Listen to this note:
After the city of Half Moon Bay held its City Hall reorganization ceremony, which marked a night of transition and celebration, presented the 2024 State of the City, led by now former Mayor Joaquín Jiménez.
Highlights included, in addition to the presentation of the 2024 State of the City address, heartfelt farewells to outgoing Councilmembers Joaquín Jiménez and Harvey Rarback, and a warm welcome to newly elected Councilmembers Patrick Jonsson and Paul Nagengast.
At the meeting, the City Council also reorganized and selected Robert Brownstone as mayor and Debbie Ruddock as deputy mayor for 2025.
In the video, Jimenez recalls how vibrant, strong and resilient the city of Half Moon Bay is, remembering the community's heritage and traditions.
The former mayor also recalled the seven lives tragically cut short on city farms in January 2023, prompting the city to take decisive action to seek aid for the affected community.
In this regard, she noted that what happened highlighted the inequalities that the city faces, as well as the demands for attention and action for equity, where this is not only an objective, but a commitment for each resident of Half Moon Bay.
On the other hand, Joaquín Jiménez assured that affordable housing remains a challenge and a priority, and acknowledged the steps taken for tenants to face, among other things, unfair evictions.
“As we look to the future, we will continue to honor the legacy of our agricultural heritage while striving for a more equitable and robust economic environment.”
“Together with the support of our partners, community organizations and each of your elected officials, we will build a city that reflects our values of compassion, inclusion and resilience,” he stressed.
“It has been an honor to be your mayor and council member for the past 4 years. There is still work to be done and I will continue to support this community with all my heart,” he concluded.
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