Council back at 5, on track again

The Moreno Valley City Council had a rough 2021. Over the course of the year, two of its five members died. (That’s 40%. Is “elected office” MoVal’s most dangerous job?)

An attempt to fill one vacancy by appointment had critics, including the district attorney, crying foul over the likely Brown Act violation. The move was rescinded.

Meetings were dominated by anger and namecalling. A political protest took place next to the city’s official Christmas tree, lights twinkling, as people chanted that two council members should resign.

MoVal? More like MoDrama.

After the November election, a new member, Ed Delgado, was sworn in to replace Carla Thornton, who had died that January. Delgado brought the council up to four members. That was progress, but it swiftly hit a pothole.

The council, in two ideological camps, was divided on whom to give the ceremonial title of mayor pro tem.

Ulises Cabrera promoted David Marquez. Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez backed Delgado. After a couple of 2-2 votes, the