Recall Petition Against Padilla Begins

The recall petition against Padilla has officially received approval, allowing organizers to collect the necessary signatures for a special election. On November 12, 2025, the City Clerk’s Office approved the petition, giving organizers until February 18, 2026, to gather 18,509 valid signatures, representing 15% of the registered voters in District 6.

Recall Petition Against Padilla and Its Requirements

The petition was presented to the City Clerk on November 10 and was approved for circulation. Organizers have until February 18, 2026, to collect the required signatures. Once the signatures are collected and verified, the petition will be submitted to the Los Angeles City Council. The Council must then call for a special election within 20 days. Voters will decide whether to recall Padilla and elect a replacement.

The recall initiative started on September 23, 2025, when five San Fernando Valley residents filed a notice of intent with the City Clerk’s Office. The proponents of the recall—James Adrian Stein, Steven Leffert, Gwendolyn Flynn, Stephen Fredreick Smith, and Karen Schatz—are all residents of Council District 6, covering areas such as Sun Valley, Van Nuys, Panorama City, Arleta, and Lake Balboa.

Reasons for the Recall Effort

The recall petition against Padilla is closely tied to dissatisfaction with two housing development proposals in Sun Valley and Lake Balboa. Some residents argue that these developments are being pushed without sufficient community involvement. In Sun Valley, a proposal for a 208-bed tiny home village to house the homeless has raised concerns over transit access, safety, and sanitation. In Lake Balboa, residents oppose a 194-unit affordable housing development planned near a school. They argue that it threatens school safety, increases traffic congestion, and lacks transparency during the approval process.

The proponents of the recall accuse Padilla of actions and decisions that have not served the community’s best interests. They claim corruption, mismanagement of public funds, abuse of power, and lack of transparency. They also criticize her for disregarding public input.

“The community deserves leaders who are ethical, responsive, and committed to their needs,” the petitioners wrote. “This recall is about restoring trust and ensuring the council reflects the people’s will.”

Padilla has denied the accusations, calling them false. In her response to the recall petition, she said she remains “focused, determined, and fully committed” to improving life in Council District 6. Padilla expressed being “saddened, appalled, and offended” by the claims. She highlighted her work on homelessness, park upgrades, public safety, and community outreach as proof of her dedication to the district’s improvement.

The Housing Debate in Sun Valley and Lake Balboa

The recall petition against Padilla has grown as a focal point in the ongoing debate over housing developments in Sun Valley and Lake Balboa. In Sun Valley, those opposing the tiny home village at the Metrolink station argue it will limit transit access and worsen safety and sanitation. They also claim Padilla’s office failed to provide enough outreach to the community before moving forward with the project.

Following protests in July, Padilla’s office arranged a community meeting about the project. In September, she introduced a motion to improve safety, lighting, and access around the Metrolink station. The City Council approved the motion on September 3, instructing city departments to report back with a work plan and cost estimate within 45 days.

In Lake Balboa, residents have expressed opposition to an affordable housing project planned near Birmingham Community Charter High School. They have concerns about school safety, increased traffic, and the lack of transparency during the approval process. At a June Neighborhood Watch meeting, residents voiced frustration, saying they felt left out of the planning process. Padilla defended the project as part of Mayor Karen Bass’ broader housing expansion plan, under Executive Directive 1.

Padilla’s office also arranged a meeting between the developer and the principal of Birmingham Community Charter High School. However, many residents felt excluded from similar opportunities for direct dialogue.

Looking Ahead: Special Election on the Horizon

If the recall petition successfully gathers enough signatures, it will be submitted to the City Council. The Council will then have 20 days to call a special election. Voters in Council District 6 will decide whether to remove Imelda Padilla from office and select a replacement.

While Padilla has emphasized her continued dedication to improving the district, the recall petition reflects significant community division over housing projects and her handling of them. With the deadline for gathering signatures approaching in February 2026, it remains uncertain whether the recall will lead to a special election.