City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: July 21, 2026
From: Todd Dusenberry, General Manager of Public Utilities Department: Public Utilities
Submitted by: Adriana Ramos, Principal Management Analyst Subject
Proclamation Recognizing Retiring Employee – Claudia Arellano Recommendation
Acknowledge and present a proclamation to retiring employee Claudia Arellano, Utilities Program Analyst, in recognition of her dedicated service to the City of Vernon.
Background
Historically, the City Council has issued proclamations honoring retiring City employees. Claudia Arellano, Utilities Program Analyst, is retiring from the City of Vernon on August 3, 2026, after providing over thirty-four (34) years of service to the City. Claudia was hired with the City of Vernon effective November 4, 1991.
Claudia began her career with the City as a Utility Clerk on November 4, 1991. She was reclassified to Secretary on July 1, 1995, and then to Department Secretary on September 9, 2001. Following this, she was promoted to Assistant to the Director of Community Services.
Utilizing her extensive knowledge, she was reclassified to Project Engineer on February 1, 2011, and then to Stormwater Special Projects Analyst on April 20, 2014. Claudia was promoted to Utilities Program Analyst on December 1, 2020, concluding her distinguished career with the City.
During her 34-year tenure, Ms. Arellano held seven positions across three city departments: City Administration, Public Works, and Public Utilities. Her historical knowledge of city operations, diverse work experience, and “can-do " attitude made her an integral resource for city staff.
Throughout her career, Claudia played a key role in major initiatives, including securing external grant funding to plant 200 trees, achieving the City's first Tree City USA designation, and supporting regional collaboration on environmental stormwater initiatives.
Within the Public Utilities Department, she played a key role in managing critical Natural Gas Division programs, and leading the Division through its first-ever comprehensive pipeline safety regulatory audit, resulting in a perfect inspection with zero findings and zero recommendations— an exceptional outcome reflecting her strong knowledge of pipeline safety regulations, natural gas operations, and her extraordinary preparation and attention to detail.
During her distinguished career with the City of Vernon, Claudia Arellano earned the deepest respect of her colleagues, recognized for her professionalism, kindness, and unwavering commitment to serving the public and the Vernon business community. Claudia Arellano was hired on November 4, 1991, and meets the eligibility requirements under CalPERS to retire from the City effective August 3, 2026.
Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1: Strengthen City Credibility and Partnerships
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
1. Proclamation – Claudia Arellano