North OC Times

Anaheim welcomed three new members to its City Council on Tuesday as they took their oaths of office. The ceremony took place at the River Arena, adjacent to Anaheim City Hall.

The newly elected officials were chosen in November and include Ryan Balius for District 1, Norma Campos Kurtz for District 4, and Kristen Maahs for District 5.

Ryan Balius will represent west Anaheim. A resident of the area for 25 years, he succeeds Jose Diaz, who decided not to seek re-election and is relocating with his family to Florida. Balius' district spans from north Brookhurst Street to Anaheim's western borders with Buena Park, Cypress, and Stanton.

Norma Campos Kurtz takes on the role of Council Member for central-south Anaheim. Having lived in Anaheim for two decades, she was initially appointed to fill a vacancy in 2023 before being elected this year. Campos Kurtz also serves as mayor pro tem until the end of the year. Her district encompasses The Anaheim Resort area, which includes theme parks and convention centers that significantly contribute to city revenue.

Kristen Maahs represents central-east Anaheim. She comes from a fourth-generation family in the city and replaces Stephen Faessel after his two terms from 2016 to 2024. Her district covers neighborhoods around the Orange (57) Freeway and notable locations such as Angel Stadium of Anaheim and Honda Center.

These new council members join existing members Mayor Ashleigh Aitken; Carlos Leon representing District 2; Natalie Rubalcava representing District 3; and Natalie Meeks representing District 6.

Anaheim's City Council consists of seven members: six district representatives and a mayor serving all residents. The first business meeting with the new council is scheduled for December 17th at City Hall.

Council meetings are open to public attendance or can be viewed online at Anaheim.net/TV.