HUNTINGTON BEACH : Winchell Bows Out After 15 Years of Service

For 15 years, Grace Winchell has been a driving force in the decision-making process of her city.

But now, Winchell is bowing out of local politics.

Winchell, who has served on the City Council the past eight years, will step down as a member of the council at today’s meeting.

Winchell, 57, has already served two four-year terms and because of term limits was not eligible to run again for office in the recent municipal election.

The four people who were elected to serve on the seven-member council will be sworn in and take office at the Dec. 5 meeting.

Winchell, a 25-year resident who was appointed to the Planning Commission in 1979, said stepping down is “certainly going to leave a hole” in her life, which includes parenting three children and working as an administrator at Cal State Long Beach.

During Winchell’s tenure on the council, the new city pier was built, the Central Library was expanded, a Cultural Arts Center was planned and a citywide recycling program was started.

Winchell also helped spur revision of the development plan for downtown so that it encompassed lower density and a village-type atmosphere.

Winchell praised the makeup of the new council.

“I think it’s a citizens-oriented council,” she said “It’s kind of an indication that the people who live in Huntington Beach and raise families here are now the driving forces in the community, as opposed to the old guard that was really more large developer-oriented.

“I feel really good retiring from this council and leaving it in the hands of wonderful people.”