1st Latino Named to City Council : Politics: Rosa Maria Hernandez’s appointment in Bell Gardens comes as little surprise in wake of pressure from Latino community.

BELL GARDENS —  Rosa Maria Hernandez, a community activist and businesswoman who came here 20 years ago from Mexico, this week became the first Latino in the city’s history to sit on the City Council.

Hernandez, 39, was appointed Monday night to fill the seat vacated by Ron Bird, who resigned earlier this month to take a job in Beaver, Utah. Her appointment came as little surprise to political observers, as she was the next highest vote-getter in the April, 1990, City Council elections. It is traditional for the runner-up in the most recent municipal election to be appointed to fill any vacancy on the council.

It also was widely speculated that a Latino would win the post because the all-Anglo City Council has been pressured by the Latino community to respond to its needs. Since last year, many Latinos in Bell Gardens have also argued for a greater voice in local government.

Of the 42,000 people who live in the city, 37,000 are Latino, but no Latino in the 30-year history of the city had ever sat on the council. Few Latinos were given administrative posts.

“I really believe the council wants to listen, they want to communicate but they don’t know how,” Hernandez said. “I know I can show them the way. . . . I have more power now and I intend to use it.”

Mayor Allen Shelby said he believes that Hernandez will do a good job. Hernandez has had a high profile in the city since 1986, with her involvement in development of a Neighborhood Watch program, her campaign to get Spanish-language interpreters at City Hall, and as a member of several local organizations.

“If anybody deserved it or earned it, she did,” Shelby said. “I believe Rosa will truthfully tell us what the people are saying.”

Not everyone is as pleased with the appointment. Former allies, whom she has criticized for their aggressive political tactics, have accused her of turning her back on the Latino community to win the attention of the Anglo leadership.

Hernandez acknowledged that her appointment puts her in a difficult position. She now must work with a council that she once criticized as arrogant and uncaring while being careful not to alienate those Latino activists who already view her and her sudden ascension to power with suspicion.

“I have to convince them that I am in the same position that I have always been in,” she said. “I know I can prove it to them easily.”

At Monday’s meeting, about a dozen people who congratulated Hernandez also urged her to stand up for the residents who have been fighting City Hall.

“I don’t know if you are Mexican or Spanish, but I am so happy to see you up there,” said Roberto Rodriguez. “Don’t let those guys corrupt you.”

Resident Mario Pena told the council that sooner or later the community would replace the four remaining members. “We want a Mexican in there,” he said. Then looking at Hernandez, he said. “I’ve got nothing personal against you, but hey, you are Mexican. Stand up for your people. La gente esta aqui. La raza esta aqui. “

Rudy Garcia, director of the Bell office of the League of United Latin American Citizens, told the council that he was happy about the appointment, but said, “I just wish it would have been the choice of the community.”

But another said: “Congratulations. You have a chance to represent the community. God gave you a chance. Take it.”