Adelanto mayor pro tem submits resignation; city attorney to place vacancy options on next agenda

Mayor Reyes read a resignation letter into the record at the start of the April 28 meeting, signed in the transcript as “Respectfully, Mayor Pro Tem, Carldo Hernandez,” stating that ongoing post‑COVID health problems made it impossible for him to continue in office. The letter set the resignation effective Wednesday, 04/28/2021.

City Attorney Lloyd Pilchon told the council the resignation creates a vacant seat and asked council direction to place an item on the next meeting agenda explaining the two options provided by law: hold a special election or appoint a new council member to serve the remainder of the term. “I would include a staff report that describes those options in more detail,” Pilchon said, and requested no objection to staff preparing that agenda item and report.

Council members offered condolences and support during announcements. Multiple members used the informal name “Jerry” or referred to “Gerald Hernandez” while addressing the family and the member; the resignation letter as read into the record is transcribed as signed by “Carldo Hernandez.” The record contains those differing name forms; the council’s public statements expressed best wishes for his recovery.

The city attorney’s request for direction did not require an immediate vote; Pilchon said the purpose of placing the item on the next agenda would be to allow council discussion and public comment on which option to pursue. A formal council action to appoint or call a special election would come only after that agenda discussion and, if required, subsequent action.