Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Tribute topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
South Whittier trustees and community mourn board member Francisco "Javi" Santana
Summary
Trustees and public commenters opened the Aug. 19 board meeting with tributes to the late board member Francisco “Javi” Santana; the board held a moment of silence and adjourned the meeting in his honor.
South Whittier School District's Board of Trustees opened its Aug. 19 meeting with tributes to the late Francisco “Javi” Santana, a board member and community advocate whose passing prompted condolences from trustees and residents.
"He was a gentle giant," Trustee Sylvia V. Macias said, recounting Santana's personal warmth and support for students. Board President Jan Baird said she had encouraged Santana to join the board and that she will miss him. Trustee Elias Alvarado recalled Santana's long-standing commitment to students and the community and described Santana as an "active and persistent hero" for South Whittier.
During the public comment period, Carlos Rivera, identified as SWSD TOSA and president of the South Whittier Teachers Association, thanked Santana for his politeness and warm smile and offered condolences to the family. Flor (Flores) Garcia, identified as a SWSD TOSA and Santana's sister, told the board that serving on the board had been Santana's proudest moment and thanked district leaders for their support.
The board observed a moment of silence and later adjourned the meeting in Santana's honor. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 9, 2025.
