Former Chula Vista City Councilmember Andrea Cardenas and her brother Jesus face a new felony charge of grand theft, accused of unlawfully claiming unemployment benefits during 2020. Defense attorney Pedro Bernal, representing Andrea, emphasized the widespread nature of unemployment claims during this period and mentioned the need to carefully examine the evidence to ascertain any potential mistakes. The charges stem from allegations that both Andrea and Jesus engaged in fraudulent activities by receiving money from the Employment Development Department while Andrea was employed at Grassroots Resources and simultaneously involved in political campaigning, further complicated by accusations of securing a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan for over $170,000 for personal and campaign expenditures.

The additional charge, which increases Andrea’s total charges to eight, was announced following her resignation from her council seat, citing mental health concerns—a decision Bernal described as difficult due to the toll recent events have taken on her. This development coincides with a period of intensified scrutiny over the integrity of public officials in Chula Vista, sparking a broader discussion among local Democratic candidates about the need for accountability and the restoration of community trust. As the city council prepares to address the vacancy left by Cardenas, the upcoming primary election and further court proceedings remain focal points for Chula Vista’s political landscape, highlighting the ongoing challenges in governance and public service.

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