Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster and four city council members reflected and celebrated their time in office through a recognition ceremony last Tuesday, at the weekly city council meeting.
The members leaving office include 3rd district Councilman Gary DeLong, 5th district Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, 7th district Councilman James Johnson and 9th district Councilman Steven Neal.
Although Robert Garcia, former vice mayor and 1st district councilman, was on the agenda for the recognition ceremony as well, he is not saying goodbye for long. Instead, Garcia will be replacing Bob Foster as the new mayor of Long Beach.
During the ceremony, Long Beach residents, assembly members and organizations, like Park and Recreations, presented those who gave farewell speeches, recognizing the outgoing council members and mayor for the work they have done.
“Your leadership, along with our remaining council members has helped guide the city through the worst recession since the Great Depression,” City Manager Patrick West said to the council. “…I thank you personally, and I wish you best of luck in your personal endeavors, and I really mean that to each and one of you.”
Police Chief Jim McDonnell also expressed his gratitude to the council.
“Last year, we all celebrated together the lowest crime rate in over 40 years,” McDonnell said to the council. “We’re down significantly from last year, and the trend continues. We thank you for the leadership you provided and supporting us as you could in the budgetary process.”
After more than 10 people spoke to the outgoing council members, three video presentations were shown that included Neal, DeLong or Schipske. The videos showed what each of the three members accomplished during their time in office.
After the presentations, Foster reflected on his term in office.
“I want to thank my wife and your first lady, Nancy Foster, who’s done an outstanding job representing this city,” Foster said during the ceremony. “…I could not have done this job without her. It has been a true partnership.”
Foster also thanked his staff for contributing to the city, and the residents of Long Beach for their support.
Before he ended the meeting, 2nd district Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal said some closing words for Foster’s time in office and about each outgoing council member.
“Robert, I am not saying goodbye,” Lowenthal said. “I am saying hello to an old friend, and I would like to just welcome you as our incoming mayor.”
Garcia and other council members’ inauguration will be held on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Terrace Theatre at the Long Beach Convention Center. The post-celebration will be held in the Pacific Ballroom at 7 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis.