In a recent development that has stirred Chula Vista’s political scene, former City Councilwoman Andrea Cardenas and her brother faced an additional felony charge, increasing the total to eight for Andrea and six for Jesus, related to allegations of fraud. This charge was announced shortly after Andrea’s resignation from the Chula Vista City Council, a move that has left the city in a precarious situation amid the pending state primary election. Defense attorney Pedro Bernal, representing the Cardenases, expressed disappointment as attempts to negotiate with the district attorney’s office did not yield the hoped-for results. The new charge involves accusations of unlawfully taking money from California’s Employment Development Department by applying for unemployment insurance payments in 2020, despite allegations of both siblings working at the time.
The situation complicates not only the legal standing of the Cardenases but also the upcoming electoral process in Chula Vista. Despite not actively campaigning, Andrea Cardenas remains on the ballot for re-election, a scenario that Mayor John McCann described as “awkward,” given the timing does not allow for her name to be removed. With voters set to choose new council members soon, the possibility of Andrea being re-elected poses a unique challenge. Pedro Bernal, meanwhile, remains focused on negotiating a favorable outcome for his clients before their next court hearing, with Andrea potentially facing six years in prison if convicted on all charges, and Jesus facing five years for his charges. The unfolding events leave Chula Vista’s leadership and its constituents navigating an uncertain political landscape.
For more details, visit NBC San Diego.