Gardena council certifies June election results and swears in mayor and new council members

The Gardena City Council on July 2 adopted Resolution 6743 to declare the results of the June 2, 2026, general municipal election and then swore in the mayor and several newly elected or re-elected city officials.

City Manager John Downey introduced item 4(a), Resolution 6743, describing it as the formal declaration of the general municipal election held on June 2, 2026. The council recorded no public speakers on the item; after confirming remote-participation procedure, the council took a motion to adopt the resolution. The mayor’s office announced the motion passed with four yeas: Serta, Henderson, Tanaka and Francis.

The council then administered oaths of office to officials and staff. Becky Romero was sworn in as city clerk. Other officials who received oaths during the ceremony included Jeff Fukasawa and Rodney Tanaka; the mayor, Tasha Serta, also took the oath during the proceedings. Those sworn in offered brief remarks and acknowledged family, staff and supporters following the ceremony.

Quote: “This election wasn't just a victory for me, but it was a victory for the city of Gardena,” Mayor Tasha Serta said in brief remarks after the oaths, citing the passage of Measure G and pledging priorities including public safety, neighborhood amenities and business attraction.

Why it matters: Certification of election results completes the formal process that validates who holds elected office and enables the new council to act in its official capacities. The swearing-in marks the start of the new term for the mayor and other officials.

The council recessed for a short break for photos and community celebrations, announced a public opening of a 50-year time capsule outside City Hall, and adjourned the special session to a closed session at 7:00 p.m., with the next regular meeting scheduled for July 14, 2026.