Hector Delgado sworn in as Covina mayor; Patty Cortez named mayor pro tem

Hector Delgado was sworn in as Covina mayor and took the oath of office at the city council's April 7 meeting, where the council also selected Councilmember Patty Cortez as mayor pro tem.

Delgado was nominated and, with no other candidates, was declared elected by acclamation. He took the oath administered by Ray Whitmer of Teamsters Local 986 and addressed the council and guests after a ceremonial presentation.

The mayoral transition was followed by tributes to outgoing Mayor Victor Linares from elected officials and staff. Congressman Gil Cisneros presented a certificate thanking Linares for his service; staff and legislative representatives from Senator Susan Rubio and Assemblymember Blanca Rubio also offered remarks and certificates.

Outgoing Mayor Linares used his remarks to list recent city accomplishments, including business openings downtown and continued work on a recreation village. Linares highlighted a Wingate Park watershed management project that he described as a $25,000,000, grant-funded effort and thanked staff, family and labor partners. "When you become the mayor, you take a lot onand a lot of different things that you have to stay involved in," Linares said.

Councilmembers offered congratulations to Delgado and thanks to Linares. At the close of regular business the council approved the consent calendar (items CC1–CC9) by roll call and adjourned the meeting.

The reorganization proceeds were procedural; the new mayor noted that a number of items raised during public comment will be handled through the Planning Commission and future meetings as part of standard review processes.