As campaigning enters the home stretch, David Kartsonis, a candidate for the District 1 seat on the Torrance City Council, posted a video over the weekend stating that incumbent Jon Kaji is being investigated by the Fair Political Practices Commission and FBI for alleged conflict of interest.
“If you live in District 1 and can vote, please do so,” said Kartsonis. “We unfortunately have low-turnout elections, and it is MUCH easier in Torrance to not re-elect a corrupt councilmember than it is to recall one.
“North Torrance residents who have filed complaints with the Fair Political Practices Commission have been notified that their complaints are being bundled into the case initiated by the FBI.
“Councilmember Kaji had a large financial relationship with Crown Castle and ALSO put himself in a position to be involved in city decisions regarding their interests. This is illegal.
“What happens now? Well, the Fair Political Practices Commission is notoriously slow in their investigations, so it may be a bit before we hear an outcome and any penalties or additional criminal charges. Depending on the outcome, there could be a large fine assessed to Councilmember Kaji and potentially further legal actions up to imprisonment.
“Oddly enough, this is not one of the violations that leads to an automatic removal from office. The Fair Political Practices Commission leaves that to the voters to recall or just NOT re-elect the official. As I said earlier, it is extremely difficult to recall a councilmember in Torrance. The ONLY time Torrance councilmembers were recalled was in 1941 when our population was 10,000 and about 2,000 people voted. Please get out and vote.
“This is an active investigation and everyone is innocent until proven guilty. However, the financial documents are available on the Torrance website.”
Kaji responded, “David Kartsonis’ last-minute, desperate and scurrilous campaign attack has no basis in fact. It has been addressed and dismissed in 2023!
“I have worked hard over the past four years. bringing resources to North Torrance and building a strong future for our city. David Kartsonis chooses to take the ‘low road’ of campaign politics because he can’t articulate why he should be elected to the City Council.
“His campaign for the last two weeks has focused on using kernels of the truth and exaggerate or reframe attacks in a deceitful context about my record, baseless FPPC complaints and where I live.
“David, I’m choosing not to insult you. I’m describing you and your campaign.
“Over the past three months, walking door-to-door, talking to thousands of neighbors and families of North Torrance, not once have David Kartsonis’ accusations been raised. Why? Because they are not important to voters.
“North Torrance voters will base their decisions on how to grow our local economy, bring good jobs to our city, help businesses succeed, and ensure neighborhoods are safe. Sadly, David Kartsonis has forgotten what’s important to voters.
“My campaign is about delivering real results and working to make things better for North Torrance. From public safety to preserving our neighborhoods and improving the quality of life, I will always work hard for our community. As councilman, I’m ready to continue the work.”
“Most FPPC complaints die at intake — wrong target, unreachable respondent, pick a technicality,” said Morohoshi. “Ours didn’t. The commission declined to reject it. Instead … they folded it into open Case No. 2026-00239, an active matter that began as an FBI complaint … Merit established, next stage engaged.” Morohoshi stressed that the case is still active.
The election for mayor, three City Council seats, city clerk and city treasurer will be held on June 2.