Councilman

Former Los Angeles City Councilmember Jose Huizar, awaiting sentencing in a sprawling criminal case, asked a judge for leniency on Thursday, saying “I lost everything.”In a letter to U.S. District Court Judge John F. Walter, Huizar apologized to his family, his former constituents and the city, saying he has paid a huge price — losing his reputation and his ability to provide for his family, harming his children’s future and their mental health.“My whole life has been turned upside down and I regret ever having departed…

Jose Huizar developed a curious habit as a Los Angeles city councilman: He would give stacks of $100 bills to his wife, mother or brother. They in turn would write him checks or pay his bills.The three of them confirmed Huizar’s suspected money laundering in testimony before a federal jury over the last week. Salvador Huizar recalled asking his younger brother why he needed the checks, telling jurors the councilman told him that it was “better for me not to know.”The poignant spectacle of three family members testifying…