The City of Anaheim and all members of Anaheim’s City Council have condemned actions documented in a federal investigation of Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu and a former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce executive.
We learned of this just as our community did ― for the first time this week ― and share the shock, dismay and frustration of many.
Here is what has happened and how Anaheim has responded:
Monday, May 16: Anaheim learns of an affidavit in a federal investigation of Sidhu; Anaheim publicly shares affidavit on city website and with major media outlets. Anaheim issues a statement of being troubled and dismayed about what is described and that the actions were outside the city’s knowledge and process on the Angel Stadium of Anaheim site. You can read more here.
Monday, May 16-ongoing: Anaheim shares information and comments with TV news, newspapers, online publications and other media.
Tuesday, May 17: Anaheim learns of federal charges against former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce executive Todd Ament.
Tuesday, May 17: Anaheim City Council holds regularly scheduled meeting with Mayor Sidhu absent; Council Members Avelino Valencia and Jose F. Moreno call for Sidhu resignation, Mayor Pro Tem Trevor O’Neil and Council Members Jose Diaz, Gloria Ma’ae and Stephen Faessel express serious concerns.
Wednesday, May 18: Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil and Council Members Faessel and Diaz issue a formal request for the mayor’s resignation to Sidhu’s lawyer. “The deeply troubling issues that have come to our attention involving Mayor Sidhu since May 16, 2022, raise serious concerns and questions about his ability to continue as mayor of Anaheim,” the letter reads. “I and my City Council colleagues now must seek to support the continuity of municipal government, uphold the public trust and continue with the business of the City of Anaheim without the distraction and uncertainty created by the federal investigation involving Mayor Sidhu.” The city is awaiting response to the letter. You can read more here.
Wednesday, May 18: In a separate statement Council Member Gloria Ma’ae calls for Mayor Sidhu’s resignation.
In the days ahead, Anaheim will continue to work administratively and with City Council members to address this difficult moment and move forward in the best interest of our City.
Residents, businesses and visitors should have no concerns about the City’s commitment to serving our community. Police, fire, utilities, Community Services, Public Works, Planning and all parts of the City continue their work as usual.