In a move signaling both continuity and contest within the Daly City government, Juslyn C. Manalo was sworn in as the new mayor amid tension and allegations of discrimination. In a special meeting that saw its share of turbulence, Manalo took the reins from former Mayor Ray Buenaventura, with California Attorney General Rob Bonta in attendance to officiate the oath of office, as reported by Daly City's official announcements.
The voting process was marred by controversy, and seconds in, the sound of dissent echoed through the chambers with audible protests. Accusations of racism and anti-Semitism punctuated the proceedings, even as Manalo was nominated and the room filled with boos and cries against the city council's alleged prejudices, according to CBS News San Francisco.
Councilmember Pamela DiGiovanni emerged as a vocal contender for the mayoral position, championing her time served and advocating for fair treatment without discrimination. As she put it, "Each of us deserves to be treated fairly without discrimination, without antisemitism on some of us, without anything that is important, to stand together in collaboration, to work together and make this community better." These sentiments came after deep-seated acrimony, underscored by a past restraining order against DiGiovanni by Manalo, citing assault—a matter which she declared resolved during her plea for support.
Despite the fervor and the charged atmosphere, Manalo secured the mayoral seat with a 3-2 vote, with Dr. Roderick Daus-Magbual selected as vice mayor in a separate vote that again put DiGiovanni in the spotlight, highlighted by both aspirations and historic resistance. The final tallies spurred a new chapter for Daly City governance. Manalo expressed her commitment to an expansive vision for Daly City, focused on affordable housing, public safety, youth programs, senior services, and a park that is open to all, as noted in an official statement by the City of Daly City.
The council also looked ahead to upcoming public engagements, scheduling a hearing in January to deliberate on a prominent housing development project, a demonstration of Manalo's pledge to foster community involvement.
