Story Created:
Apr 23, 2009 at 1:40 PM PST
Story Updated:
Apr 23, 2009 at 1:40 PM PST
SOUTH GATE — Veteran City Councilman Henry Gonzalez was elected mayor for the coming year by his council colleagues and installed in ceremonies April 14. Greg Martinez was named vice mayor.
Gonzalez, a retired General Motors automotive worker and union official, was first elected to the City Council in 1981.
Martinez, a businessman, was elected in the recall of January 2003, which ousted a controversial City Council majority of three, leaving just Gonzalez and Hector De La Torre, now an assemblyman for the 50th District.
In other action April 14, the City Council honored the 2008 Azalea Festival queen and grand marshal and the 2009 queen and marshal, the latter reigning through this year to the 2010 Azalea Festival next March.
Outgoing Mayor Gilbert Hurtado presented certificates of appreciation to the 2008-09 Azalea Queen Sylvia Masushige; and Grand Marshal Pastor Nick Garife in recognition of their service to the community the past year.
Keys to the city were presented to this year’s royal couple, named at the March 15 event. They are Azalea Queen Martha Lopez and Parade Marshal Terry McWeeney.
The queen and grand marshal represent South Gate at various city and chamber of commerce events as well as other community functions.
Also honored were members of the 2008 and 2009 Miss Azaleita courts, composed of girls ages 4 to 6.
The 2008 court included Miss Azaleita Sofia Huerta, Princesses Jacqueline Rojas and Estrella Bermudez, Miss Photogenic Christina Martinez and Miss Congeniality, Angela Huerta.
This year’s court, also selected at the Azalea Festival in March, include Miss Azaleita Hailey Reyes, Princesses Mia Gordon and Angela Huerta, and Miss Congeniality Melanie Lopez.
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