The City of Calexico has a new mayor

Javier Moreno Calexico's looks to bring change and progress - News 11's Wiley Jawhary reports

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - There's a new face in the Calexico mayor's office, and he's looking to put a new face on city leadership.

Javier Moreno's colleagues on the Calexico City Council selected him to serve as mayor on Wednesday. He replaces Rosie Fernandez.

Fernandez, and her fellow council members, are no strangers to controversy. In January of 2020, she pleaded guilty to DUI charges, and served probation and performed community service. Then, in May, a community activist served Fernandez with a recall notice.

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She's not the only Calexico city leader to face trouble with the law. Former Mayor Pro Tem David Romero is currently serving a federal prison sentence for accepting a bribe in exchange for an expedited cannabis permit.

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However, Fernandez herself initiated the motion that made Moreno mayor. She says she's excited for his term.

"Public safety is a very important thing," Calexico Mayor Moreno said.

"The city council, it's no secret, it's divided, but Mr. Moreno has the best interest of moving the city in the right direction," she said.

A direction that some community activist believe Fernandez went against, leading one local to spearhead a recall against her. That same activist hopes Mayor Moreno will faithfully represent the community.

Gilberto Manzanares who served former Mayor Fernandez with recall papers back in May says he is concerned with the rotation of council members becoming mayors.

"You voted with me through the entire time that we have been here, so here is your reward," he said.

Fernandez will remain on the city council as a member for one year. She predicts Moreno will move the city forward.