Calipatria City Council reverses decision, votes to keep city manager Laura Gutierrez

CALIPATRIA, Calif. (KYMA) - In a dramatic turnaround inside Calipatria City Hall, the City Council voted 3-1 in an emergency session to rescind its previous decision to terminate City Manager Laura Gutierrez, fully reinstating her contract, which runs through June 1, 2027.

The emergency meeting, called by Mayor Michael Luellen, took place after a month of intense uncertainty. Gutierrez's job had been hanging in the balance since the council initially announced her termination on April 14.

The decision to keep Gutierrez follows a massive wave of public backing from local residents. One council member was absent from the vote, but the remaining majority chose to honor the community's wishes.

Reacting to the decision, Gutierrez expressed her deep gratitude for the local outreach.

Gutierrez has held her post in Calipatria since June 2023. With her contract now fully secure, she is set to serve out the remainder of her current term.

The vote ensures continuity at the highest level of city staff. Gutierrez will remain at the helm of Calipatria's infrastructure projects, protecting her ongoing initiatives to transform and beautify the town.