Rosie Castro appointed to San Antonio City Council

Catch up fast: Ana Sandoval resigned as District 7 council member at the end of January, in her third term. She took a job with the University Health System.

• She left to care for family and for better pay. She gave birth to a baby girl last year.

Of note: Castro did not file to run for District 7 in the upcoming May election, so she will only hold the seat for a few months. That made her an attractive choice for council members who don't want to influence the election through an appointment.

What they're saying: Castro said she plans to continue Sandoval's work, with a particular focus on infrastructure and government transparency.

• "I also want to thank Ana Sandoval for her service," Castro said. "I knew she cared and she did all she could to make the district better. I hope to follow in her footsteps."
• Julián Castro, former mayor and U.S. housing secretary, returned to council chambers to support his mother's appointment.
• "This moment for my mother is in some ways 52 years in the making, because she ran first for City Council in 1971," Julián Castro said.
• "This is your moment," District 3 Council member Phyllis Viagran said. "You had a son that served on this dais, you had a son that currently serves, but now this is going to be you — all you."

Flashback: Castro is known for her push to diversify local political representation. Multiple council members said they wouldn't hold office today if it weren't for her.

• San Antonio used to elect all council members at-large instead of from geographic districts. That led to a City Council dominated by white members.
• Castro was involved with the Committee for Barrio Betterment, a group that backed candidates for council aiming to bring more equal representation.
• "There are people that have suffered a great deal to make sure we all could have a place at the table," Castro told reporters.