History was made in Sunnyside on January 12, as City Council unanimously selected Vicky Frausto to serve as mayor—making her the first Latina mayor in the city’s history.
The moment is especially significant in a community that is nearly 90 percent Latino, yet until now had never elected a Latina to its highest ceremonial leadership role. Frausto’s appointment signals not just a change in leadership, but a broader shift in representation, power, and trust between City Hall and the community it serves.
At the same meeting, Julia Hart was elected deputy mayor, marking the first time in Sunnyside history that both the mayor and deputy mayor positions are held by women.
“Thank you to my colleagues for the trust that you have now laid upon me,” Frausto said following the vote. “I fully commit to making sure I am a representative for every person in this community, and I fully commit to working in good faith with every single one of you. We can agree to disagree—agreeably.”
A New Council, A New Chapter
The leadership vote came during the first City Council meeting of the year, which also welcomed new council members Tom Dollan, Ramon Chavez, and Leticia Zesati. Zesati was officially sworn into office, while Frausto took her oath again to continue serving her council seat before being elevated to mayor.
Joy filled the air as Ruben Orneles and Jorge Nacario celebrated the election of Vicky Frausto as the new Mayor in the City of Sunnyside, where most of the residents are Latino, shouting “You got it, Vicky!”
In Sunnyside’s form of government, the mayor and deputy mayor are selected by the council from among its members. Frausto was the sole nominee for mayor. Hart and Councilmember Jorge Galvan were nominated for deputy mayor, with Hart ultimately prevailing in a 5–2 vote.
Honoring the Pathbreakers
The meeting included a ceremonial swearing-in conducted by former Councilmember Bengie Aguilar, the first Latina ever elected to the Sunnyside City Council and a longtime community advocate.
“Bengie broke doors so I could walk through them,” Frausto said, acknowledging Aguilar’s role as a mentor and trailblazer.
Aguilar, a Sunnyside resident for more than 45 years, spoke emotionally about Frausto’s journey, noting she had known her since she was young.
“Her heart was already on fire with leadership, justice, and service,” Aguilar said. “I knew even then that someday she would be a leader in our community.”
Watching from the audience was Frausto’s mother, Virginia Frausto, who expressed pride in her daughter’s accomplishment—a moment that resonated deeply with many families in attendance.
Budget Pressures and a Hiring Freeze
Also drawing attention was the council’s recent decision to impose a hiring freeze as part of its fiscal year 2026 budget strategy. The freeze applies to the first quarter of the year, with limited exceptions for positions that become vacant during that period.
City Manager Jim Bridges explained that certain roles—including animal control officer and code enforcement officer—are exempt and may be filled if deemed necessary.
The council is scheduled to revisit the hiring freeze on March 23.
Executive Session and Lingering Questions
Following the meeting, the City Council entered executive session for approximately one hour. While no formal action was taken, multiple sources indicate the discussion centered on the possible return of former City Manager Mike Gonzalez.
Gonzalez was terminated without cause in September 2025, a decision that quickly became a defining political issue in Sunnyside. His firing sparked intense public backlash and ultimately became a ballot referendum that reshaped the council. The election resulted in decisive victories for Leticia Zesati and Ramon Chavez, while incumbents Theresa Hancock and Vicki Ripley were ousted by large margins.
The investigation that preceded Gonzalez’s termination ultimately failed to substantiate wrongdoing on his part, further fueling public frustration and claims of political interference. Since then, a majority of current council members have expressed interest in revisiting the decision.
No action was taken during Monday’s executive session, but a special meeting—including another executive session—has been scheduled for Friday. As of this publication, the time of that meeting has not yet been determined.
Developments Beyond Sunnyside
Meanwhile, sources in Richland confirm that Jim Bridges has been offered the Deputy Public Works Director position with the City of Richland. Bridges has reportedly asked Sunnyside council members whether he will be asked to stay on permanently, adding another layer of uncertainty to the city’s administrative future.
As Sunnyside turns the page with new leadership at the dais, key questions remain unanswered behind closed doors—questions that could shape the city’s direction for years to come.
The next regular Sunnyside City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 26.
