Letter to the Editor: Redondo Beach city council member charged with ethical misconduct

Hello 2urbangirls,

I enjoy your coverage of local newsworthy issues and events and I thank you. I’ve attached some information of interest to our Redondo Beach community.

1. Council Member Zein Obagi Jr., in March of last year (before he ran for office), was found to have violated several ethical rules of conduct for attorneys.  These were serious violations of former client trust.  The Judge’s statement of decision is attached.
2. The judgment in above case also attached showing damages and attorney fees awarded.
3. Last week, the California State Bar charged Obagi with seven counts of ethical misconduct including intentional misappropriation–a crime of moral turpitude.  The State Bar charges are attached.

Many Redondo Beach citizens are concerned because this man has access and influence over City funds, projects and planning.   A few spoke at this week’s City Council meeting (during public participation), calling for his resignation based on the judgment which “proved” he violated common ethics laws.  At that meeting, Obagi issued a “blue folder item” – a statement which essentially blames his malpractice attorney for doing a bad job.

I hope you find this story important for your readers to be aware of.

Thank you.

Your new friend in Redondo Beach