Vera Takes Over Mayoral Reins, McMorrin Named Vice Mayor

Culver City Council welcomed two fresh faces during Monday's swearing-in ceremony that culminated with Albert Vera taking over the mayoral reins and Yasmine-Imani McMorrin selected as new vice mayor.

New Councilmembers Dan O'Brien and Freddy Puza were sworn in by City Clerk Jeremy Green during the ceremony that lasted more than three hours.

The new councilmembers said they were humbled by the support they received from the voters and promised to work with various community stakeholders to achieve meaningful changes.

Puza, who becomes the first openly LGBTQ member to serve on the panel, said he will continue "to center diversity, equity and inclusion in all of my Council decisions."

O'Brien, the top vote getter in the election, said he is looking forward to hearing from the residents and business community about the various issues that will impact their lives and he will seek different perspectives.

"Adversity is essential in good-decision making," he added.

After the new members were seated on the panel, the Council voted to elevate Vera – whose late father Albert Vera Sr. served on the municipal body for 14 years -- to the ceremonial post of Mayor and McMorrin to Vice Mayor, becoming the first African American woman to serve on that post.

Vera said it was "a tremendous honor" to lead the city and pledged to find "common ground" with other Council members to address and resolve the city's issues.

The new vice mayor, McMorrin said she was looking forward to "achieving more equity in our city."

During the ceremony, the Council also presented plaques to departing members Daniel Lee and Alex Fisch for their service on the Council.