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Santa Fe Springs honors retiring leaders, unveils expanded police services staff and volunteer program
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Summary
Council recognized promotions within police services, introduced a volunteer program and named new homeless-services staff, and paid tribute to three retirees: Lead Public Safety Officer John Wesselman, Police Captain Aaron, and Community Services Director Maricela Balderas.
The Santa Fe Springs City Council used part of its meeting to recognize recent promotions and to introduce a newly expanded police services volunteer program, then honored three long-serving city employees who are retiring.
Arlene Salazar, director of police services, introduced newly promoted staff and recent hires in the department's homeless-services program and credited council support for vehicles and program expansion. Salazar said volunteers and public safety officers will be visible in the community as "the eyes of the people" and asked the council to acknowledge the new team. She introduced Lindsey Edmond (new public safety manager), Maria Ortega (Public Safety Officer Supervisor), Bridal Perez (homeless services supervisor), Evan Contreras and Yonathan Gomez (promoted PSOs), Housing Navigator William Chang, Social Services Case Manager Ricky Lucas, and Public Safety Coordinator Jacqueline Delgadillo.
Coach Riley Kelly and city leaders recognized the Saint Paul High School girls volleyball team for an undefeated 14'0and'00 league championship; Coach Kelly said, "It's an honor to stand here tonight and present a group of outstanding young women," and thanked the city for the recognition.
The council also paid tribute to three retirees. John Wesselman, who the city manager said served 33 years in public service with 20 years in Santa Fe Springs, received a plaque and addressed the dais: "First and foremost, I want to thank the city of Santa Fe Springs for taking care of my family for the last 28 years," he said, reflecting on his career and praising department leadership and the new generation of officers. Councilmembers offered personal remarks and anecdotes about Wesselman's community service.
Police Captain Aaron was recognized for more than three decades in law enforcement and his leadership under the Whittier policing contract; the city manager and council praised his training and program work. Community Services Director Maricela Balderas, acknowledged for 41 years of public service and program initiatives including Artfest, the Farmers Market and the PAH Health Center Partnership at the Gus Velasco Center, thanked the council and said she will continue public service through volunteer work with foster children.
No formal council actions or votes were taken on the recognitions. The mayor and council closed the segment by encouraging public attendance at upcoming community events.
