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Riverbank council appoints John Pimentel to fill District 3 vacancy
Summary
After interviewing five candidates and hearing public endorsements, the Riverbank City Council voted 3-0 (one abstention) Nov. 18 to appoint John Pimentel to the District 3 seat vacated earlier this year; the appointment fills the term through December 2026, according to staff.
The Riverbank City Council on Nov. 18 voted to appoint John Pimentel to fill the District 3 council vacancy left when former Council Member Jones Cruz retired. The motion passed 3-0 with one abstention after the council interviewed five applicants and heard public comment.
City staff told the council that applications were accepted through Nov. 12 to fill the remainder of the term, which staff said expires in December 2026. The interviews gave each candidate an opportunity to describe relevant experience and priorities before council members discussed nominations.
Pimentel, who told the council he has been involved with Love Riverbank for three years and has participated on the Sister City Committee and with the Sierra House program, emphasized local volunteer work and cross-generational engagement. "I love Riverbank," he said during his interview.
Several members of the public spoke in support of Pimentel. Lauren Cordova described him as grounded in faith and attentive to residents, and multiple local pastors and former council representatives urged the council to appoint him. Council Member Barbara Martinez said she had witnessed Pimentel's community work and recommended him for the seat, calling him "a very viable candidate." A council member seconded the nomination and the council proceeded to roll-call votes.
The roll call recorded an abstention from Council Member Hernandez and yes votes from Council Member Barbara Martinez, Vice Mayor Uribe and Mayor O'Brien; the clerk announced the motion passed "3-0 to appoint John P." The council then thanked the candidates and public commenters and adjourned the special meeting.
The council announced its next business meeting is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. The newly appointed member will serve the remainder of the District 3 term as stated by staff (term expiration noted as December 2026 in the meeting materials).
