LA HABRA : Mayor Vows to Boost Trade, Battle Gangs

Declaring that the theme for his year in office will be “La Habrans taking charge of our future,” newly elected Mayor John C. Holmberg presented a list of goals--highlighted by a call to spark commerce--to the City Council at its last meeting.

Among the 15 items outlined by Holmberg was a program called “Shop La Habra,” along with a plan to establish council recognition of outstanding businesses in the community.

A longtime advocate of efforts to combat gangs, Holmberg proposed a closer relationship with juvenile court judges in developing community programs for at-risk youths. He also urged development of a youth program called Leadership La Habra.

“We need to identify the best young people in town and encourage them to stay in La Habra after they finish school,” he said.

Promising to maintain weekly office hours at City Hall, Holmberg said he will encourage residents to get involved through periodic “Meet the Mayor” sessions.

Holmberg also urged implementation of an employee suggestion system with rewards for money-saving ideas or ways to cut red tape.

He also pledged to continue efforts for city beautification, and to complete a program to expand the Police Department during his term in office.

“Our city should turn opportunity into action and take charge of our future,” said Holmberg, who will be serving his third one-year term as mayor. His previous terms were in 1984-85 and 1986-87.

Following the selection of Holmberg as mayor, the council appointed James Flora as mayor pro tem. William D. Mahoney will chair the city’s Redevelopment Agency.

The newest member of the La Habra City Council is David Cheverton, who received the most votes in the November election. He previously served on the Planning Commission.

Cheverton was named vice-chairman of the city Redevelopment Agency and will chair La Habra’s Civic Improvement Agency.

Outgoing mayor Beth Graham was honored by her fellow council members and by County Supervisor Gaddi H. Vasquez for her year of service as mayor. Graham remains a member of the city council.