Huntington Park City Council votes to appoint a new councilmember after former councilwoman was removed

 During a special meeting on Monday night, the Huntington Park City Council approved moving forward with the process of appointing a new councilmember who will replace former Councilwoman Esmeralda Castillo. She was removed from her position last week after an investigation revealed she does not live in the city. 

Close to a dozen community members attacked the council during public comment for voting Castillo out. However, it was clarified that the council didn’t remove her.  The municipal code states that while serving in elected office the mayor and council members of the City must have their place of residence (the place where they live) and domicile (legal home) in the City of Huntington Park. 

If, during their term, they move their place of residence outside of the City, their seat immediately becomes vacant. 

Andrew Sarega, legal counsel in charge of the investigation, said during the special meeting that there were warrants secured to track the location of Castillo on her homes in Huntington Park and South Gate. Once the information was gathered, it was put into a report. 

“It was a determination made by the Council based on the evidence presented,” said Sarega. “[The law] doesn’t state that the Council has to go to court to make that happen or that there has to be some type of vote. It is very clear that the seat becomes immediately vacant.”

Discontent of the people and former councilwoman

Former Councilwoman Castillo attended the meeting with her attorney, Albert Robles, and supporters. She didn’t speak during public comment but some residents did. 

Emanuel Rueda said having special elections would be the best option to find the new candidate. He also said the information should be shared via social media so more people are aware of what’s going on with the city council. 

“Have this [go through] the democratic process. No more appointees, we want elections,” he said. 

Resident Christian Vazquez said restrictions should be removed and undocumented residents of Huntington Park should be allowed to run for council.

“We have the potential to lead this city,” he said. 

Arturo Ramirez said in Spanish that he voted for the council members hoping they would work to make Huntington Park a better city, but now it seems like they are ignoring the voters’ rights.

“It is unfair what you are doing with a councilwoman that we voted for,” he said. “ I gave my vote for all of you in good faith.”

A new councilmember will be appointed

Per government law, the city has 60 days to fill the vacancy, which became effective Feb. 18, 2025. After several arguments and disagreements, the council voted 3-1 to start the process of appointing a new councilmember to represent the city of Huntington Park. Mayor Karina Macias voted against the appointment stating that the process is illegal. 

“It’s illegal because she does reside in the city and obviously this investigation is not done,” Macias told CALÓ News. “For me there is a clear conflict of interest when the City uses City resources against the councilman." 

The investigation started after someone complained with the City about Castillo’s residence. 

Councilmember Jonathan Sanabria made the motion, which requires the City to receive applications of potential candidates until March 28. On April 7, there will be a public presentation of applicants to state why they want to become the next councilmember. The council will appoint the best candidate that night.

The appointed councilmember will serve until March 2026, when he or she will have to run as a candidate in the elections. At this moment, more candidates can run for this position, and the voters of Huntington Park will elect the next councilmember. 

Castillo files a lawsuit

On Monday before the special meeting Castillo filed a lawsuit against the City of Huntington Park and Council members Arturo Flores, Jonathan Sanabria and Eduardo Martinez along with City Manager Ricardo Reyes. 

In her lawsuit Castillo stated that the members exceeded their authority to silence her after she complained about a hostile work environment in the City of Huntington Park last year. 

CALÓ News requested a comment from the former councilwoman. She sent a statement saying her removal was payback and in retaliation.

“And to my knowledge, that investigation remains ongoing,” she said in her statement. “Make no mistake, this is not about any investigation into me but merely payback and retaliation for the complaint I filed last year against Councilmember Flores and City Manager Ricardo Reyes.”