In a tie-breaking, 50-50 random chance selection, Joel Fajardo became the next mayor of the City of San Fernando on Dec. 1, while Victoria Garcia was elected to be vice mayor. It’s Fajardo’s third time in the role, while it will be the first time for Garcia in the position.
Both councilmembers initially vied to be mayor during the Monday meeting. Fajardo was nominated by Mary Mendoza, the now previous mayor, while Councilmember Patty Lopez gave her support for Garcia. Vice Mayor Mary Solorio attempted to nominate herself, but didn’t receive a second.
When it came time to select the next mayor, Solorio abstained, resulting in the vote ending in a tie. After a lengthy back-and-forth discussion, where each councilmember remained firm on their decision, the council made a motion to break the tie – which was to write Fajardo’s and Garcia’s names on pieces of paper, place them in a paper bag, shake it and have the city clerk select one of the names at random.
Fajardo’s name was chosen, making him a three-time mayor for the city. When it came time to choose the vice mayor, Garcia was nominated by Mendoza and seconded by Lopez. Solorio nominated Lopez, but it also did not receive a second. With no other nominations, Garcia was automatically elected as vice mayor.
Usually, councilmembers who are voted as mayor and vice mayor hold the position for one year. However, in October, the City Council adopted an ordinance to move the city’s election date from November to coincide with the statewide primary. The council must still request authorization from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to approve this change.
If the change is approved, the next election will be held in June 2026, and reorganization would then occur the following month to certify the newly elected councilmembers. In this scenario, Fajardo and Garcia would only hold their positions for seven months.