Opinion | La Voz Hispanic News
Public service demands restraint, judgment, and a clear separation between personal matters and the public trust. When that line is crossed—especially in a public forum—the damage extends beyond the individuals involved and into the credibility of government itself.
That line was crossed at the Sunnyside City Council meeting on December 8th.
Deputy Mayor Jorge Galvan is currently involved in a serious and highly contested civil dispute with his father, Brian Galvan, over the ownership and possession of three commercial vehicles. The matter is being litigated in civil court, with sharply conflicting sworn statements on file. No court has ruled on the merits, and no criminal charges have been filed against any party.
We state this clearly and deliberately: allegations are not convictions, and it is not the role of the press to determine guilt.
But this opinion is not about the outcome of a civil case. It is about public conduct, ethical judgment, and fitness for office.
What happened at City Hall
On December 1, Brian Galvan attempted to speak during public comment at a Sunnyside City Council meeting. He was informed—correctly—that his remarks needed to be limited to the scope of a public hearing item.
On December 8, events took a far more troubling turn.
Before the December 8th meeting Deputy Mayor Galvan sent this letter trying to intimidate his father Brian from testifying at the meeting.
Letter attempting to stop public comment
In addition to this letter, Deputy Mayor Jorge Galvan did the unthinkable. Something most parents couldn’t fathom. During that meeting, Deputy Mayor Galvan brought his teenage daughter to the council meeting and positioned her in a way that prevented his father from addressing the council. Brian Galvan did not speak. A family friend, Cindy Bateman, attempted to speak during public comment and was cut off after alleging misconduct involving the disputed vehicles.
WATCH CINDY BATEMAN’S TESTIMONY 12/8/25
A deeply sensitive and serious context
The situation is complicated by the existence of a restraining order involving Deputy Mayor Galvan’s daughter and Brian Galvan, stemming from allegations of sexual misconduct. Brian Galvan has publicly denied those allegations and has never been charged with a crime. Brian Galvan says he will be exonerated, and has told La Voz he believes Jorge and his wife are to blame for this entire situation. He says “I haven’t ever run from this false situation, and the truth will set me free.”
La Voz Hispanic News approaches this aspect of the situation with seriousness and care. We acknowledge the pain experienced by victims of abuse and the importance of protecting children.
At the same time, it is profoundly troubling to see a minor placed—physically and symbolically—between an elected official and public accountability during an official government meeting. A city council chamber is not a place to deploy family trauma, unresolved allegations, or children as shields against scrutiny.
That is not leadership.
This is about ethics, not adjudication
This opinion does not determine who owns trucks. Courts exist for that purpose. It does not weigh in on criminal guilt. Law enforcement exists for that purpose.
This opinion focuses on something far simpler and far more troubling: judgment.
When an elected official:
- Is entangled in an unresolved civil dispute involving serious allegations;
- Uses his position or influence to limit public comment about that dispute;
- Brings a child into the middle of a public confrontation involving family and legal conflict;
- And turns a city council meeting into a stage for personal turmoil—
the issue becomes whether that official can continue to serve effectively and ethically.
A broader pattern of controversy and alignment with Theresa Hancock
This incident does not exist in isolation. Deputy Mayor Galvan has been a central figure in prior political controversies in Sunnyside, including his alignment with former Councilmember Theresa Hancock, who was ousted from her council seat by Leticia Zesati. She and Galvan targeted former City Manager Mike Gonzalez. Those efforts included allegations related to so-called “Towel Gate” and claims that Gonzalez created a city position without approval—claims that were later publicly disputed and never substantiated.
Mike Gonzalez was a target of Galvan and Hancock
Leadership requires steadiness, especially during conflict. It requires the ability to de-escalate, not inflame. And it requires knowing when personal circumstances have become incompatible with public responsibility.
Our position
La Voz Hispanic News does not make legal findings. We do not take sides in family disputes. We do not diminish the seriousness of any allegation of harm.
But we do believe this:
Placing a child between oneself and public accountability is inexcusable.
Allowing personal legal turmoil to spill into City Hall is unacceptable.
And continuing to serve under these circumstances undermines public trust.
For the good of Sunnyside, and based on public conduct—not private accusations—we believe Deputy Mayor Jorge Galvan should resign his position and allow the city to move forward without the cloud of controversy that now surrounds his office.
Public service is an honor. When that honor is compromised, the responsible choice is to step aside.
