On Wednesday evening, Bakersfield’s City Council meeting marked a significant transition as newly elected members Larry Koman (Ward 5) and Zach Bashirtash (Ward 6) were officially sworn in, ushering in fresh representation for their districts.
In addition to these new representatives, Council member Andrae Gonzales (Ward 2), who was re-elected for his third term, was also recognized. All three council members will serve four-year terms that expire in November 2029.
Republicans Zach Bashirtash and Larry Koman secured victories in the November election, filling the open seats left by outgoing council members Bruce Freeman (Ward 5) and Patty Gray (Ward 6), who chose not to seek reelection.
During Wednesday night’s ceremony, outgoing council members Bruce Freeman and Patty Gray were honored with heartfelt speeches, commemorative medals, plaques, and personalized mock street signs bearing their names.
After the new council members were sworn in, the council unanimously elected Ward 7 representative Manpreet Kaur as Bakersfield’s new vice mayor, making her the first Punjabi to hold the office of vice mayor.
“She shares my values in fighting for our community and I know that she is all about helping everyday people,” Ward 1 Councilman Eric Arias said in his speech to nominate Kaur. “She will be a unifying voice for this council for the next two years. In this role, I know she will fight for more than just her district.”
