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Artesia City Hall
18747 Clarkdale Avenue
Artesia, California 90701
562-865-6262
Artesia News
Artesia gets a new mayor, but "good days" continue
It was dark in the council chambers during the DVD presentation, but one could see that Artesia’s outgoing mayor, Larry R. Nelson, wore a smile that could cut through any darkness.
Artesia now has a new mayor and mayor pro tem. John P. Lyon replaced Nelson as mayor on the evening of April 10 during the mayoral transition ceremony. Lyon is no stranger to the mayoral seat, having served as Artesia’s mayor twice before. The night was spent congratulating the outgoing mayor for his accomplishments and sharing memories of the past year. John Martins was voted Mayor Pro Tem.
Larry recounted his time as mayor, and thanked all of his wife, his colleagues on the city council, the City Manager Maria Dadian, and city staff. “One man don’t make a show,” said Nelson.
Additionally, Nelson said that in all of Artesia’s history, these times are going to be the most exciting for Artesia’s residents because of the number of large projects in the works.
“An old man named Bob Jameson said, “Pops, no matter what’s done, history is always the final judge of any public figure. I hope my legacy shows my belief that ‘Every day in Artesia really is a good day.”
To the incoming mayor, Nelson said implicitly, “I believe in short meetings … I like to keep it short, and cut to the chase.”
Nelson and the city council were treated to a five minute DVD reviewing Nelson’s year as mayor; featuring such events as the Relay for Life and Veterans Day to country tunes “Hey, Good Looking’” and Johnny Cash’s “Song of the Patriot.” The DVD was prepared by city photographer Robert Braga.
Following the DVD, Nelson was bombarded with a multitude of gifts and presentations from various agencies.
Claire Li produced a flag that has flown over the Capitol, and a handwritten letter written from Congresswoman Linda Sanchez.
Janice Villacres thanked Nelson for his humbleness that he would thank and give so much credit to Artesia’s city staff. Nelson said, “City staff will make or break you.”
Cerritos’ mayor Paul Bowlen said he noticed Nelson lost weight over his term as mayor, probably from working out at the East West Ice Palace. “He lost weight,” said Bowlen. “But he grew in stature.”
Cecy Groom, of ABC School District, said jokingly that she likes Artesia better, and asked if she could move here after a slight mishap over the name Cerritos.
Captain Dave Fender of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Dept. presented with a scroll signed by Sheriff Lee Baca. Fender commended Nelson for having Public Safety so high on his priority list.
Angel Montoya, with a host of firefighters, presented Nelson with a certificate of recognition. Before they could leave, Nelson stopped Montoya and one of the paramedics from leaving.
“You’re not going to mess with one of my paramedics, are you?” asked Montoya.
Nelson told a story about the paramedic, named Dave Christian, who helped him after Nelson was not feeling well after one of the council meetings. Christian told Nelson that he’d only be in the hospital for a couple of hours, but Nelson was in there for six hours.
Christian and Nelson both shared the same birthday, and so the paramedic offered to buy Nelson lunch on their birthdays. They wound up celebrating their birthdays a few days late. “Don’t trust him,” Nelson joked.
City staff also presented a watch engraved with the mayor’s motto, “Every day is a good day in Artesia” and a photo album of the mayor’s year compiled by the city receptionist, Valorie Sucatre.
Lyon, after accepting his seat as new mayor, congratulated Nelson and said, “As the new mayor, I’ve got some big shoes to fill. Larry did an outstanding job.”
Lyon thanked all who supported him. “I’ve been through this before. This night is about what Mayor Nelson has done throughout the year.”
After the transition ceremony, a reception was held and refreshments were given out.
30 members from Boy Scout Troop 693 performed the Pledge of Allegiance. |
Larry R. Nelson gives his final comments as mayor. |
Larry R. Nelson switches seats with John P. Lyon. |
Artesia City Council
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John P. Lyon congratulates Nelson on an “outstanding job.” |
Larry R. Nelson, John Martins, John P. Lyon, and Sally Flowers cut the cake together. |
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