Pemberton, Ortiz begin filling city boards

DOWNEY – Downey’s two newest council members have released their selections to fill various city boards and commissions.

Councilwoman Dorothy Pemberton (District 3) appointed Elias Saikaly to the planning commission. The seat has been vacant since Catherine Alvarez was recalled last year and the council removed her commissioners.

Pemberton’s other appointments include Juan Soto to the Recreation and Community Services Commission, Katie Castellanos to the Library Advisory Board, Rebecca Reyes to the Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee, Jeff McCaughan to the Board of Building Appeals, Sue Saikaly to the Public Works Committee, and Briana Lopez to the Green Task Force.

Pemberton also appointed her election opponent Ernesto Valle to the public works committee.

Councilman Horacio Ortiz (District 1) is appointing Hector Lujan to the planning commission, replacing Miguel Duarte. Lujan previously served on the planning commission from 2010 until 2016, when he ran unsuccessfully for city council.

Ortiz also appointed Sandra Lozano to the Library Advisory Board.

Meanwhile, Mayor Mario Trujillo chose Louis Morales to serve on the planning commission, replacing Ortiz, who resigned from the board after he was elected to the city council. Morales previously served on the planning commission from 2009 to 2016 and is expected to run for city council this fall.

Trujillo made two other appointments, selecting Lissette Rivera for the public works committee and Ernesto Valle for the recreation and community services commission.

The appointments require confirmation from the city council, which is expected Tuesday.