Councilmember Ivalis Meza Gonzalez censured after DWI arrest

• However, Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones suspended Meza Gonzalez's committee assignments last week, temporarily removing her influence from the council's key policy-making process.

The latest: New county records made public this week show Meza Gonzalez had a blood alcohol content of at least 0.15, more than double the legal limit, when she was arrested, per KSAT.

• That means she now faces an elevated charge of a Class A misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of one year in jail and/or a $4,000 fine, per the SA Report.

Driving the news: Eight councilmembers voted in favor of the censure. District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo recused herself, and District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran was absent.

• "We cannot normalize allegations of drinking and driving," Leo Castillo-Anguiano of District 2 said.

Catch up quick: The mayor and council's actions come after police arrested Meza Gonzalez on July 24. Police released body camera footage that shows an officer pulled her over on Interstate 10 after the councilmember was seen swerving between lanes.

• Meza Gonzalez denied having any alcohol that night. The video shows she did not follow directions for a sobriety test.

Context: Meza Gonzalez, who was elected to represent the Northwest Side in June and in the past served as chief of staff to former Mayor Ron Nirenberg, is the third city councilmember to be arrested for DWI in about as many years.

What they're saying: In a statement before the vote, Meza Gonzalez said she would not step back from her duty.

• "I have been clear in my commitment to take full accountability for my actions, and I will respect the decision of my colleagues on today's vote," she said.
• "To the residents in District 8, I am deeply sorry for any disappointment this may have caused."