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Sheila Rossi sworn in as South Pasadena mayor; Omari Ferguson named mayor pro tem
Summary
At its Dec. 17 meeting the South Pasadena City Council elected Sheila Rossi as mayor and Omari Ferguson as mayor pro tem. Rossi was sworn in and delivered remarks emphasizing transparency and stewardship; the council highlighted continuity in fiscal and management priorities.
Sheila Rossi was elected mayor of the South Pasadena City Council and sworn into office Dec. 17 during a brief ceremony at the start of the council's regular meeting. Rossi accepted a nomination from a fellow council member and won the seat during roll‑call voting; she then took the oath of office before the council and audience.
Rossi pledged to emphasize ‘‘good governance, transparency, accountability, and respect,’’ telling the chamber she views leadership as stewardship. "Leadership is not about authority. It is about responsibility," Rossi said in her remarks after being sworn in on a copy of the United States Constitution and a replica of the Cyrus Cylinder.
Omari Ferguson was elected mayor pro tem in a separate nomination and also took the oath of office. Ferguson said he would focus his tenure on unity, fairness and ensuring community voices are heard.
The changes were ceremonial but consequential for council operations: outgoing Mayor Janet Braun—who the council and visiting officials credited with steadying the city's finances over the past year—was thanked for her year of service before Rossi’s remarks. Jennifer Tang, speaking on behalf of Assemblymember Mike Fong, presented a certificate recognizing Braun’s and Rossi’s leadership.
The council moved quickly from the ceremonial items to the regular agenda. Rossi’s first major public comments as mayor highlighted continuity on infrastructure and housing priorities and appreciation for city staff and community volunteers. The council did not take separate formal actions tied specifically to the leadership transition beyond the swearing‑in and the formal vote during the nominations process.
Looking ahead, Rossi and the council signaled priorities that include work on infrastructure, housing and continued attention to financial reporting and management improvements. The administration indicated those subjects will return to the council in upcoming agenda items and budget planning.
