Huntington Park Councilman Appoints Two Undocumented Immigrants As Commissioners

By Brian Hews

Huntington Park has the dubious distinction of becoming the first city in California to appoint two undocumented immigrants as commissioners.

City Councilman Jhonny Pineda picked Francisco Medina and Julian Zatarain for commissions.

Pineda was sworn-in on March 16, 2015 as Huntington Park’s newest city council member.

On Monday, Pineda appointed Zatarain Huntington Park Parks and Recreation commission. Francisco Medina, 29, won an appointment to the Health and Education commission.

Both men will be required to undergo full background checks and will not receive a monthly stipend, which ranges from $25 to $75.

“Huntington Park is a city of opportunity and a city of hope for all individuals regardless of socioeconomic status, race, creed, or in this case, citizenship,” the councilman said in a statement. “Both these gentlemen have accomplished a great deal for the city. For that, on behalf of the city council, mayor, and our city, I want to say thank you to them both and I am confident they will do an excellent job on their commission posts.”