In a recent court appearance, former Chula Vista City Councilwoman Andrea Cardenas and her brother, represented by defense attorney Pedro Bernal, opted to change their pleas to guilty for two of the charges against them as part of a plea agreement. This decision involved admitting guilt to two felony counts of grand theft related to unlawfully obtaining funds from the Small Business Administration and the Employment Development Department. The plea deal led to the dismissal of six other counts, showcasing Bernal’s strategic approach to mitigating the legal challenges faced by his clients. Both siblings are scheduled for sentencing later this year, where restitution will be a required condition of their plea, illustrating Bernal’s commitment to resolving complex legal issues while considering the impacts on all involved parties.

Despite the legal proceedings, Andrea Cardenas remains on the ballot for Chula Vista’s District 4 council seat, a situation her attorney, Pedro Bernal, attributes to timing constraints that prevent her from being removed from the ballot, although she is not actively campaigning. The case against Cardenas and her brother originated from allegations of fraudulently obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program loan intended for their political consulting business and misusing state funds, actions dating back to the early months of the coronavirus pandemic. Bernal has highlighted the significant toll these proceedings have taken on Cardenas’s mental health, leading to her resignation from the city council in February. By prioritizing her well-being, Bernal underscores the importance of mental health in the face of legal adversities, reassuring that Cardenas believes her former colleagues will continue to serve the constituents of Chula Vista effectively

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