stating, “That is priority number one and nothing will distract us from that critical work.”
As this recall effort gains momentum, officials will be closely monitoring the signature-gathering process. If successful, the City Council will be required to call a special election within 20 days of verifying the signatures, where voters will decide Padilla’s fate.
This developing story highlights the growing tensions between local government and community interests in Los Angeles, with significant implications for the future of housing and governance in the area. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds.
