Fans of the show “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” might know West Covina, California as the setting of the musical comedy series where main character Rebecca Bunch moves to reconnect with an old boyfriend. As it turns out, it is also the home of a mayor who just resigned after cops allegedly found him in a hotel room with drugs.
Officers in Costa Mesa arrived at a Holiday Inn Express on May 4 in response to a 911 call, where the female caller said, “He may have overdosed. I would say heroin,” according to the Los Angeles Times. The caller said that the person in question was unconscious. Police allegedly found West Covina Mayor Mike Spence inside a room with unspecified drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Spence was not arrested and in not facing charges at this time, but police did turn over evidence to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
A recording of the 911 call was released on Thursday, prompting Spence to announce his resignation at a city council meeting that same day.
In his resignation speech, Spence said he was sorry for “the distraction that my personal failings have had on the city.” He also tearfully apologized to his family. He expressed sympathy for those who suffer from addiction, and encouraged those who do to get help.
“I can only go one day at a time,” he said.
The role of mayor in West Covina is mainly ceremonial. Spence will reportedly remain on the City Council until his term is up in November.
The Council voted Thursday to make Spence’s resignation effective immediately, and city officials are scheduled to vote to elect a new mayor on June 5. Spence had been mayor for six months.
[Image via the City of West Covina]
