L.A. Council gives Tony Cardenas emotional send-off

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Los Angeles Councilman Tony Cardenas, who was elected to Congress last month, got an emotional send-off at City Hall on Friday, his last day on the council.

Members of Cardenas’ large family looked on as community members, state and local officials, city staffers and members of the City Council paid tribute to Cardenas in videos and speeches that made references to his devotion to his East San Fernando Valley constituents, his work to steer youths away from gangs, and his efforts to create jobs and stick up for animals.

Much was made of Cardenas’ tendency to tear up when talking about issues important to him -- Council President Herb Wesson playfully threatened to shut off Cardenas’ microphone if he started to cry during his final remarks as a councilman.

Cardenas had been considered an underdog when he won an Assembly seat in 1996. But he was heavily favored when he launched his successful campaign for a new congressional seat drawn to reflect the area’s surging Latino population. He will be sworn in to the 29th congressional district seat Jan. 3.

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-- Jean Merl