Sometime after Harry Sidhu was elected in 2018, local business leaders gathered for a meet-and-greet with the new mayor at the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce.
Now federal investigators are alleging that a self-described “cabal” of business and political leaders held secret retreats and exerted “significant influence” over how the city is run, bypassing the public process.that outlined allegations of fraud relating to the purchase of a helicopter, and also bribery, obstruction of justice and witness tampering in connection with the city’s deal to sell Angel Stadium to SRB Management, Angels owner Arte Moreno’s business partnership.
These alleged cozy relationships and behind-the-scenes influence have led to one arrest so far, they may have helped get the last city manager booted from his job, and they could spell the end of the mayor’s political career and cause the unraveling of the city’s biggest real estate deal ever – the sale of the 150-acre Angel Stadium property for $320 million.
“Consultant: Right, that’s my point, I think, like for example, at the retreat, I want to have a topic being, how much do we trust [Elected Official 5]? How much do we trust [Elected Official 2]? I don’t have any doubt about [Elected Official 7]. I’m not advocating that we invite him, I’m just saying I don’t think we need to worry about him. I think ideologically he is a true believer.”
Valencia said he “didn’t think it was right and didn’t want to be a part of it,” and the ringleaders didn’t include him because they knew he’d push back. Asked about Ament and Flint’s involvement in city issues, former city manager Chris Zapata said, “Ultimately, they were the real shot callers in Anaheim.”In an emailed statement, Flint said, “I have no hesitation in saying that I firmly believe I did nothing wrong nor illegal.” He added that it’s painful to think the allegations being made might harm his company, and he’s taking a leave of absence as CEO of FSB Public Affairs.
, according to court filings in Ament’s case. Melahat Rafiei, a Democratic leader and cannabis consultant in Orange County, on Thursday identified herself to the Register as the person being investigated in that case.