LATIMES Allegedly Preparing Story Involving South Gate Politician

During this past Tuesday’s South Gate City Council meeting, Vice-Mayor Henry Gonzalez told councilmembers and those present, that he had recently been interviewed by a reporter from the Los Angeles Times for what seemed like an in depth article.  

“I don’t know what he is going to write,” confessed Gonzalez. “I really don’t.”  

This would not be the first time that Gonzalez has been quoted or featured in California’s largest newspaper.  

After all, the veteran politician has been through a lot of hurdles in his political career. From being the first Hispanic Mayor in South Gate in the 1980’s to being one of the two councilmembers in the early 2000s, that fought the majority associated with the currently imprisoned former city treasurer, Albert Robles.   

However, during the Council Meeting, Gonzalez did mention some of the topics that he had discussed with the reporter. Allowing him to speculate as to what the article could touch upon.  

“He asked me quite a few questions in reference to the shooting,” said Gonzalez.  

While serving as South Gate Mayor, Gonzalez was shot in the head outside his home in 1999. The crime remains unsolved to this day, and Gonzalez has never pointed any fingers.  

“I am very careful individual, and I never say anything unless I have documentation,” affirmed Gonzalez in an interview with Patch in June 2012.  

According to Gonzalez, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) was the agency in charge of the investigation.  However, Gonzalez made a public request during the meeting to South Gate Police Department (SGPD) to revisit the matter.  

“I would like you to see if you can re-open it,” said Gonzalez to Chief of Police Randy Davis, of the SGPD.  

Gonzalez admitted at the meeting that the reality surrounding this violent experience was not particularly easy for him.  

“Am I concerned about it? I turn my back now then,” said Gonzalez. “Turn around to see whose behind me.”  

That being said, Gonzalez concluded his open statement by reiterating that all he wanted to do was notify residents about this prospective article.  

“It will be interesting to see what he writes and how he writes it,” said Gonzalez in reference to the Los Angeles Times reporter, who was not identified.