There’s a new mayor in La Cañada Flintridge — Jon Curtis was unanimously elected to the position by council members in a reorganization Tuesday, while outgoing, six-time Mayor Dave Spence was feted for his unparalleled tenure and service to the community.
Before handing the gavel to Curtis, Spence told members of the audience who’d packed into City Council chambers to witness the historic occasion he was going to “speak from the heart.”
NEWSLETTER: Get the latest 818 headlines straight to your inbox >>
He recounted the city’s 2013 election, when both he and Curtis were campaigning for votes. At the time, he’d assured a somewhat nervous first-time candidate he was a shoo-in to win.
“And sure enough, the old guy could predict what was going to happen,” Spence quipped, congratulating his successor. “We have a great city. The state of the city is in excellent shape, and I’m sure Jon will be able to continue that.”
1/15
Outgoing Mayor Dave Spence says final words as mayor at La Cañada City Hall on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Mayor Dave Spence, who has been in the position for 6 different terms, a record in the city, has been replaced by Jonathan Curtis. (Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
2/15
The moment when the seats are exchanged between outgoing Mayor Dave Spence, and new Mayor Jonathan Curtis at La Cañada City Hall on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Mayor Dave Spence, who has been in the position for 6 different terms, a record in the city, has been replaced by Jonathan Curtis. (Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
3/15
New Mayor Jonathan Curtis talks about his outlook for the city at La Cañada City Hall on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Mayor Dave Spence, who has been in the position for 6 different terms, a record in the city, has been replaced by Jonathan Curtis. (Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
4/15
Councilmember Michael Davitt smiles after being selected as the Mayor Pro Tem at La Cañada City Hall on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Mayor Dave Spence, who has been in the position for 6 different terms, a record in the city, has been replaced by Jonathan Curtis. (Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
5/15
The chambers at La Cañada City Hall is nearly filled for the Reorganization of the City Council, and for the end of the term as mayor for 6-time Mayor Dave Spence on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. (Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
6/15
Mayor Dave Spence, upon making a call to coucilmembers for mayoral selections, gestures to his ear when he doesn’t hear any additional names after Councilmember Jonathan Curtis was first selected at La Cañada City Hall on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Mayor Dave Spence, who has been in the position for 6 different terms, a record in the city, has been replaced by Jonathan Curtis. (Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
7/15
Outgoing Mayor Dave Spence, right, shakes the hand of new Mayor Jonathan Curtis at La Cañada City Hall on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Mayor Dave Spence, who has been in the position for 6 different terms, a record in the city, has been replaced by Jonathan Curtis. (Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
8/15
Councilmember Leonard Pieroni mentions to outgoing Mayor Dave Spence that they are now sitting together at La Cañada City Hall on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Mayor Dave Spence, who has been in the position for 6 different terms, a record in the city, has been replaced by Jonathan Curtis. (Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
9/15
New Mayor Jonathan Curtis shuffles through papers before taking the seat as the new mayor of La Cañada Flintridge at La Cañada City Hall on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Mayor Dave Spence, who has been in the position for 6 different terms, a record in the city, has been replaced by Jonathan Curtis. (Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
10/15
Mayor Jonathan Curtis looks to the audience the moment he takes the seat as the new mayor of La Cañada Flintridge at La Cañada City Hall on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Mayor Dave Spence, who has been in the position for 6 different terms, a record in the city, has been replaced by Jonathan Curtis. (Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
11/15
Councilmember Michael Davitt shrugs and laughs when the “All In Favor” vote for him to assume the role of Mayor Pro Tem is called at La Cañada City Hall on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Mayor Dave Spence, who has been in the position for 6 different terms, a record in the city, has been replaced by Jonathan Curtis. (Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
12/15
Mayor Dave Spence conducts city business for the last time as mayor at La Cañada City Hall on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Spence, who has been in the position for 6 different terms, a record in the city, has been replaced by Jonathan Curtis. (Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
13/15
Mayor Jonathan Curtis at La Cañada City Hall on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Mayor Dave Spence, who has been in the position for 6 different terms, a record in the city, has been replaced by Jonathan Curtis. (Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
14/15
Councilmember Terry Walker at La Cañada City Hall on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Mayor Dave Spence, who has been in the position for 6 different terms, a record in the city, has been replaced by Jonathan Curtis. (Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
15/15
Councilmember Leonard Pieroni at La Cañada City Hall on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Mayor Dave Spence, who has been in the position for 6 different terms, a record in the city, has been replaced by Jonathan Curtis. (Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
Curtis moved to the center seat on the panel and, in his first official act as mayor, heard nominations for the position of mayor pro tem. Council members unanimously agreed Councilman Mike Davitt, who served as mayor in 2014, would do well in the position.
The reorganization complete, Curtis shared some personal thoughts with the audience. He thanked wife Lisa, whom he referred to as “the rock,” and daughters Melissa and Lauren for their ongoing support, and credited his parents for giving him the energy and inspiration to engage in civic service.
He thanked friends and colleagues, several of them former city officials, for opening his eyes to such a unique opportunity and helping him along what he called a “journey.”
“I’m quite honored and humble to be mayor and follow in the footsteps of Dave Spence. He has done just a fabulous job over the last year,” Curtis said.
Curtis highlighted several aspects of civic life he hoped to focus on in the upcoming mayoral year, building on the city’s partnerships with institutions such as the public and private school systems and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the many community organizations that enhance the quality of life in La Cañada.
Follow us on Facebook >>
“We do not have a big city government, but we have a wealth of community organizations,” he said. “To me, that really is the heart and soul of our community.”
After the transition, representatives from the offices of Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), state Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge) and Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich congratulated Spence on his unprecedented six terms on the City Council.
Officials with the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station and the Los Angeles County Fire Department joined civic leaders representing several local organizations and advocacy groups in offering their thanks through certificates, commendations and gifts.
Curtis presented Spence with an engraved clock from the entire council and city staff. Fellow council members gave a “Lifetime Achievement” trophy resembling an Oscar award.
City Manager Mark Alexander followed up with a series of hero-themed gifts designating Spence as “Super Mayor” — a cape, a mosquito netting “mask” and fly swatter to recognize Spence’s representation with the county’s Vector Control District, and a license-plate holder bearing the new moniker.
“Meetings run faster than an LCF shuttle! More prudent fiscally than a midyear budget proposal! Able to buzz City Hall in a single bound — it’s Dave. It’s Spence. No, it’s Super Mayor!” Alexander announced as “Superman” music played in the background.
Before the meeting adjourned, Spence thanked his colleagues for their hard work and dedication.
“What a great community to be able to serve in,” he said. “Even though you get a few complaints, it is really darned easy, and it is because of the people Mark has brought together. I’m really, really proud to be able to serve this community with this staff.”
