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ANAHEIM, Calif. (May 23, 2022) — Anaheim has received a letter indicating Mayor Harry Sidhu is resigning, effective Tuesday, May 24.
“In order to continue to act in the best interest of Anaheim and allow this great city to move forward without distraction, Harry Sidhu resigns from his post as Mayor,” reads the letter from Paul Meyer, Sidhu’s attorney.
You can read the letter here.
The notification follows a formal resignation request sent May 18 by Mayor Pro Tem Trevor O’Neil.
“While we never want to see a mayor resign under these circumstances, this is the right thing for Anaheim,” O’Neil said. “Our city needs to begin the long process forward, and this is a step in the right direction.”
In the absence of Sidhu, Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil is handling the duties of mayor per Anaheim’s city charter.
The formal resignation request was also signed by Council Members Stephen Faessel and Jose Diaz.
Council Members Avelino Valencia, Jose Moreno and Gloria Ma’ae have also publicly called for Sidhu’s resignation.
The resignation request was in response to notice of a federal investigation into Sidhu stemming from independent actions he may have taken related to a proposal to sell the Angel Stadium of Anaheim site.
You can read more here.
With Sidhu stepping down, a vacancy would be addressed by the City Council in consultation with city attorney, city clerk, Anaheim’s charter and state law.
Anaheim’s charter calls for a vacancy to be filled by a Council appointment within 60 days. If the Council is unable to appoint after 60 days, a special election is required.
Given proximity to November’s election, where the mayor’s seat is set to go before voters, an election to fill the seat could be held at the same time.
The City Council is set to discuss the Angel Stadium transaction Tuesday night during its regularly scheduled meeting. Find meeting details here.
