Betty Martinez Franco was sworn in as the Irvine City Council’s newest member on May 13th, and got a good taste of what she’s gotten herself into during the meeting that followed.

Martinez Franco addressed her new colleagues and the audience in the full Council Chamber, saying that she is very proud to be the first Latina and Mexican immigrant to be elected to the Council, but added, “I am not here to only represent one group or demographic. I am here for everyone.

She closed by saying, “I am ready to get to work, to collaborate with our Mayor and my fellow Councilmembers to build an Irvine where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated, where equity is not just a promise but a practice, and where inclusion is not just a buzzword, it’s how we govern.”