BG Council appoints De La Rosa as mayor, Guillén as mayor pro tem in unified council vote

The Bell Gardens City Council voted unanimously Monday night to select Miguel De La Rosa as mayor and Isabel Guillén as mayor pro tem during its annual leadership reorganization. Both are 27, making them the youngest members of the council.

De La Rosa, elected to the council in 2024 after a narrow defeat in 2022, was the sole nominee for mayor and won unanimous support. He is up for re-election in 2026.

“I wouldn’t have imagined it happening a couple years ago,” De La Rosa said, thanking his colleagues and the community. “Your support and trust are the reason why I’m here today.” 

“Bell Gardens is a city built by people who keep moving forward even when life gets hard,” he said, adding: “I want every person in the city to feel that Bell Gardens belongs to them, because it does.”

Guillén was also unanimously appointed mayor pro tem. Guillén and her colleagues noted she faced a difficult year, including the loss of her father.

“I’m fighting the urge to cry because it’s been a difficult year, but… the power of community has been so strong,” Guillén said. “I’ve always had my father’s voice telling me to not stay silent, and that’s what’s kept me pushing.”

Guillén will not be up for re-election until 2028.

Outgoing Mayor Marco Bárcena emphasized the council’s unity during the transition, saying, “Everyone loves our new mayor, and that is beautiful... This is a beautiful moment.”

The city conducts its leadership reorganization at the first regular December meeting, as outlined in local and state code.