A tarnished image

Rocky Delgadillo's foibles have tarnished the city attorney's reputation as a clean government leader and placed his standing as Los Angeles' top prosecutor and legal adviser in jeopardy. Kerry Cavanaugh in the Daily News.

The latest reports that Delgadillo's staff baby-sat his kids and ran personal errands follow a litany of embarrassing ethical breaches that have put the prosecutor on the defensive.

Delgadillo first came under fire for having city taxpayers pick up the cost of repairing his city-owned SUV. His wife, who is not permitted to drive the vehicle, dented it. He paid the $1,222 in repairs only after the incident was reported in the press.

Political observers say Delgadillo's contention that his staff voluntarily helped him out by running errands and baby-sitting his kids does not get him out of hot water.