Mayor Pauline Valdivia returned home Tuesday after undergoing
surgery earlier this month to have a tumor removed from the back of
her skull.
Hollister – Mayor Pauline Valdivia returned home Tuesday after undergoing surgery earlier this month to have a tumor removed from the back of her skull.
“She’s doing pretty well. She’s still kind of weak,” said her husband Raul Valdivia.
Earlier this month, Valdivia, 62, went to a doctor because she was having problems with physical coordination, according to her husband.
“There was a lot of pressure (on her head); she couldn’t walk straight,” he said.
Doctors found a benign tumor on the back of her skull. Three days later on Oct. 10, the mayor underwent surgery to have the tumor removed, according to her husband, who also said that the surgery went well.
Valdivia, who is also executive director of the Jovenes de Antano senior center in Hollister, will need about a month to recuperate from the surgery, her husband said.
“We’re all wishing Pauline a speedy recovery,” City Manager Clint Quilter said. “She is a wonderful person and a tremendous asset to the city and to the community in general. We miss her greatly and hope to see her back soon.”
In Valdivia’s absence, Councilman Robert Scattini, who is vice-mayor, will preside over council meetings in her stead.
Scattini said that since taking over the gavel he has a newfound respect for the job Valdivia does as mayor.
“It’s hard work,” he said. “You have to be on top of things and control things.”
Scattini also said that he hopes to see Valdivia back soon.
“I wish her a lot of luck,” he said. “She’s a hard worker, and I know she’s probably as anxious as anyone to get back to work.”
Like Scattini, Councilman Doug Emerson is eager for Valdivia to rejoin the council, adding that her years of experience on the council are an asset to newer members like himself.
“I wish the best for her for a full and speedy recovery,” he said. “Having her not there on the council, we miss a whole lot of history.”
Valdivia’s absence leaves the council with four members, creating the possibility that a council vote might result in a tie. If that happens, the issue might be brought back later for another vote when the council has all five members, according to City Clerk Geri Johnson.
A native of Hollister, Valdivia first won her council seat in 1998, winning re-election in 2002. She served her first term as mayor – a position that is chosen with by a vote of the council and has a one-year term – in 1999 during her first term on the council. Last year, Valdivia’s colleagues on the City Council voted to give her the position again.
The mayor does not have significantly more responsibility than other council members. In addition to regular council duties, the mayor signs official paperwork, runs meetings and represents the city at community events.
Luke Roney covers local politics and the environment for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at lr****@fr***********.com
