Azusa : Naranjo May Quit Panel

Councilman Anthony Naranjo said he has tentatively decided to step down as chairman of the city’s Drug and Gang Task Force and as City Council liaison with the Police Department, following a shouting match this week with another councilman over Naranjo’s police record.

Councilman Stephen Alexander on Monday proposed an ordinance that would prevent anyone convicted of impersonating a police officer--or of any misdemeanor or felony--from participating in police ride-alongs, an integral part of the liaison job.

In 1986, Naranjo, working as a bail bond investigator, was arrested in West Covina for impersonating a police officer. He later pleaded no contest and was fined $150 and given six months’ summary probation. He publicly disclosed his record during his 1988 City Council campaign.

Naranjo said Tuesday his decision is not final: “I have received many phone calls from the community urging me to stay. I’ll make my decision by the end of the week.”