(L-R) CM Tony Ding, Mayor John Wu, CA State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, VM Denise Menchaca, CM Eric Chan, and CM Jorge Herrera Avila (Photo – Christian Brewster)
Councilmember Tony Ding and newly elected Councilmember Jorge Herrera Avila were sworn in on Dec. 17, 2024 at the San Gabriel City Hall.
By Christian Brewster
Before the two men were sworn in, the Councilmembers took their seats at the front of the room in a curved line next to the American, California, and San Gabriel flags. Lieutenant Cruz Hernandez and Sergeant Marc Garcia from the San Gabriel Police Department, who each served about 24 years, introduced themselves before proceeding with a previously announced retirement program. They shook hands with the Councilmembers, posed for photos, and said a few words thanking the Council and the City for their time spent serving.
San Gabriel Police Chief Edward Elizalde proposed expanding the police department, specifically by adding more locker room space for the growing number of women joining the police force.
A young man took to stand to caution the Council that although the San Gabriel police force has done great things for the City, many issues have yet to be addressed. He gave examples of police inaction on certain community issues. He then repeated his request that the Council take into account these problems before approving proposals like that of expanding the police department.
The proposal was approved.
Long time Councilmember John Harrington, who served for 14 years, was given time to say his goodbyes before being replaced by Herrera. Several City representatives took to the podium to say a few words before Sue Fitzsimmons, a San Gabriel resident, thanked Harrington as well, but then claimed that Herrera’s election win was “filled with deception.”
After the tense comments, the Councilmembers said a few words to Harrington before Harrington himself read out a prepared speech. He thanked the Council, the City, and those who worked beside him in City Hall.
Sasha Renée Pérez, newly elected California State Senator, read the oath of office to Tony Ding, who was re-elected, and Jorge Herrera Avila, who arrived at the meeting later, pushing through a crowd of his supporters who cheered him on as he walked to the front of the room. After he took the oath of office, Ding and Herrera accepted certificates, took pictures, and took their seats as Councilmembers.
> To watch the full meeting livestream, click here.
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