The City Council took public comment and voted on mayor pro tem selection during the Dec. 3 meeting. A motion to appoint Councilmember Norma Alcala as mayor pro tem was moved and seconded but failed on a roll call vote. Council then moved to reappoint Mayor Pro Tem Solpizio Hall for another year; that motion passed by roll call vote.

Public commenters urged that seniority and district representation be considered in the selection, and several residents directly asked the council to appoint Councilmember Alcala. Council discussion reflected differing views about tradition, seniority and district equity. The two votes were recorded by the clerk and the meeting proceeded to closing items.