As her new colleagues looked on, Sonia Rodriguez was sworn in Tuesday as the newest member of the Yakima City Council. She replaces outgoing Councilman Norm Johnson, who was recently elected to the state Legislature. In the process, the 34-year-old Rodriguez became the first person of Latino heritage to serve on the council in the city's history.

Also on Tuesday, the council proclaimed Jan. 18-24 as Martin Luther King Jr. Week. Accepting the honor was EPIC Interim CEO Steve Mitchell, who praised Rodriguez's selection from a lengthy list of applicants "not because she's a person of color, but because she's competent and qualified to hold the position." Her swearing-in drew a standing ovation.