Statement Regarding Council Member Ben Yu

The February 19 arrest of Second District Council Member Ben Yu stems from his personal life. It was in no way related to City business. The City of Lake Forest strongly condemns any form of abuse.

The incident was independently handled by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The City has no information or insight into his arrest beyond the published reports.

Council Member Yu will continue to be eligible to serve on the City Council throughout the resolution of any proceedings related to the allegations.

The City’s Censure Policy has been in place since 2018. The policy takes due process into consideration and states:

“If a member of the City Council is found guilty or liability by any court of law, enforcement agency, administrative hearing officer, or public agency investigation, of violating a Law or Regulation, as that term is defined in this policy, he or she may also be subject to potential censure to the procedures of this Censure Policy.”

State law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony from holding elected office. Anyone found guilty of a misdemeanor may continue to serve on the City Council.

We recognize this incident has drawn unfavorable attention to Lake Forest. We pledge to continue to focus on our top priority, serving our constituents by providing the best municipal services possible.

Thank you,

Mayor Mark Tettemer