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Oxnard council selects Gabe Turan as mayor pro tem for one-year term in 5-2 vote; committee structure debated
Summary
The newly seated Oxnard City Council voted 5-2 on Dec. 11 to appoint Council member Gabe Turan as mayor pro tem for a one-year term. The meeting also included substantive discussion about whether to retain the council committee structure and preliminary preferences for committee assignments.
The Oxnard City Council on Dec. 11 voted 5-2 to appoint Council member Gabe Turan as mayor pro tem for a one‑year term.
The motion to appoint Turan was made by Councilwoman Lily Basuah and seconded by Council member Bert Perillo, according to the clerk’s summary. A roll‑call vote recorded the following positions: Mayor Luis McArthur — no; Council member Bert Perillo — yes; Council member Mikayla Perez — yes; Council member Gabriela Rodriguez — yes; Council member Aaron Starr — no; Council member Gabe Turan — yes; Council member Lily Basuah — yes. The tally was five votes in favor, two opposed; the council clerk recorded the motion as carried.
The mayor pro tem serves in the mayor’s absence and often represents the city in intergovernmental settings. Mayor McArthur had proposed a one‑year term length to be revisited next year; the council recorded the one‑year term in the motion and the appointment reflects that timeframe.
Public commenters and several council members framed the appointment amid competing views on leadership style and continuity. Ronnie Miranda urged the council to select a “mayor pro tem that will be able to step up and take bold and progressive action,” adding, “Gabe always shows up. I see him at all kind every city event that you can imagine, there he is.” Ronald Arguello, speaking on behalf of the Planning Commission, recommended Turan to represent the council in committee leadership and civic forums: “I greatly recommend and encourage you all to vote for Gabe Turan as Oxnard's Mayor Pro Tem.”
Other public speakers and council members discussed the role and format of council committees. Council member Aaron Starr had requested a discussion about eliminating the existing standing committees (Finance & Governance; Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Development; Public Works & Transportation). Several council members and staff opposed wholesale elimination and instead urged a review of assignments; staff recommended the mayor continue to serve on all committees to keep the mayor informed. The council agreed to continue the committee‑assignment conversation and to bring formal committee appointments to the Jan. 7, 2025 meeting.
Council members expressed different committee preferences at the Dec. 11 discussion. Council member Starr signaled interest in Finance & Governance, citing financial experience; Mayor Pro Tem Turan and Councilwoman Lily Basuah said they preferred to remain on the Finance & Governance panel. Council members also emphasized the committees’ financial and program oversight functions and that committee membership does not preclude any council member from bringing matters to the full council.
Procedural notes: the clerk summarized motions and the city attorney advised that the state Government Code (sections 34905 and 36801) requires a mayor pro tem but does not specify a selection procedure, so councils may adopt locally defined processes. The council did not adopt changes to council rules at the Dec. 11 meeting; it scheduled the formal committee appointments for the Jan. 7, 2025 meeting.
