On Monday evening, the Culver City Council installed Yasmine-Imani McMorrin as its new mayor. Mayor McMorrin becomes the city’s first African-American woman to ever serve in the role.

Before departing his post, outgoing Mayor Albert Vera reflected on his year at the head of the dais. He discussed progress on gun safety, small business growth, and efforts to combat homelessness, saying, “During the past year, Culver City has shown an unwavering commitment to uplifting our unhoused neighbors. We have consciously chosen to be part of the solution.”

“I am especially proud of the strides we have made in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Vera added. “Culver City’s commitment to DEI is unwavering and we have continued to find new ways to celebrate our diversity and work hard to end discrimination in all forms.”

Vera’s colleagues weighed in with compliments. Councilmember Freddy Puza praised Vera for the time he put into the position, and recalled an enjoyable trip to a sister city they shared where he said the mayor represented the city well. Councilmember Dan O’Brien complimented Vera’s ability to handle a diversity of passionate opinions from the public saying of Vera, “You’ve always more than kept your composure.”

Vera then nominated Vice Mayor McMorrin as mayor, and she was installed with a unanimous 5-0 vote of her colleagues.

“I am so deeply humbled by the significance of this moment,” said McMorrin. She thanked her colleagues and said she looked forward to working with them in the coming year. She thanked Vera for his “Guidance, leadership, and support.”

McMorrin then thanked God, numerous family members, the overall community, and County Supervisor Holly Mitchell for her support. She also recognized Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, saying she was “Heeding the call” from Bass to address regional issues that L.A. confronts alongside embedded communities like Culver City.

“It is my sincere hope that we recommit to serving our community with excellent service; that we invest in increased accountability, transparency, and meaningful community engagement with all community members,” she said. “I am someone who believes that so much more is possible than we are experiencing right now.”

Following her remarks, McMorrin received cheers from supporters in the auditorium, and a standing ovation from her council colleagues.

Following some pictures with family and supporters, it was O’Brien’s turn. He was installed as the new Vice Mayor, replacing McMorrin.

Mayor McMorrin also added, in a statement Westside Voice saw on social media Tuesday morning, “I’m grateful for this opportunity to continue to serve Culver City in this capacity as its newest, historic mayor. As only the sixth woman – and first Black woman – councilmember this moment is not lost on me, and I thank my colleagues for their vote of confidence to lead us through the next year with them and Vice Mayor O’Brien.”

“In these extraordinary times, our city requires steady, focused, and forward-thinking policies that advance our communities, businesses, and protect those who need us the most. I look forward to tackling the challenges ahead and boosting our successes as we work to build a more prosperous and inclusive Culver City.”

Photo by the author.