Historic Shifts: Martinez Swears in First Female Mayor and First Sikh Council Member

The Martinez City Council swore in its first Sikh member last month to represent District 3. Satinder Malhi was unanimously appointed to fill a vacancy created by another historic first — the election of Martinez’s first ever female mayor. 

Mayor Brianne Zorn previously held the District 3 seat. She was elected in December and also sworn in last month. 

Malhi has lived in Martinez his whole life. He is the son of immigrants. He works as a Legislative Advocate in the Office of the Chancellor for California State University. Previously, he served as Chair of the City’s Anti-Racism & Discrimination and Pro-Inclusion & Equity Task Force and was a member of the Parks, Recreation, Marina, and Cultural Commission as well as the Measure D Citizens Oversight Committee. 

Brianne Zorn represented District 3 on the City Council starting in November 2020. She’s a wetland scientist by trade and formerly served on the City’s Parks, Recreation, Marina and Cultural Commission. 

The Martinez City Council welcomed another new member, Jay Howard, this year. He’ll represent District 1. Howard is a Senior Superintendent for G Swanson Construction, a board member for the NorCal carpenter’s union, and a Local Union 152 Executive Committee representative.

Image Credit: City of Martinez