City councilmembers sworn in, mayor elected

Provided.

From left: City Clerk Tori Marsh, Councilmember Michael Davies, Councilmember Jeanette Pauer, Mayor Joan Pogon-Cord, Councilmember Phil Smith, Councilmember Hannah Chung and City Treasurer Marianna Gutierrez.

During the City Council meeting on Dec. 16, the City officially welcomed returning leaders who took the oath of office to begin their terms of service.

Joan Pogon-Cord (District 4) was nominated and unanimously elected as Mayor, and Jeanette Pauer (District 2) was unanimously elected as Mayor Pro-Tem.

In addition to the mayoral appointments, councilmembers and elected officials were sworn in:

• Michael Davies: District 3

• Hannah Chung: District 5

• Tori Marsh: City Clerk

• Marianna Gutierrez: Treasurer

Phil Smith was re-elected to the Tehachapi City Council as District 1 representative on Nov. 8, 2022. The positions of Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem are two-year terms, with nominations and voting conducted by the five elected councilmembers.

"I am delighted and honored to serve my favorite city – I've been to a lot of places, but there's no place like home. I hope to serve the community I love with humility and care," said Mayor Pogon-Cord.

Mayor Pogon-Cord is currently serving her second term on the Tehachapi City Council following her initial election in November 2018. Pogon-Cord has been a dedicated member of the community for over 40 years, serving as a teacher and coach at Tehachapi High School, where she played a key role in establishing girls' sports in the 1970s. Now retired, she remains active at THS, volunteering her time as a game scorer for athletic programs and serving as a substitute teacher.

The Tehachapi City Council meets on the first and third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. They are currently meeting at the Police Department Community Room, 220 W. C St.