The City inaugurated its recently elected officials Tuesday evening, including Long Beach’s new mayor, Rex Richardson.
“These public ceremonies bring us together as citizens to pause and to celebrate our democratic system and the progress and the changes that come with our elections,” said James Bass, artistic director for the Long Beach Camerata Singers.
The officials inaugurated into new positions on Tuesday included 9th district councilmember Joni Ricks-Oddie, 5th district councilmember Megan Kerr, 3rd district councilmember Kristina Duggan, City Attorney Dawn McIntosh, and mayor Rex Richardson.
The inauguration ceremony started with a musical performance by the Long Beach Camerata Singers, the pledge of allegiance, a rendition of the national anthem, a prayer and a land acknowledgement.
After being sworn in, the officials gave speeches detailing their gratitude and plans for their time in office.
First district Councilmember Mary Zendejas, 7th district councilmember Roberto Uranga, and City Prosecutor Doug Haubert were reelected into their previous positions, and were also inaugurated Tuesday.
Dr. Mike Munoz conducts the oath of office for first district Councilmember Mary Zendejas at the Long Beach Terrace Theater during the inauguration ceremony on Dec. 20, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune) 
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson stands with his family before taking his oath of office at the Long Beach Terrace Theater during the inauguration ceremony on Dec. 20, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune) 
City Prosecutor Doug Haubert gives his remarks at the Long Beach Terrace Theater during the inauguration ceremony on Dec. 20, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune) 
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna gives remarks before swearing in City Prosecutor Doug Haubert at the Long Beach Terrace Theater during the inauguration ceremony on Dec. 20, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune) 
Ninth district Councilmember Joni Ricks-Oddie gives her remarks at the Long Beach Terrace Theater during the inauguration ceremony on Dec. 20, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune) 
Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga walks out to cheers from the crowd and fellow council members before taking his oath of office at the Long Beach Terrace Theater during the inauguration ceremony on Dec. 20, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune) 
Fifth district Councilmember Megan Kerr gives her remarks at the Long Beach Terrace Theater during the inauguration ceremony on Dec. 20, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune) 
Third district Councilmember Kristina Duggan gives her remarks at the Long Beach Terrace Theater during the inauguration ceremony on Dec. 20, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune) 
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass shakes hands and smiles before sitting down in the front row of the Long Beach Terrace Theater for the inauguration ceremony on Dec. 20, 2022. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)
McIntosh made history when she won the primary vote in June 2022 as the first female City Attorney in Long Beach’s history.
“We are breaking a few barriers here tonight so it’s an exciting day,” McIntosh told the audience at the inauguration.
Ricks-Oddie has served on the City’s Citizens Police Complaint Commission and the Long Beach Planning Commission. Duggan worked as a staff member under former council member Suzie Price while McIntosh previously worked as an assistant city attorney. Kerr has served as a board member for the Long Beach Unified School District and Richardson previously served the city as a councilmember and as vice mayor.
“My service to the city is my gratitude for all that Long Beach has provided me and my family throughout the years,” Richardson said. “It’s been my true privilege to work every day as a city council member and as Vice Mayor to make our city a better place to live and work and play for everyone. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to lead this city.”
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