As Patrick O’Donnell takes his seat in the State Assembly representing the 70th, he simultaneously left his 4th District Council seat open in Long Beach. Mayor Robert Garcia, in a temporary fill-the-void, has named his former Chief of Staff Sharon Weissman as the interim overseer of the 4th.

O’Donnell took office earlier this Monday, prompting Garcia to make the move while the Council declares a formal vacancy, expected to happen December 16, and the city awaits a special election in April.

“We will ensure that 4th District residents and businesses are well served while the council seat is vacant,” said Garcia in a statement. “As a resident of Long Beach for more than 30 years and a long-time public servant, Sharon will be a great resource to the residents of the district.”

Daryl Supernaw, the man who faced O’Donnell for the 4th in 2012 when O’Donnell ran as a write-in, has declared he will attempt to once again win the seat. John Watkins, the retired police officer who failed to face O’Donnell or Supernaw in a run-off in 2012, also announced his decision to pursue the council seat.

The 4th District staff, including Brenda Caloca (Office Manager/Scheduler), Mark Bloeser (Field Deputy) and Allison Gallagher (Administrative Assistant), can be reached by phone at 562-570-6918 or by email at [email protected].