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Whittier council certifies election, swears in new mayor and two council members amid pleas to save Uptown trees
Summary
The council unanimously certified the April 14 election and installed Mayor James Becerra, Councilmembers Vicki Santana and Aida Macedo. Public commenters asked the new majority to protect Uptown’s tree canopy, pause the Greenleaf Promenade, and preserve public access and immigrant protections.
The Whittier City Council on April 28 formally certified the results of the April 14 municipal election and conducted the swearing-in ceremonies for James Becerra as mayor and newly elected council members Vicki Santana and Aida Macedo.
Elections staff reported that 17,006 ballots were cast for the city’s three contests, representing 28.7% turnout, and recommended adoption of Resolution No. 2026-19 to complete the canvass. Council member Mary Anne Pacheco moved adoption; the motion passed on a roll-call vote. ‘‘The certificate of canvas is complete,’’ elections staff told the council and the body adopted the resolution to declare the results.
The swearing-in ceremony that followed brought elected officials, family members and regional representatives to the dais. Vicki Santana pledged to make city hall more accessible and to hold regular town halls; ‘‘People deserve a city hall that is responsive, accountable, transparent, and connected to our neighborhoods,’’ Santana said after taking the oath. Aida Macedo said she would focus on resident engagement, public safety and protecting neighborhood character. James Becerra, sworn in as mayor, thanked voters and called for ‘‘constructive change’’ and civic engagement.
Regional officials joined the ceremonial remarks. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn told the chamber she stands ready to partner with the new council, noting the importance of local government on day-to-day issues. A representative for state Sen. Bob Archuleta and the assessor’s office presented certificates recognizing outgoing members’ service.
Public comments before the formal items brought several recurring themes: preservation of the Uptown tree canopy, skepticism about prior projects such as the Greenleaf Promenade, concerns about immigration enforcement in Whittier, and requests for increased transparency in how public comments are shown on the city’s livestream. Connie McCormick of SaveOurTreesWhittier said the group’s petition has gathered roughly 8,200 signatures, of which about 6,000 are from Whittier residents, and urged the incoming council to prioritize tree preservation. Gabe Montoya urged the council to protect residents from local immigration enforcement after an ICE sweep he said used the library parking lot to detain community members.
Council action during the meeting also included assignment of the mayor pro tem position. Mary Anne Pacheco was nominated and approved by the council to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. The council used a historic ballot box drawing to set seniority among the two newly seated council members; Aida Macedo drew the highest number for rotation order.
The meeting closed with brief manager and council remarks and a report that no reportable action was taken during closed session. The council adjourned with its next regular meeting scheduled for May 5, 2026, at 5 p.m.
This account is based on the council’s April 28 public meeting and staff reports, including the certified canvass and the posted resolutions. The council adopted Resolution No. 2026-19 to certify the election results during the meeting.
