Ohlsen responds about the council member’s decision regarding council member Loa

Palmdale, Ca.- On July 1st, 2025, where Council member Loa, representing District 2, was removed from all committees and mayoral position, he expressed surprise on social media. He alleged that the other council members were not being transparent to him and the community. Additionally, he expressed concern about the lack of due process, as he is unaware of the allegations or accusations being made against him.

When City of Palmdale Attorney Alexandra Halfman asked Mayor Richard Loa to recuse himself due to a conflict of interest, saying he was under the investigation of “confidential allegations.”

In response on July 4th, 2025 Council member Eric Ohlson released a personal statement on social media. Eric Ohlsen

Council member who represents District 4.

“I want to address recent statements circulating on social media about our last council meeting. First and foremost: Your City Council has a legal and ethical duty to act transparently, comply with the Brown Act, and protect the public interest.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the council received new, serious information during our closed session about potential misconduct by the mayor. State law requires closed-session confidentiality—but we were faced with concerns serious enough that they could not be ignored. Because this information arose after the agenda was posted, the Brown Act allows us to add an item in open session if we publicly find immediate need. That is exactly what we did:

-We made the required public finding that the need arose after posting.

-We took a 4–1 public vote to add the item.

That process is the transparency the law requires.

We also offered the mayor a chance to come into closed session to hear the concerns and respond directly. He declined that opportunity.

In open session, after the emergency item was added, the council voted to:

-Remove him from the mayoral title (which the council assigns).

-Remove committee assignments.

-Direct a formal investigation to ensure accountability.

No one was removed from elected office. The residents still have all five council members representing them.

I know this action is serious. It was not done lightly. It was done to uphold the integrity of your city government and ensure concerns are properly investigated.

If Councilmember Richard Loa wants all of his allegations and the information behind them to be made public, I will fight to help him accomplish that. Residents deserve truth, not political theater.”

Councilmember District 4 Eric Ohlsen posted on social media

Councilmembers photos: Ohlsen, Loa City of Palmdale.