Here's an update on a story we've been covering. Republican City Councilman Andy Quach of Westminster has pleaded uilty to misdemeanor drunk driving charges stemming from an Aug. 2 traffic accident when he crashed his Mercedes S550 into a pole knocking out power to about 300 homes. Quach did not attend the hearing.

Commissioner Thomas Rees sentenced Quach to three years of informal probation, a nine-month alcohol education program, 10 days of Caltrans community service to be completed by Feb. 2, a $390 fine and various other fees and penalties.

 

Quach did not return phone calls Wednesday.

 

The councilman expressed remorse on the very day of his arrest saying that he will take full legal and financial responsibility for his actions. He also apologized during a city council meeting. Quach has said that he does not plan to resign.

 

The Orange County District Attorney charged Quach with one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with a blood alcohol level of more than 0.08 percent and an enhancement for having a blood alcohol level over 0.20 percent while driving. Prosecutors said Quach had a blood alcohol level of 0.26 percent soon after the crash – more than three times the legal limit of 0.08 percent.

 

Quach said he was having dinner with friends at the West Coast Seafood Buffet restaurant on Beach Boulevard before the accident, which occurred just after midnight Aug. 2.

 

Mayor Margie Rice said Quach has done the right thing by owning up to his mistake. "He has a tough road ahead of him," she said. "I hope he has learned his lesson." Rice said the City Council cannot legally take any action against Quach. According to California law, only elected city officials convicted of a felony are required to step down.

 

"If people choose to or choose not to recall (Quach), that's up to them," she said.

How does the community feel? Have people been talking about a recall? WIll this affect Quach's mentor, Van Tran and his uphill race to unseat Loretta Sanchez?