Huntington Park is accepting applications for a new councilmember

March 28, 2025, will be the final day to accept applications from those interested in serving as the newest Huntington Park councilmember. The position became available after former Councilwoman Esmeralda Castillo was deemed unfit to continue serving because she doesn’t live in the city.  

Castillo’s seat became vacant on February 24 after determining she lives in South Gate. 

Castillo objected to these accusations and said her parents live in South Gate, but she lives in Huntington Park. She has since hired an attorney to fight her case. 

After a month-long battle to get reinstated as councilwoman, on March 20, the Los Angeles Superior Court ruled that the Huntington Park City Council is the appropriate judge of its members' qualifications. 

The Huntington Park municipal code states that while serving in elected office, the mayor and council members must have their place of residence (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. 

Councilmember Jonathan Sanabria said he supports the court decision, making it clear that the council acted within its authority and no harm was caused to residents.

“We remain focused on ensuring our community continues to receive full and fair representation,” Sanabria said. 

CALÓ News attempted to obtain a response from Castillo and her attorney, Albert Robles, but didn’t get a response before the deadline. 

Moving on with an appointment

Prior to the court’s decision, the City of Huntington Park announced an application period for the appointment of a new councilmember to fill Castillo's vacancy. The appointee will serve until the next municipal election on March 3, 2026. Then, the person elected will serve for the remainder of the unexpired term, which ends in March 2028. 

So far, several candidates have expressed interest, including former councilman Valentin Amezquita and former candidate Vince Candena. Both are long-time residents of Huntington Park and have vowed to work in the best interest of the city's residents. 

Amezquita told the council members during a public comment period on March 17 that he was seeking an appointment and believed to be the most qualified due to his experience. 

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

Cadena said he is also a good fit because in 2022 he lost by a slight margin against then Councilman Manny Avila. Avila passed away two months after being elected and the council appointed Arturo Flores as the new councilmember. Flores is now the mayor of Huntington Park. 

Sanabria said he recommends that any qualified resident passionate about serving Huntington Park apply for the seat. 

Requisites to submit an application

Those interested in applying for the position must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens and residents of Huntington Park. They must submit a complete application provided by the City Clerk and may be required to give a brief verbal biographical presentation during the April 7 council meeting. That night, the council may appoint the new councilmember. 

If there is no agreement, the council has until April 21 to make a final decision. 

Candidates can take their application in person to City Hall at 6550 Miles Ave., Monday through Thursday from 7 am to 5:30 pm. City Hall is closed on Friday, but candidates can still submit their applications via email at cityclerk@hpca.gov

The application can be accessed here:

https://www.hpca.gov/863/City-Council-Appointment-Application