El Centro honors outgoing Mayor Sonia Carter with regional and community recognitions
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Summary
El Centro marked a special appreciation night for outgoing Mayor Sonia Carter, who received certificates from federal, state and regional representatives and praise from local organizations and city staff for projects including a strategic plan workshop, workforce transitions and downtown revitalization.
Outgoing Mayor Sonia Carter received a series of certificates and public acknowledgments at a special appreciation night held during the El Centro City Council meeting, with presentations from regional transportation and medical partners, state and federal representatives, veterans groups and community organizations.
City Manager Robert Sawyer presented Carter with a binder documenting her term’s activities — "about a 5 inch thick binder," he said — and thanked her for her service and visibility in the community. Sawyer said the binder was compiled by staff and is “a representation of the work that you do in our community, the service that you provide to our citizens, and your dedication to see projects through.”
Mario Renteria, the city public information officer, read a certificate from U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and one from Central Regional Medical Center recognizing Carter for her leadership and contributions to community health and board service. David Aguirre, executive director of the Imperial County Transportation Commission, presented an ICTC certificate "appreciat[ing] your contributions, support and leadership over the past year," and said he was speaking both as ICTC representative and as an El Centro resident.
Representatives from State Senator Steve Padilla, Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez and a congressional field office also read certificates praising Carter’s leadership. Sarah Salarzano, the congressional field representative, read a congressional certificate "on behalf of California's 25th Congressional District" thanking Carter "for your unwavering commitment to the residents of El Centro."
Local groups also honored Carter. A representative accepted a certificate from Making Life Happen on behalf of Felicia Yvette Carter; Hilton Smith of the Changemakers presented appreciation for Carter’s volunteer work at community events; and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 25 and VetConnect offered certificates and remarks acknowledging Carter’s support for veterans and family-focused programs. Esther of VetConnect said, "On behalf of VetConnect and the veteran community, I would like to extend our deepest appreciation for your devoted support during this past year as we've launched our organization."
Council members used the occasion to list initiatives they credited to Carter’s leadership, including launching a goal-setting workshop tied to the city’s 2022–2027 strategic plan, creating a "silent servant" quarterly recognition program, efforts to move long-serving temporary employees into permanent positions, the return of community ice cream socials and advancing the long-awaited Gomez Park groundbreaking and downtown revitalization work. Council members also cited Carter’s focus on food-access issues on the city’s east side and work on potential rezoning to attract markets.
Council members thanked Carter for steadiness in difficult public meetings and for helping incoming council members navigate city business. The mayor adjourned the meeting at 6:11 p.m., and attendees were invited to continue personal congratulations after the meeting.
