L.A. County Chief Executive Officer Fesia Davenport is taking a months-long leave of absence with plans to return to the job early next year, according to emails sent to county staff this week.

Second-in-command Joe Nicchitta — the county’s chief deputy CEO and chief operating officer — will serve as acting CEO while she’s out, according to a county spokesperson and Davenport’s internal announcements.

And the CEO’s manager of strategic initiatives, Jeramy Gray, will temporarily step into the No. 2 job, according to an email from Davenport to colleagues.

Davenport internally announced her leave to her staff and county department heads via email Tuesday night, saying it would start the next day.

Why is she going on leave?

Davenport, who has been L.A. County’s CEO for five years, acknowl

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