Alhambra : Planning Panel Seat Filled
Mark Juarez, son-in-law of Councilwoman Barbara Messina, was appointed to the Planning Commission Monday night by Councilman Talmage Burke.
Juarez, a 28-year-old attorney, will begin serving on the nine-member commission next week after he takes the oath of office.
There are no rules prohibiting relatives of council members from serving on city commissions or committees, City Clerk Francis Moore said. Messina said she did not ask Burke to appoint Juarez.
“I just liked his background,” Burke said. He said Juarez’s application stood out from others because of his record of community involvement. Burke also pointed out Juarez’s experience as a manager of local softball teams.
“That’s getting in there and working with young people,” Burke said. He added that Juarez, who is fluent in Spanish, will be an asset in a community where 30% of the residents are Latino.
In another announcement Monday, Burke appointed Paul Talbot to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Talbot, 27, is a co-owner of two Wendy’s Old Fashion Hamburgers restaurants in the city.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
