-Editorial
The Calipatria City Council reappointed Michael Luellen as mayor and selected Fred Beltran as mayor pro tempore during its annual reorganization meeting.
The council’s decision provides continuity in the city’s leadership for the coming year. Luellen and Beltran will continue in their roles as the city addresses ongoing priorities and long-term planning efforts. City officials said the reorganization reflects the council’s focus on maintaining stable governance while advancing projects intended to strengthen city operations and community services.
Luellen and Beltran, along with the rest of the council, have served during a period of transition for the city. During that time, the commission has worked with city staff to address operational needs, respond to community concerns, and lay the groundwork for future initiatives.
Luellen said he was honored by the council’s decision to reappoint him as mayor and expressed appreciation for the trust placed in him by his colleagues. He also thanked residents for their engagement and support, congratulated Beltran on his selection as mayor pro tempore, and recognized Councilmember Javier Amezcua for his service as mayor pro tempore during the past year.
City officials said the reorganization supports Calipatria’s ongoing efforts to address local priorities and underscores the council’s emphasis on collaboration and responsiveness to residents. The City Council and staff said they will continue working to advance initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for Calipatria residents in the year ahead.
Luellen has received multiple regional and statewide appointments, expanding his role in public policy, interagency collaboration, and equity initiatives during what city officials described as a significant month of recognition for the community.
On Nov. 20, Luellen was unanimously elected vice chair of the Imperial County Local Agency Formation Commission. LAFCo oversees jurisdictional boundaries, municipal service delivery, and planning decisions that guide regional growth. As vice chair, Luellen will participate in deliberations affecting cities, special districts, and countywide service coordination, giving Calipatria a formal role in discussions that shape future development in Imperial County.
Luellen has also been reappointed to the League of California Cities’ Governance, Transparency, and Labor Relations Policy Committee. It will be his third consecutive year serving on the statewide panel, which reviews and recommends policies involving ethical governance standards, public accountability measures, and municipal labor relations practices for California’s 482 cities. League officials said the committee plays a central role in guiding local governments on best practices and statewide legislative priorities.
His statewide involvement will expand further in 2026. Luellen has been selected to represent the Imperial County Division on the League of California Cities’ Advancing Equity Advisory Committee. The committee works to improve equity-focused policy development and address systemic disparities affecting underserved communities. Members collaborate on statewide strategies intended to support rural, low-income, and historically disadvantaged regions, including those in the Imperial Valley.
Luellen said he was honored by the appointments and intends to highlight the needs of smaller communities in broader policy discussions. “These appointments are not just personal milestones; they reflect our region’s growing influence and the importance of ensuring our rural communities have a voice at every level of government,” he said in a statement. He added that he plans to advocate for transparency, equitable opportunities, and expanded resources for residents.
City officials said the appointments reinforce Calipatria’s role in statewide conversations that influence policy direction, equity initiatives, and intergovernmental cooperation. They said Luellen’s participation will help ensure that one of California’s historically underserved communities remains represented in key decision-making forums throughout the state.
Luellen was raised in Calipatria, having graduated from Calipatria High School in 2022 and Imperial Valley College in 2024 where he obtained six Associate Degrees, and is currently a student of Public Administration at San Diego State University in Imperial Valley where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts.
At a few years old, Luellen and his parents moved to Niland where he began his journey as a Hornet at Grace Smith Elementary School before moving to Calipatria. Here, Luellen began involvement with community-based activities like the Centennial Celebration, sparking an interest in civic engagement and public service that ultimately inspired him to run for office shortly after high school. He was elected to the city council when he was 18 years old.
