ANAHEIM, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2022) — Anaheim's District 4 City Council seat is currently vacant following the November 2022 election of former Council member Avelino Valencia to the California Assembly representing the 68th district, which includes Anaheim.
Valencia's City Council resignation is effective Sunday, Dec. 4. He is set to be sworn in to the Assembly on Monday, Dec. 5.
In coming weeks, Anaheim's City Council is expected to consider an appointment to represent District 4. If no appointment is made within 60 days of Dec. 4, a special election would need to be called.
On Tuesday, Dec. 6, Mayor-Elect Ashleigh Aitken and Council members-elect Carlos Leon of District 2, Natalie Rubalcava of District 3 and Natalie Meeks of District 6 are set to take the oath of office for Anaheim's City Council, joining continuing members Jose Diaz of District 1 and Steve Faessel of District 5.
The six sitting members of the normally seven-person Council are expected to consider an appointment to fill the District 4 seat, as is recommended by Anaheim's governing city charter.
We expect to call for applications for District 4 appointment consideration in the weeks ahead. To be considered, residents must have lived in District 4 for at least 30 days.
District 4 covers central-south Anaheim and includes neighborhoods as well as the theme parks, convention center and other businesses of The Anaheim Resort.
During the District 4 vacancy, residents and businesses are welcome to reach out to the city manager's office, the mayor's office or any Council member for help or assistance.