Ex Chula Vista council member Andrea Cardenas, along with her political consultant brother Jesus, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two felony accounts of grand theft.
Both had been charged by the San Diego District Attorney with seven felonies: Conspiracy to defraud by false pretense, grand theft, conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, and failure to file tax returns. Originally, Andrea Cardenas, and her brother, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
At a Feb. 20 readiness hearing they were charged with an additional grand theft count, accused of unlawfully taking unemployment benefits from the state’s Employment Development Department sometime between April and December of 2020.
The day before the hearing Cardenas submitted her immediate resignation from the city council.
“In an effort to prioritize my mental health, and the health of my community, I have made the very difficult choice to formally resign effective immediately from my position as council member for our city’s 4th District. It has been an honor and privilege to serve my community and work alongside all of you,” she wrote in a memo.
Cardenas’ surprise resignation came a few months after prosecutors charged the Cardenas siblings with a variety of felonies related to the misuse of Paycheck Protection Program funds. Shortly after the November charges were made public some Chula Vista residents demanded Andrea Cardenas resign her post.
But the 30-something District 4 representative refused to step down, telling the public she hoped to continue serving her constituents and one day tell her side of the story. She also did not rule out running for re-election and, in fact, remains on the March 5 ballot.
In the aftermath of Andrea Cardenas’ resignation and her guilty plea, Chula Vista Mayor John McCann said it is time for the city to move on.
“My office will provide additional information to Council District 4 citizens to make sure they receive quality city services until the seat is filled,” he said. “We need to move forward together to address the many challenges and opportunities of our city.”