Chirco elected Mayor, Hasselbrink Mayor Pro-tem

Mark Chirco, Former Mayor of Los Alamitos Courtesy photo

Strengthened by the Nov. 3 vote of city residents to shore up the city’s finances, the Los Alamitos city council held an upbeat reorganization last week, although they sadly said goodbye to two members and ”a year we’d rather not revisit.”

Outgoing Los Alamitos Mayor Richard D. Murphy and Council member Dean Grose were honored for their service to the city. Murphy did not run for re-election, and Grose lost in a cliffhanger by 16 votes in a race for the District 1 council seat against fellow incumbent Tanya Doby.

Murphy said it was clear “when we drew district lines, one or two council people would be left by the wayside.” Grose, he said, was one of those people.

“Dean, you’ve enjoyed a long and great career in this city,” said Murhpy. He said Grose has a reputation for staying involved. “When Dean gets involved, he’s there when the work starts and still there when the work is done. He’s even flipping the pancakes,” the mayor said.

During the meeting, Grose was presented with certificates and honors from a variety of Orange County organizations, including Sen. Tom Umberg’s office, the Orange County Sanitation District, Los Al Unified School District, the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce and the Rossmoor Community Services District.

City Manager Chet Simmons, who started in February, just before the pandemic, said Grose was really helpful during his transition.

Grose said the journey with the city began in 2002, and it became an “incredible opportunity” for public service and “personal development.” He thanked the citizens, the businesses, current and former board members, the staff and city manager.

He gave a “special thanks” to his wife and “soulmate” Wendy and wished the new council the best in “addressing the challenges that we know lie ahead.”

Before reorganizing the council, the city also paid tribute to Murphy (see related story).
Before surrendering the gavel, however, Murphy appealed for assistance to local restaurant (Maderas) owner Art Garcia. Because of COVID, said Murphy, Garcia will not be able to feed the most severely wounded veterans in the Veterans Administration Hospital in Long Beach this year.

Garcia annually raises money to provide a steak dinner to veterans in the spinal ward. Last year, Garcia fed 230 hospitalbound wounded veterans a four course Christmas dinner.

This year, said Murphy, Garcia is feeding homeless veterans and others staying in three Orange County shelters and is looking for volunteers and donations.

City Clerk Windy Quintinar then played a short video that had been produced in the council chambers as each of three new council members were sworn in and made brief remarks.
Doby, in District 1, thanked everyone for their “support, kindness and care.”

Former councilman Ron Bates returns to the council after a long interlude. Bates thanked the community for putting him back on the council after 16 years.

Jordan Nefulda, who had no opposition in District 3, said he looked forward to working on behalf of the people in his district and the entire city of Los Alamitos. “Reach out,” he said, because “it’s going to be a great 2021.”

Mayor Pro-tem Shelley Hasselbrink

Without opposition, the Council elected Mark Chirco Mayor and Shelley Hasselbrink as Mayor Pro-Tem.

In other business, the Council went into executive session and voted to initiate litigation, as city attorney Michael Daudt said the exact details would be available upon request.

The council also voted unanimously to approve a 2 percent pay bonus that was allowable under Simmon’s contract for his tireless work during the pandemic. “Well deserved,” said Chirco.