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Council approves Douglas Ring to CRA after heated ethics debate
Summary
The council confirmed Douglas Ring to the Community Redevelopment Agency board despite objections about spousal ties to a council member and questions raised by the city ethics commission. The nomination passed by roll call after extended debate and public comment alleging cronyism.
The Los Angeles City Council confirmed Douglas Ring to the Community Redevelopment Agency board on Dec. 14 after a contested public and council debate.
Public commenter Gordon Riley of the Woodland Hills and San Fernando Valley Federation urged the council to deny the nomination, calling the appointment an example of cronyism because Ring is married to a sitting council member and arguing that the appointment would effectively remove a district's voice on CRA matters.
Rebecca Avia of the City Ethics Commission explained the office’s process: nominees file a financial disclosure statement, which the commission reviews; the commission issues standard letters noting either no apparent conflicts or highlighting potential conflicts so nominees may seek city‑attorney guidance. Avia said the commission’s letter to the council reflected what Ring reported in his disclosure.
Ring told the council he had provided clarifying information to the ethics commission and to the city attorney’s office and said he believed nothing in his holdings would require recusal from CRA matters. He confirmed ownership of an apartment complex in the San Fernando Valley and his personal home, but said those properties are outside CRA jurisdiction.
Several council members opposed the appointment on the basis of appearance and representation: critics said the appointment left no commissioner residing south of the 10 Freeway and expressed concern about the mayor’s pattern of nominations. Supporters cited Ring’s public‑service record — including work on the library commission, homeless services and a housing blue‑ribbon panel — and argued his expertise in real estate and homelessness issues made him qualified for the post. After motions and a roll call, the nomination was approved with nine yes votes and three no votes.
Next steps: Ring will be sent forward for formal confirmation and is expected to assume CRA board duties consistent with disclosed financial constraints; the council recorded the ethics review and members urged recusal where conflicts might arise.
