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South Pasadena will say farewell to City Manager Sergio Gonzalez as he leaves after 13 years with the city. Gonzalez, who announced in May he would be leaving South Pasadena, took the position of City Manager of Hermosa Beach.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the past five years as your city manager and 14 years overall with this amazing city,” Gonzalez said. “South Pasadena is heading in the right direction on many fronts, including, but not limited to good fiscal management, public safety, quality of life programs and amenities, environmental stewardship and strong commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure.”
Gonzalez made significant contributions to South Pasadena during his time working with the city. He helped the city increase its financial reserves in addition to investing over $12 million on infrastructure. Many services were added while Gonzalez was city manager, such as a new dog park and improved fire safety.
Before working with the City of South Pasadena, Gonzalez worked in the city’s nonprofit management sector. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University at Los Angeles.
As of now, the city’s next chief administrator will be chosen by October. The City of South Pasadena hired Peckham and McKenney, an executive search firm based in Roseville, to advertise the position.
Lucy Demirjian, assistant to the city manager, says that all applications are in. The firm will present the applicants to the City Council, who will review them on August 16th. The five council members will review the applications and make a decision as to which they would like to interview.
During the following month, the council will review the top candidates in a closed session and the council’s choice will be made public sometime in October.
According to the search firm’s website, the candidate should have “experience in infrastructure improvement and financing methods, promotion of appropriate local economic growth, and an appreciation of the unique character of a quality community”.
In the interim, the city has hired Elaine Aguilar, former city manager of Sierra Madre, to be South Pasadena’s city manager until the position is filled.
