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Montebello council appoints Danielle Romero to fill District 4 vacancy after contested public interviews
Summary
After public interviews and more than an hour of public comment, the City Council appointed Danielle Romero to the District 4 seat by a 3–1 vote. The appointment followed a process that drew extensive public testimony and debate over precedent and fairness.
The Montebello City Council appointed Danielle Romero to fill a vacancy in District 4 on Feb. 19 after conducting public interviews and receiving more than an hour of public comment that included endorsements and objections.
Background and process: The vacancy resulted from a resignation on Jan. 28, 2025. City staff said the council could either call a special election or make an appointment; the council had previously voted to fill the seat by appointment. The city received eight applications; staff reported four qualified applicants after a deadline review. Those four qualified applicants were, as read into the record by staff: Danielle Romero, Joshua Ulloa, Joella Valdez and Rafael Gutierrez.
Interview and public comment: Each candidate was given time to make a statement and to answer a set of four council-selected questions. The council allowed public comment after the candidates were identified; more than a dozen speakers addressed the dais. Several public speakers—including veterans and local service‑club leaders—endorsed Romero for her veteran service and community involvement. Delia Delgado, a longtime resident, told the council: "Danielle Romero possesses these qualities" of leadership and community experience and urged her appointment.
Nominations and council vote: The mayor nominated Joella Valdez; council member Peralta nominated Danielle Romero. Council member Alonso and Mayor Pro Tem Tamayo expressed they preferred Romero. The council proceeded by soliciting each member’s preference between the two nominated candidates. The final vote was Danielle Romero 3, Joella Valdez 1 (Mayor Melendez favored Valdez). With that majority the council confirmed Romero to fill the District 4 seat.
Officials’ remarks and next steps: City staff said Romero would be sworn in at the conclusion of the meeting; Councilmember Romero (sworn in that evening) recited the oath and said she would prioritize public parks, support for veterans and economic development for the district. Romero told the council she favored expanding MCAP and services for people experiencing homelessness and said she would focus on business attraction and park investment.
Ending: Romero’s appointment takes effect immediately following her swearing-in; staff will integrate the new councilmember into upcoming agenda briefings and committee assignments.
