Los Angeles City Councilwoman Imelda Padilla (6th District) held a community swearing-in ceremony at the Sepulveda Recreation Center in Panorama City. With constituents present, Padilla was sworn in Saturday morning, Sept. 23, by Manny Velasquez (right), an educator and fellow co-founder of Adelante Youth Summit. The community event included entertainment and a resource fair.
Padilla was elected June 27, beating council aide Marisa Alcaraz in a special election to fill the LA City Council seat vacated by Nury Martinez, who resigned following the release of a leaked audio recording of Martinez and other elected officials reportedly making racist remarks. To expedite representation for residents who were without a council member for months, Padilla was sworn in at LA City Hall on Aug. 1. She represents District 6, which includes areas of northeast LA, including Arleta, Lake Balboa, North Hollywood, North Hills, Panorama City, Van Nuys and Sun Valley. (Photo/ Roberto Cisneros)