Marianna Rios and Victor Farfan Finalists For Open Hawaiian Gardens City Council Seat

BY BRIAN HEWS

At their upcoming Sept. 24 meeting, the Hawaiian Gardens City Council will vote to replace Monica Rodriguez, who unexpectedly resigned at the Sept. 10 meeting.

Council member Hank Trimble has requested City Council consideration in filling the vacant City Council seat by recommending former Councilwoman Mariana Rios. Mayor Myra Maravilla has requested City Council consideration in filing the vacant City Council seat by recommending former Mayor and Councilman Victor Farfan.

Many are predicting Farfan, as Mayor pro tem Jesse Alvarado and Council member Luis Roa vote in lock-step with Mayor Maravilla.

State law provides that to fill the vacant seat, the City Council must, within 60 days from the commencement of the vacancy; either fill the vacancy by appointment or by calling a special election.

The effective date of Councilmember Rodriguez’s resignation was September 11, 2019. The City Council must therefore either call a special election or appoint someone to fill the vacancy by November 10, 2019

One will be elected by majority vote with the person appointed serving until the next general municipal election, which is scheduled for November 2020.