The wait is over, the ballots have all finally been counted and certified, and Riverbank has a new Mayor and some new members on the City Council.

The regular council meeting was held on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the Riverbank Community Center, moved there from the council chambers to accommodate the expected crowd present to observe the swearing-in ceremonies.

Outgoing Mayor Richard D. O’Brien presented outgoing Council Member Darlene Barber-Martinez with a plaque and certificate recognizing her years of service, both on the council and in other community service. O’Brien was also honored for his many years of service to the city, filling several terms as mayor.

Following that, John Pimentel was sworn in as District 3 Council Member by City Clerk/Election Official Gabriela Hernandez. He was appointed by the old council in November to fill the seat left vacant when Leanne Jones Cruz moved out of town at the end of September.

Next, Hernandez swore in Cindy Fosi, who ran unopposed in the November election for the District 2 seat.

Following that, Stacy Call was sworn in, to take the District 4 seat. She defeated incumbent Darlene Barber-Martinez and candidate Roxana Garcia in the election.

And finally, City Clerk Hernandez, no relation, swore in former District 2 Council Member Rachel Hernandez as Riverbank Mayor.

The council then took an intermission while guests enjoyed some refreshments and congratulated the new council members.

Following that, much of the crowd had dispersed when the council reconvened in its new configuration to handle items on the agenda.