Cristobal Aguilar - Political Life

Political Life

After Alta California became part of the United States, Aguilar made a name for himself in local government. When the Mexican ayuntamiento system was abolished in favor of an American mayor and city council system in 1850, Aguilar was among the first members of the Los Angeles Common Council, the predecessor of the Los Angeles City Council. He served several non-consecutive terms from 1850 until the early 1860s.

He was also elected several times to the office of county supervisor. He served on the third Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 1854, the 4th (1855), the 5th (1856), the 9th (1860), the 11th (1862), and the 12th (1864). The latter two (1862, 1864) were both two year terms when that office had such a term beginning in 1862. Prior to 1862 the term was for one year.

Aguilar was first elected mayor on May 7, 1866. The election was certified three days later and he assumed office that same day. One of his earliest accomplishments was the establishment of a park site, which later became known as Pershing Square. However, all was not rosy in city hall.

In a bit of political maneuvering, Aguilar was unseated for three months in the middle of his first term and replaced by Damien Marchesseault. During that time he served as zanjero or Water Overseer. Being in a desert with risks of both drought and flooding a constant threat, this position was actually considered more important than the mayor and paid the highest salary of any city official at the time. On August 8, 1867, Aguilar was re-instated as mayor and served the remainder of his term. His decision in 1868 to retain control over the city's water rights and reserves is considered one of the most important in Los Angeles' history.

In 1868, Aguilar lost re-election to Joel Turner and was subsequently appointed as Water Overseer once again. After resigning his post, Aguilar challenged Joel Turner again in 1870, defeating him this time. He served until 1872, when he lost decisively to James R. Toberman, who made Aguilar's limited English an issue in the race.

A year later, Aguilar received still another appointment as Water Overseer and served until December 5, 1878. During the period of December 9, 1875 through December 6, 1877, it is not clear whether Aguilar or anyone served in that capacity because the position is not addressed in the council minutes.