San Fernando Official Headed for New Post

The city of Baldwin Park, which one councilman described as “a ship without a captain,” is expected this week to formally approve the hiring of Donald E. Penman, 38, the city administrator of San Fernando.

After an intensive, seven-month search for a new city manager, the City Council recently announced its preliminary choice of Penman. The appointment follows a rash of resignations and staff changes in Baldwin Park within the last year, leaving the city with no permanent mayor, city manager, redevelopment manager or city planner.

If approved, Penman will begin his new job Jan. 29. Credited with boosting San Fernando’s economy and improving public services there, Penman said he accepted the $86,500-a-year job in Baldwin Park “because I felt it was a good move for me, a career move to a larger city.”