Newly elected Councilmembers, Auditor, and Treasurer sworn in
On December 17, City Council officially recognized Trish Herrera Spencer’s and Malia Vella’s years of service at their final meeting as Councilmembers. Superior Court Judge Noël Wise swore in Michelle Pryor and Greg Boller as new Councilmembers, and City Council voted for Michelle Pryor to be the new Vice Mayor. Judge Wise also swore in Kevin Kearney as City Auditor and Kevin Kennedy as City Treasurer.

Trish Herrera Spencer’s service
Councilmember Trish Herrera Spencer grew up in Southern California, but Alameda has been her home for the past 25 years and is where she raised her family. She completed her undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley and earned her Juris Doctorate at Western State College of Law. Council’s resolution recognizing her service noted that before serving on City Council, she served as an Alameda Unified School District Board Member from 2008 to 2014. She was also a PTA Council President and Community Emergency Response Team Member.
Herrera Spencer was the City’s first Hispanic Mayor, serving in that position from 2014 through 2018. She also was the first Hispanic Councilwoman in the City’s history, serving in that position from 2020 through 2024. She prioritized public safety, supporting a fully staffed Alameda Police Department (APD) and providing APD with technology, including license plate readers (LPRs) mounted on police cars and fixed LPRs at City portals. She joined her Council colleagues in creating the CARE Team, Alameda’s mental health crisis intervention program.
City Auditor Kevin Kearney praised her for standing “on her own when she felt she was right without the backing of any particular group,” saying he appreciated her independence. Former Councilmember Jim Oddie expressed appreciation for working with her on environmental issues such as the Alameda Disposable Food Service Ware Reduction Law.
In her closing statement, Herrera Spencer expressed gratitude to her supporters and everyone who has participated in the community, whether by attending a Council meeting or writing a letter. She noted, “There have been challenges throughout my tenure,” but added, “It’s fascinating for me to reflect on what I think is some amazing good work that has occurred during my time.” She recalled supporting the establishment of Jean Sweeney Park and the naming of Svendsen Maritime Park, helping protect Corica Park, championing Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, and supporting cannabis dispensaries in Alameda, among other projects. She concluded by encouraging all residents to participate in the community.

Malia Vella’s service
Councilmember Malia Vella was born in Alameda, grew up in San Leandro, and earned her Juris Doctorate at Santa Clara University. Before serving on City Council, she served the community on the Historical Advisory Board, the Alameda Sister City Association, and the Alameda Family Services Board, among other local organizations.
Vella served on City Council from 2016 to 2024, serving as Vice Mayor from 2020 to 2022. Her two children were born while she served on the Council, making her the first Councilmember to become a mother while in office. Her experience informed her request that the City place lactation and diaper changing stations in its buildings.
During her eight years of service, she prioritized racial justice, tenant protections, low- and middle-income housing production, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, local business support, and sea level rise protection.
In 2021, she collaborated with the mayor to instigate a reworking of APD’s response to 911 calls, which laid the foundation for the CARE Team. In 2022, she helped instigate bringing the Rent Program into the City Attorney’s Office, resulting in a “Hearing Officer” model of resolving landlord-tenant disputes.
One public speaker praised her work on the rent control ordinance, saying, “It improved the lives of 50% of the city and provided stability to the whole city.” Former Councilmember Jim Oddie added, “There are people that have housing because of the work you did.” Cyndi Johnson of Bike Walk Alameda praised her support for “safer, greener streets.”
Vella acknowledged the support of her family, fondly recalling her father’s presence at her swearing-in, her sister canvassing with her, and how her grandmother used to sit through City Council meetings. She felt it was essential to demonstrate to children how business is conducted with decorum and respect and how leadership can look many different ways.
Welcome and swearing-in
Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft welcomed new Councilmembers Michele Pryor and Greg Boller, emphasizing the value of their fresh energy, ideas, and perspectives. She also referred to work with the California League of Cities, saying, “We don’t have to agree, but we always treat each other with respect, and we learn from each other.”
Vice Mayor Tony Daysog nominated Michele Pryor as the new Vice Mayor since she was the top vote-getter among elected members. His motion passed unanimously.
Boller expressed humility regarding his run for public office, highlighting mixed reactions from residents when he knocked on doors, ranging from opening doors wide to shutting doors quickly. He honored the service of Herrera Spencer and Vella, whose legacies influenced his decision to run. He praised City staff for their responsiveness and concluded by remembering his mother, an educator and community artist, saying he hoped to honor her by showing his best work.
Pryor expressed gratitude to her supporters and enthusiasm for collaborating with the City’s leadership team to “foster Alameda’s vibrancy, safety, and prosperity.” She recognized the “remarkable service” of Councilmembers Herrera Spencer and Vella and acknowledged the “exceptional work” of the City’s staff.
Alameda County Superior Court Judge Noël Wise swore in Councilmembers Pryor and Boller as well as City Auditor Kevin Kearney and City Treasurer Kevin Kennedy, both of whom ran unopposed for their offices.
Contributing writer Karin K. Jensen covers boards and commissions for the Alameda Post. Contact her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at https://linktr.ee/karinkjensen and https://alamedapost.com/Karin-K-Jensen.