Four newly elected councilmembers were sworn in at the Ventura City Council reorganization meeting Dec. 12.

The oaths of office for council districts were taken by Liz Campos, District 1; Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios, District 4; Bill McReynolds, District 5; and Jim Duran, District 6.

The new members join the seven-seat council, which includes Councilmembers Joe Schroeder, District 7; Doug Halter, District 2; and Mike Johnson, District 3.

The council then elected Schroeder as mayor, and Sanchez-Palacios as deputy mayor. The council selects both the mayor and deputy mayor from among its members every two years.

The mayor’s duties are to preside over councilsessions, sign official documents, and act as the official head of the city. The mayor has the power to administer oaths and affirmations but has no power of veto.

The deputy mayor shall act as mayor in the absence or disability of the mayor.

During the meeting, the council, city staff, and community members also recognized and thanked outgoing officials Mayor Sofia Rubalcava, who served from 2018-22; Councilmember Jim Friedman, served from 1995-2003 and 2018-22; and Councilmember Lorrie Brown, 2018-2022.

The City Council meeting and oath of office ceremony are available on the city of Ventura’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/CityofVentura.

For more about the Ventura City Council, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/CityCouncil.