The first presentation during last week’s city council meeting was a proclamation commemorating the City of Riverbank’s 100 years in action, presented by Mayor Richard O’Brien to Gaby Hernandez along with flowers. Hernandez is the new city clerk for the City of Riverbank.
The city was incorporated on Aug. 23, 1922 and 100 years later at the City Council meeting on Aug. 23, 2022 the city’s history was commemorated. There were Centennial celebrations in recognition of the city turning 100 with the grand finale a couple of weeks ago.
Prior to becoming the city clerk, Hernandez was an Administrative Assistant Confidential and was part of the Centennial Committee. During that time, she had a big part organizing and coordinating the centennial celebrations throughout the year.
“I was surprised with the Council’s presentation of the Centennial proclamation to me and flowers,” shared Hernandez, expressing her heartfelt appreciation. “I was not expecting to be recognized. I was happy to have the opportunity to work on putting together along with the Committee the Centennial Celebration events throughout the year for the Riverbank community. I truly love working with and for our Riverbank residents.”
It has been three years since Hernandez has been with the city and since July 1 that she has officially taken on the role of city clerk. This role is completely different than the one she previously held but she is ready for the challenge and responsibility.
“This is the time to go for it because who knows what kind of council we will have later,” said Hernandez. “We have a great council right now and they are so supportive. I am lucky. I live here, I love working here and I plan to retire from here. I thought there is no better time than now for a bigger responsibility or bigger role here with the city.”
The recruitment for a new city clerk began in January and was extended until April. After the recruitment process and being interviewed by a panel of city clerks, Hernandez was offered the position in June. With mixed emotions of shock and happiness as well as a sense of pride she has hit the ground running.
The city clerk is the local Elections Official and this is an election year. The city clerk handles the city’s records and ensures transparency to the people. They are the compliance officer, the filing officer, the recorder, and processor of actions by the City Council, Commissions, or Boards. Along with all that the city clerk creates the agenda, provides support to the mayor, city council, city manager and other departments.
The first meeting Hernandez attended on her own had a chamber full of people.
She said, “I felt like I belong there. I love being on the dais with the city council. It felt great.”
The support that she has received from the City Council gave her encouragement and has helped her carry on with confidence.
“My goal once I settle in this position is to make sure that my city manager and my council and our community and our staff knows that they made the right decision appointing me,” expressed Hernandez. “I am here to be a voice for our community to our council. I will work hard and be transparent and have our city’s best interest at heart.”
Hernandez is the youngest of 11 siblings and is the first in her family to go to college. She has been in Riverbank for 30 years and attended school at California Avenue Elementary, Cardozo Middle School, and Riverbank High School. She has taught at RHS and was a coach with the afterschool program. After graduating from Stanislaus State, she worked a few different jobs in Riverbank including Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District for three years in administration.
When she transitioned to the City of Riverbank, she knew that it was only a stepping stone to something more. Hernandez applied for the Recreation Supervisor position in 2021 but did not get it.
“It wasn’t meant to be,” noted Hernandez. “Now looking back a year and a half later I did not know this position was going to open up. God knew that I was meant for something else.”
With her passionate ties to the community, and the support that surrounds her, Hernandez feels that she is right where she belongs.
