Hernandez Case Could Be Dropped by April

Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Hernandez, appearing for a progress report in his drug case in Superior Court on Monday, has successfully completed a court-ordered drug and alcohol recovery program and his case could be dropped by April.

The 1st District lawmaker, who was arrested last year on charges of felony cocaine possession, said that while he has completed the court program, he still attends five to six Alcoholics Anonymous meetings per week.

“I’m dealing with it on a day-to-day basis,” Hernandez said after his court appearance. “I thank God I woke up this morning with 388 days of sobriety.”

Charles R. English, Hernandez’s attorney, said the case could not be dropped Monday since it requires a minimum of 18 months.

Superior Court Judge Dale S. Fischer said she received a letter from program officials indicating that the Los Angeles councilman had completed it with “perfect attendance.” She set an April court date to review the case.

Hernandez, who has admitted drug and alcohol addiction, was confronted by a small group of protesters at the courthouse. They tried to recall the councilman but failed to collect sufficient signatures on their petitions. On Monday, they said they will attempt to revive those efforts.