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La Verne swears in new fire chief, appoints Trent West to Tri‑City Mental Health board and adjourns in honor of longtime clerk
Summary
The council held a swearing‑in ceremony for the new La Verne fire chief, unanimously appointed Trent West to the Tri‑City Mental Health Authority governing board, and closed the meeting with tributes and an adjournment in memory of longtime city clerk Lupe Herrera Estrella.
The La Verne City Council on Feb. 2 held a swearing‑in ceremony for the city's new fire chief, approved an appointment to the Tri‑City Mental Health Authority governing board and adjourned in memory of longtime city clerk Lupe Herrera Estrella.
At the start of the regular meeting the mayor invited the new chief forward for a ceremonial oath. The official administering the oath asked those present to repeat the pledge; the transcript records the oath and the mayor and council members congratulated the chief after the swearing‑in. In subsequent remarks the chief thanked family, acknowledged past service and pledged a commitment to ‘‘providing a premier fire department, that is professional, progressive, and deeply rooted in service.’’
Staff also recommended filling a Tri‑City Mental Health Authority governing board vacancy created by the resignation of Carolyn Cockrell. The selection committee (Council Members Lau and Johnson) reviewed five applications and recommended Trent West. Council Member Lau moved to appoint Trent West; Council Member Johnson seconded and the motion passed 5–0. Trent West accepted the appointment and said he looked forward to serving "to help bring hope to families who are in various stages of crisis or dealing with mental illness and their families."
The council used the public‑comment portion of the meeting and member remarks to pay tribute to Lupe Herrera Estrella, who began working for the City of La Verne in 1979 and served for more than 40 years in the city clerk's office. Mayor Hepburn and multiple council members recounted Herrerra Estrella’s community service, noted her death on Jan. 18, 2026 at age 66, and asked for a moment of silence. The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m. in her honor.
The council did not take additional formal actions on personnel or policy during the swearing‑in ceremony; the Tri‑City Mental Health appointment was approved by vote.
