While Villaraigosa, 54, was fending off the media, Salinas, 35, was awaiting word of her professional fate. She has been placed on paid leave while the management at Telemundo decides whether to discipline her further for what media analysts see as a conflict of interest.
A Telemundo spokesman said the review was being conducted by "a group of qualified internal professionals." But at least one person familiar with KVEA-TV Channel 52 operations questioned whether station managers could conduct a thorough and honest investigation.
On June 8 and June 11, Salinas reported from the anchor's chair about the Villaraigosas' separation. But Salinas allegedly told managers at the time that she did not want to go on the air because she was close to the family; she has said that she was told to deliver the news anyway.
"They can't investigate themselves," said the Telemundo source. "It's a joke. It should be some people who are independent. Otherwise, they will cover themselves."
Asked to comment on whether Salinas could lose her job over their affair, Villaraigosa reiterated his support for her.
"I'll say it again. I believe that she's a consummate professional," the mayor said. "I also believe that there's a process that needs to take place. My hope and my expectation is that process will vindicate her, so she and I can move on."
Villaraigosa's strategists feel certain that interest in the scandal will diminish once Telemundo makes its decision on Salinas. Meanwhile, aides are working to limit damage to his public and political image. Villaraigosa will be making numerous appearances in the coming days to show that he is once again engaged in his job. Today, he is scheduled to hold a news conference to discuss summer jobs for youths. The rest of the week will include events on energy conservation, education and voter registration.
Villaraigosa tried to kick-start that campaign Monday by appearing with Green Dot founder Steve Barr for the announcement of the Gates foundation grant to open 10 high schools in Watts.
Then he appeared in Eagle Rock to announce an expansion of a city paving program, promising to fix 350,000 potholes in the coming year.
At the pothole news conference, Villaraigosa removed his tie, donned rubber boots and a neon-green public works vest, grabbed a rake and spread hot black tar over a divot on El Rio Avenue.
