Officials deny developer's bribery allegations in Temple City

In Temple City, there has long been much debate -- angry debate -- over the proposed Piazza mall, a mixed-use condo-retail project on Las Tunas Drive at Rosemead Boulevard. The developer is suing the city, and now is making startling -- but strongly denied -- allegations against city officials. From the Star-News:

The developer of the long-delayed Piazza mall project has accused the mayor and two council members of demanding cash and a condominium in return for cooperation on the project.

Developer Randy Wang, who is in litigation with the city over the delayed project, accused Mayor Cath Wilson and council members David Capra and Judy Wong of soliciting bribes from him. Wang also implied indirect involvement by a fourth council member, Kenneth Gillanders.

Wong denied any wrongdoing. Wilson and Capra did not return calls Wednesday or Thursday. But at the council's most recent meeting, all four council members named by Wang, including Wilson, made blanket denials that they asked for money or favors from Wang.

"I want my name cleared," Capra said at the meeting. "The allegations are false." Gillanders called Wang's claims the "craziest combination of allegations I've ever seen."

-- Shelby Grad