Tustin gets first female mayor in 18 years

After an 18-year dry spell, Tustin again has a woman as mayor.

Councilman Austin Lumbard’s nomination of Mayor Pro Tem Letiticia Clark was met with unanimous approval Tuesday, Dec. 1.

In a somewhat unusual twist, three council seats came open this year but only one new face joined the dais. Planning Commissioner Ryan Gallagher, a civil engineer, edged out attorney Lee Fink for one spot, while the other two seats were filled by familiar names. Incumbent Clark, who drew the most votes, took one seat and Beckie Gomez, who served eight years before terming out in 2018, took the other.

 

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  Tustin City Councilwoman Beckie Gomez and husband John McKeon at her official swearing in Nov. 30, 2020.

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  New Tustin City Councilman Ryan Gallagher at his official swearing in Monday, Nov. 30.

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  Tustin’s new mayor, Letitia Clark, with her family at her official swearing in for her second term on the city council Nov. 30, 2020.

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The candidates were officially sworn in Monday at City Hall by City Clerk Erica Yasuda. The next night, the ceremonial inauguration took place from various homes on Zoom – in a meeting vexed with technical glitches from start to finish.

“Oh, it was a train wreck,” Clark said.

Even so, the taking of oaths went fairly smoothly.

U.S. Representative Katie Porter, D-Irvine, whose district includes Tustin, remotely swore in Clark and Gomez. California Senator John Moorlach did the honors for Gallagher.

The meeting started with fond farewells to two departing members. Mayor Allan Bernstein and Chuck Puckett both termed out this year. In short videos, city officials wished them well.

The avuncular Puckett has been a big presence in Tustin for three decades – serving a total of 12 years on the city council, as well as 12 years on the planning commission. He also has played Santa Claus at many city events.

Gomez now has another chance to rotate into the mayoral role. Previously, although respected by her more conservative colleagues, Gomez was passed over when her turn came around.

In an attempt to put her in line for that position, Clark nominated Gomez Tuesday for mayor pro tem.

However, acknowledging her two-year break from the council, Gomez swiftly declined. Instead, she nominated Lumbard, who won unanimous approval.

“I really appreciate the nomination,” Gomez said, “but I want to recognize the service of people who are here.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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