At Milpitas’ 12/18/18 City Council meeting, re-elected Mayor Rich Tran, along with incoming Councilmembers Karina Dominguez and Carmen Montano, were officially sworn in. It was a big night for Milpitas.
Mayor Rich Tran was the first to take the Ceremonial Oath, with fifth Mayor of Milpitas Denny Weisgerber administering it. In announcing Weisgerber, Mayor Tran said, in part, “To come here today, and to know that this person and I are now on a short list of leaders in Milpitas means a whole lot, and it really makes me feel like I’m a part of this community, and it really motivates me to serve. Knowing that all of us are connected, in this land of cornfields.”
Following his swear-in, Mayor Tran delivered a 25-minute speech, which incited countless bouts of applause. He cited numerous accomplishments that he and the City Council had made over the past couple years, among them: establishing a 15% affordable housing set-aside, opening the Sports Center fields to public use, completing successful collective bargaining agreements (with Police, Public Works, and the Fire Department), stricter massage parlor regulations, as well as approving the Permit Parking Program in the Pines, and a Youth and Adult Skate Park; he also mentioned that they were able to preserve the Sunnyhills Apartments with the leadership of Councilmember Bob Nuñez. At the top of his speech, Tran said, “It’s been quite an honor to have my hometown give me this opportunity, because I haven’t been perfect, and I have made mistakes, but I always gave my heart. And I’ve always loved each person in Milpitas.”
Mayor Tran’s speech was gracious, humorous, and at times emotional. He broke down crying while thanking certain individuals who were instrumental in supporting and uplifting him early on his life. Tran spoke of being born in poverty, and how his mom struggled, working three jobs to support their family. “It was this community that was my safety net. It was the families who took me in,” said Tran. At the end of his speech, the room gave him a standing ovation.
Incoming Councilmember Karina Dominguez was sworn in by her daughter.
Dominguez thanked all of her family, her supporters, and the community. “I ran for office to make bold decisions and to make policy that will help make a better tomorrow for our generations. I ran for office to stand for the most vulnerable in our community. I ran for office to unite our community and move Milpitas forward,” said Councilmember Dominguez. She also spoke of looking forward to supporting the efforts to keep the city safe, to bring in more affordable housing, and to make Milpitas “a place for businesses and small business owners to thrive.”
“I want to close the same way I began this journey. With hope, and with celebration,” said Councilmember Dominguez. “In a grassroots collaborative movement that made history in Milpitas, our region is watching our city. And so I want to invite you to join me in the famous Cesar Chavez clap. We made history. We did what everybody believed we couldn’t do. We did it together.” With that, Dominguez led everyone to chant and clap, filling the room with energy. Another standing ovation occurred.
Judge Katherine Lucero was present to swear in Carmen Montano.
“Every decision I make, I will think of our families, our future generations, and how it will impact them for years to come. I promise as I stand before you that I’m here to ensure that the city of Milpitas will be the best place to raise a family, live, work, and visit. Not just to a few, but for all,” said Councilmember Montano. She spoke of her goal of focusing on impactful initiatives. She also mentioned that her main priorities over the next four years are: affordable housing, streets and traffic, transparency, and fiscal responsibility and accountability.
Milpitas’ new City Council is now in action. Later in the evening, Karina Dominguez was appointed as Milpitas’ new Vice Mayor.
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Rhoda Shapiro is the winner of a 2022 Golden Quill Award for her Education journalism. She works as a journalist and media consultant in the Bay Area. She has written for both the Tri-City Voice and the Mercury News, and is the founder of Chi Media Company, which works mostly with nonprofit organizations and educational entities to elevate their marketing and communication platforms. Rhoda is also the author of “Fierce Woman: Wake up your Badass Self” and “Magic Within: Womb-Centered Wisdom to Realize the Power of Your Sacred Feminine Self.” Her YouTube channel features practices in yoga, meditation, and women’s empowerment. Rhoda is The Milpitas Beat’s Founder and Editor-in-Chief.
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