LOS ANGELES (AP) — The mayor of Lancaster is suing a neighboring city, arguing that the way Palmdale conducts its elections is keeping black and Hispanic residents off the City Council.
Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris, who grew up in the high-desert city of Palmdale, says he wants to see his old hometown begin electing officials by district rather than at large.
Parris, who also has a high school in Palmdale named after him, said Monday he has signed on as co-counsel to a lawsuit challenging the city's election process.
The action is scheduled for trial in May in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Palmdale city spokesman John Milnar did not immediately respond to a request for comment. .
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