Some people have asked how the upcoming transition will take place at City Hall. The process will take place at 9 a.m. on Dec. 28th, 2023, at the Janell Whitlock Municipal Annex.
That’s when the incoming mayor, Richard Lopez, will take his oath of office. Two new city councilors, Mary Garwood and Anthony Foreman, will also take their oaths at that same meeting, as will three re-elected officials, Councilor Lisa Anaya Flores, Councilor J.J. Chavez, and Municipal Judge Collis Johnson. The terms for the incoming mayor and new councilors will go into effect on January 1st, 2024. Wes Carter and Judi Waters’ terms in office will come to an end that same day, as will my own. Thanks again to Mr. Carter and Ms. Waters for their many years of service to this community, and for all of their hard work.
In most instances, Judge Johnson will administer the oath of office, while another City official will administer the oath to Johnson. This is a very important part of the election process, as newly elected officials make a pledge to serve the public.
Eddie Rodriguez, Jeff Forrest, Mark Walterscheid, and Karla Niemeier will all continue to serve on Carlsbad’s City Council, as they did not have elections this past November for their Council seat.
We have been meeting with Mr. Lopez on a regular basis to ensure a smooth transition. Of course, all regular city services, such as solid waste pickup, first responders, park maintenance, etc., will remain uninterrupted. The City of Carlsbad has an outstanding workforce, and we know that all employees will continue to display pride in everything they do.
In the meantime, there’s a lot going on around the City of Carlsbad right now. Plans are in development for a new sculpture at the Imaginarium of the Halagueno Arts Park. Walking up to the museum entrance, you’ll also notice an area for construction blocked off to the left. This is going to be for a new phase of the arts park that will celebrate some of the figures who were important to the museum and library. Many of these individuals have never received the recognition that they deserve, and it is long overdue.
Additionally, if you haven’t driven by the beach area over the past week, construction of the new splash pad is underway. Thanks again to SIMCO for the donation that helped make this project possible.
We have many more projects that we look forward to updating you about over the next few weeks.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway
(Updated December 11th, 2023 at 5:03 p.m.)