July 14, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

City Council declares vacant seat after accepting Vazquez’s resignation

Application now open to public.

By Staff Writer

At their regular meeting on Tuesday, January 8, Santa Monica City Council accepted Councilmember Tony Vazquez’s resignation, declared a vacant seat and discussed options to fill his vacancy.

“Applications for the vacant seat will be accepted and Council will select a replacement for the remainder of Vazquez’s term, which will end November 3, 2020, absent any earlier special election that may be required in connection with the pending case of Pico Neighborhood Association, et al. v. City of Santa Monica,” the City said in a statement.

On November 6, 2018, Santa Monica City Councilmember Tony Vazquez was elected to a seat on the California Board of Equalization. State law governing incompatible offices prohibits an individual from serving simultaneously on both the State Board of Equalization and the City Council of the City of Santa Monica. Therefore Councilmember Vazquez has submitted a letter of resignation stating his intent to voluntarily relinquish his seat on the City Council effective January 7, 2019, the date on which he was sworn into the State Board of Equalization.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked towards and accomplished so many City objectives during my tenure. I have been honored to serve with so many committed elected officials who have worked so hard to achieve our City goals, and I am still passionate about the City of Santa Monica’s mission,” reads Vazquez’s letter of resignation.

Santa Monica City Charter Section 603 states that any vacancy on City Council “shall be filled by appointment by the City Council, with the appointee holding office until the first Tuesday following the next general municipal election and until the appointee’s successor is elected and qualified.”

Section 603 goes onto say that, should the Council fail to fill a vacancy by appointment within thirty days after the office has been declared vacant, the Council shall immediately force an election to be held to fill the vacancy.

In the past two decades, the Council’s custom when a City Council seat has become vacant has been to adopt a motion to accept applications from residents for the vacant seat, direct staff to publish announcements of the vacancy in relevant locations and establish a deadline for the receipt of applications and letters of interest.

Notices advertising the vacancy are posted on the City’s website and social media sites, by distribution to local media sources and in other appropriate locations.

Applications for the vacant seat are available online at smgov.net/councilappoint. To be eligible, an applicant must be a Santa Monica resident and registered to vote and cannot be a City employee.

The application deadline is noon on Thursday, January 17, 2019. All applications will be considered by City Council at the January 22, 2019 Council meeting.

in News
<>Related Posts

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...