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San Francisco Arts Commission Director Resigns

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – The Cultural Arts Director of the San Francisco Arts Commission is heading out the door and leaving the job at the end of this week.

Luis Cancel has been part of a growing controversy at the Arts Commission over his frequent trips to Rio de Janeiro, where he has a second home.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee has been one of many at City Hall keeping a close eye on the department turmoil.

KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:

"I wouldn't say (an) issue, but there's a personnel change afoot," said Lee.

Cancel didn't win many friends when he decided to do some personnel housecleaning, which prompted someone to file a whistleblower complaint about his frequent trips.

Last week, the Arts Commission gave Cancel a performance evaluation and now he's submitted his resignation.

Mayor Lee said he wasn't part of the decision.

"I generally leave personnel matters to the commissioners, who appoint a director," Lee said.

KCBS has tried to contact Cancel, but he has not returned calls for comment.

The Arts Commission is expected to name an interim director next Monday.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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