Huntington Park City Council elects new mayor and vice mayor in major city shakeup

In the middle of a controversy over corruption, Huntington Park conducted its mayoral reorganization and installation ceremony Monday night during the City Council meeting.

Councilmembers Jonathan Sanabria and Eduardo Martinez voted to elect Arturo Flores as the new mayor. Outgoing Mayor Karina Macias voted against him. Martinez was elected as the new vice mayor.

Flores has served in the City Council since September 2022. He said he hopes to collaborate with the rest of the council to benefit the city. 

“This is a crucial time, and transparency and accountability to our residents are of utmost importance,” he said. “I am committed to maintaining an open-door policy to discuss matters that impact us all, while striving to implement initiatives that will enhance our community.”

While the evening was intended to be celebratory, many people voiced their concerns during public comment about several issues, including the removal of former Councilwoman Esmeralda Castillo, the “Operation Dirty Pond” scandal, the resignation of City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman after the scandal was made public and the appointment of a temporary city attorney.. 

On February 26, Los Angeles County District Attorney staff searched the homes of current and former council members, City Hall and some businesses. Operation Dirty Pond is investigating a nonexistent aquatic center in Salt Lake Park, with about $14 million allocated for the construction  missing. 

Several residents asked where did the money go, when it was going to be recovered and when the culprits were going to jail.

Former Councilman Valentin Amezquita said the residents of Huntington Park would like the state to conduct a forensic audit of existing and expired contracts. He also seeks an appointment to return as a councilmember and fill the vacant position. Castillo’s seat was vacated about a month ago, once it was determined she doesn’t live in Huntington Park. 

“I’m against corruption, so what’s the reason for not supporting my appointment for this position that I occupied before,” he told the council. 

Castillo’s attorney, Albert Robles, told the council he was surprised to see the council ignoring that Castillo has a court date before the judge this week to determine whether she was wrongfully vacated.

“I want to make sure that the council knows that the hearing is this Thursday morning at 9 a.m.,” he said. “Because of that impending hearing on Thursday morning, I would ask that you defer taking action on your city council agenda items tonight.”

That did not happen and the council meeting continued as planned. 

Lack of trust

Esperanza Rodriguez, a former business owner of a bookstore in Huntington Park, said she feels very disappointed to see that the city has been destroyed over the years. 

“If you don’t know how to be a public servant, get out. That position should make you proud because you represent a working-class community,” she said. 

Huntington Park resident Maria de Los Angeles said it is time to better everything and make a wise selection when appointing the new councilmember because they don’t want to see more corruption.

Another resident, identified as Ana, said the City’s department directors are also responsible for what’s happening in their areas. She said the director of Parks and Recreation had to ask for updates as soon as the Aquatic Center was scheduled to start. 

“With all due respect, this is her park. She should have asked questions,” Ana told the councilmembers. 

Controversial appointment

The City Council voted 3-1 to appoint Andrew Sarega as interim city attorney following the resignation of former City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman on February 28, after the DA’s Bureau of Investigation executed search warrants in connection with Operation Dirty Pond.

Sarega has been providing legal services to the city of Huntington Park under a special counsel Agreement since December 2024. He is conducting an active investigation on the residency and domicile of Castillo, and he was recently elected to legally represent Martinez and Reyes, as both are also being investigated in Operation Dirty Pond. 

Macias said she was very concerned because aside from all the conflicts of interest his appointment brings, he is being hired temporarily for 90 days, and his hourly rates are $300 compared to the $190 hourly rates paid to Glasman.

When Sarega was elected to represent Martinez and Reyes during the February 28 meeting, it was stipulated that they both would pay out-of-pocket for his services.