I want to take a moment to appreciate the Chamber for their partnership over the years to host this event. I’m very pleased to present my final address here in the heart of the city at the historic Lobero Theatre, California’s oldest continuously operating theater and one of our iconic cultural arts institutions. First, let me introduce my colleagues on the City Council: Mayor Pro Tem Jason Dominguez, Councilmember Bendy White, Councilmember Frank Hotchkiss, Councilmember Randy Rowse, Councilmember Cathy Murillo, and Councilmember Gregg Hart.
It’s been an honor to lead our weekly council meetings at City Hall with this group of highly dedicated public servants, all who share a passion for our community. I’m also joined by the city’s impressive and talented executive management team. Please welcome: City Administrator Paul Casey, City Attorney Ariel Calonne, Assistant City Administrator Pam Antil, Fire Chief Pat McElroy, Finance Director Bob Samario, Waterfront Director Scott Riedman, Public Works Director Rebecca Bjork, Community Development Director George Buell, Airport Director Hazel Johns, Administrative Services Director Kristy Schmidt, Parks and Recreation Director Jill Zachary, Library Director Jessica Cadiente, and our newest department head: Police Chief Lori Luhnow. Together, working with the many community leaders and partnerships I see in this room this morning, our city is vibrant, exciting and ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead. Over the last year, we’ve completed a number of really cool projects and are poised to complete many others.
In fact, everywhere we look throughout the city, we are generating new momentum by completing long-term projects and unveiling fresh new concepts. We also feel the outside pressure of state takeaways of our local funding and issues that are affecting cities throughout the country: increasing affordable housing; addressing homelessness; maintaining a strong and vibrant downtown core; protecting our environment; providing safe and healthy options for kids and families; and investing in our vital facilities and crumbling roadways. We’re in this together and it is imperative that we leverage our skills and talents more than ever.