Hello, La Mesa!
City Hall’s aged, brown building may look the same on the outside, but inside its corridors, big personnel changes are afoot. Here are three changes to know about.
New treasurer: News of this spread far and wide so you may have already heard. La Mesa has its youngest officeholder ever, beating out Lauren Cazares’ ascension to city council at age 24. The new 20-year-old treasurer is also the youngest officeholder in San Diego County (a history buff should research if he’s the youngest ever countywide too).
UCLA student Emmett Stewart has the role on an interim basis for the next three months, but he is also running for a full term. On the November ballot he faces 64-year-old Bill Exeter, a financial services CEO specializing in serving real estate investors.
New attorney: Several years ago, La Mesa only needed a part-time city attorney. Since 1997, Glenn Sabine held that role while also working as Encinitas’ part-time city attorney. That changed in 2019, when a building boom in La Mesa meant the city attorney had more work than ever to do. Sabine came on full time, leaving Encinitas entirely. After 29 years serving La Mesa, Sabine officially retired Sept. 12.
The city council appointed Tara Mazzanti as his replacement, starting on Oct. 13.
“Ms. Mazzanti brings extensive municipal law experience and a strong understanding of the challenges facing California cities,” Mayor Mark Arapostathis said.
Upcoming new mayor: Speaking of the mayor, Dr. A. is terming out this year. There’s currently an election underway to replace him and the two frontrunners are council members Patricia Dillard (D) and Laura Lothian (R). Former treasurer Jim Stieringer and regenerative farmer Quinn Reese are on the ballot too.
Mark your calendar for Sept. 29 to hear from all four candidates at a forum from 6-8 p.m. at La Mesa First United Methodist Church.
Drew Sitton
La Mesa Courier newsletter host
La Mesa story spotlight
La Mesa appoints its youngest officeholder ever, 20-year-old UCLA student, as treasurer
By Drew Sitton • Times of San Diego
La Mesa’s newly appointed city treasurer, Emmett Stewart, is the youngest officeholder in San Diego County.
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