The Chula Vista City Council will take the next step in replacing former Councilwoman Andrea Cardenas, who resigned last week amid charges of fraud. The council must first declare Cardenas' seat vacant. They have 45 days, starting from the date she resigned, Feb. 19, to appoint someone to replace her. Cardenas represented the city's 4th Council District, which covers San Diego County's second-largest city's Southwestern quadrant. Cardenas sent a memo to colleagues last week announcing her decision. "In an effort to prioritize my mental health, and the health of my community, I have made the very difficult choice to formally resign effective immediately from my position as Councilmember for our City's 4th District," she wrote. "It has been an honor and privilege to serve my community and work alongside all of you." Cardenas and her brother, Jesus Cardenas, are now each facing an additional charge of grand theft in connection with allegedly taking funds unlawfully from the state's Employment Development Department sometime between April and December of 2020, during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic. MORE: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/chula-vista-city-council-next-steps-after-resignation-of-councilwoman-andrea-cardenas/509-0f5460e8-b66f-40dd-bcff-a7f5680ec433