Guadalupe appoints Public Works director David Trujillo interim city administrator, approves temporary pay

The Guadalupe City Council on Oct. 28 appointed Public Works Director David Trujillo as interim city administrator effective Dec. 1, 2025, and approved a temporary annualized salary of $160,000, or $76.92 per hour.

Todd, the city administrator who announced his resignation effective Nov. 30, presented the recommendation, saying Trujillo "has demonstrated strong leadership, a deep understanding of city operations, and a commitment to public service." The council then took public comment from Robert Diaz, a board member of the Guadalupe Community Action Coalition, who urged approval and praised Trujillo's responsiveness on public-works issues.

Council discussed operational continuity and timing. Council members asked whether Trujillo could continue handling public-works duties while serving as interim administrator; Trujillo said his staff know his processes and that digitization of workflows would allow him to maintain oversight. Staff also advised the council that the permanent city administrator recruitment will accept applications through Nov. 30 and that interviews will occur after Dec. 1.

The council approved Resolution 2025-63 to appoint Trujillo and authorize the temporary compensation. Roll call: Council Member Costa Junior absent; Council Member Fernandez, yes; Council Member Villegas, yes; Council Member Hernandez, yes; Mayor Julian, yes.

Trujillo said he will begin a planned handoff with outgoing city administration staff immediately and acknowledged the community and staff support for a smooth transition. The council emphasized taking sufficient time to complete the permanent recruitment and noted the interim appointment will bridge operations during that search.