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Santa Fe Springs council adopts resolution backing Santa Fe High’s 'Chiefs' mascot
Summary
The City Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 9981 expressing support for Santa Fe High School retaining its 'Chiefs' mascot, after public comments and a letter from two Whittier Union trustees were read into the record.
The Santa Fe Springs City Council voted by voice to adopt Resolution No. 9981 expressing the city's support for Santa Fe High School keeping its 'Chiefs' mascot. The motion passed after public comment and a reading of a letter from members of the Whittier Union High School District board.
Council members discussed the issue after city staff read a letter from trustees Jaime Lopez and Gary Mendez that urged the district to engage the community and consult local tribes. The letter said, "We hear you loud and clear. You have spoken for the city of Santa Fe Springs community," and expressed support for principal Craig Campbell while noting policy decisions rest with the board of trustees.
Whittier Union board member Gary Mendez, who also spoke during the public-comment period, urged formal consultation with local tribal communities and federally recognized tribes before any change, saying, "We need to consult the Tongva tribe, the Gabrielinos, and inform them about what approach we wanna do." Several residents, alumni and council members spoke in favor of retaining the name, repeatedly describing strong local pride tied to the mascot.
Council discussion highlighted the community identity and longstanding local traditions associated with the Chiefs name. Council members said the issue has been ongoing for years and noted the district and community should pursue deliberate, culturally respectful consultation if changes are considered. The resolution as adopted expresses the city's support for Santa Fe High School retaining the Chiefs mascot but does not direct action by the Whittier Union High School District.
The council's action is a municipal expression of support only; school-mascot decisions fall under the authority of the Whittier Union High School District and any state law cited in the discussion. The resolution passed by voice vote; the meeting minutes record the motion and council consensus as "Aye," and no roll-call vote with member-by-member tallies was recorded in the transcript.
