South County : New Mayors Installed in San Clemente, San Juan
San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano both have new mayors.
In San Clemente, the City Council elected William C. Mecham, 39, to succeed Robert D. Limberg as mayor. Mecham, a lobbyist for owners of mobile-home parks, has served on the City Council since 1980. His mayoral term will expire in November, rather than running a full year, because San Clemente’s local elections--previously held in April--are being consolidated with the November general election beginning this year. G. Scott Diehl, a veterinarian, is mayor pro tem.
In San Juan Capistrano, Kenneth E. Friess, 43, succeeds outgoing Mayor Phillip R. Schwartze. Friess, a building contractor, has been a councilman since 1976. Gary L. Hausdorfer will continue to serve as mayor pro tem and chairman of the city’s Redevelopment Agency.
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