Padilla Reaffirms City Council Oath

Newly elected Los Angeles City Councilman Alex Padilla reaffirmed his oath of office Saturday at a ceremony attended by friends and family.

Padilla was officially sworn in July 6 at City Hall, but he said he wanted to repeat the process in his district to thank members of the community who have supported him over the years and during his campaign.

Preceded by a Mass at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, the swearing-in was held at the Ritchie Valens Recreation Center.

“I think this ceremony is the more important of the ceremonies,” Padilla said. “I was proud and humble to be the community’s choice, and it’s only right that the community get to celebrate before the hard work begins.”

About 200 people, including Padilla’s parents and sister, cheered as Assemblyman Tony Cardenas (D-Sylmar) administered the oath amid red, white and blue balloons, American flags and an enormous banner immortalizing ‘50s rock singer Valens.

Cardenas aimed some of his remarks at the many young volunteers in the audience, invoking the names of Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante, Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa (D-Los Angeles), state Sen. Richard Alarcon (D-Sylmar) and others who have worked to build a strong Latino political power base.

“This is a celebration of a community victory,” Cardenas said.

He encouraged young people to follow Padilla’s example in pursuing their dreams, regardless of detractors who might say “you’re too young, you’re not smart enough, you don’t have enough experience.”

“He [Padilla] grew up in Pacoima,” Cardenas said. “He grew up where hopes and dreams persist.”

The 26-year-old Padilla, the youngest member of the City Council, thanked his supporters first in Spanish because “that is how my life began,” he said.

“Para servirle--I’m here to serve you,” he said. “That’s what government’s about, to serve.”