Simi Official Penman Takes Job in Arcadia

After more than a decade with the city, Assistant City Manager Don Penman announced Wednesday that he will leave to take a high-level administrative position with Arcadia in Los Angeles County.

Pending the results of a physical exam and background check, Penman, 46, said he expects to begin his job as deputy city manager and development services director on Feb. 9.

“This job came up quickly and presented some very unique opportunities for me,” he said. “It sounded very good and I’m looking forward to the move.”

Penman, who has served as interim director of general services and assistant city manager since 1994, said his new job puts him in charge of overseeing a broad range of planning and development issues in the city of Arcadia, an affluent Los Angeles suburb of about 50,000 people located southeast of Pasadena at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains.

In addition to managing the city’s physical growth, Penman will be charged with spearheading several economic and business-development projects as well as preserving the city’s commercial base.

Penman applied for the job early last month and bested more than 60 rivals for the position.

“Don’s professionalism and vast experience was what really put him on top,” said Arcadia City Manager Bill Kelly. “I have no doubt that he will be an asset to our community.”

Penman began his career in Simi Valley as a 23-year-old administrative assistant in 1975 and quickly moved up the ladder to become assistant city manager.

In 1982 he left his job there to become a top administrator in San Fernando. In 1989, he won the city manager’s position in Baldwin Park but was forced out five years later after the City Council eliminated the position to experiment with a new style of municipal government.

Penman then returned to his previous position in Simi Valley in September 1994, where city and community leaders say he has made a name building bridges between the city, its residents and the business community.

“It’s been a productive few years and there are a number of projects that we’ve done that the community can be very proud of,” he said. He mentioned continued work on the revitalization of the Tapo Street business district, progress in bringing the first enclosed mall to Simi Valley and keeping a number of businesses in town, such as Micom Communication.

Although Penman, who currently earns $101,000 annually, will take a $5,000 pay cut to work for Arcadia, he considers it a “lateral” move. He will be furnished a city car but said the chance to have more hands-on involvement in various spheres of city government was the greatest attraction.

“For me it’s an opportunity to come in and work on a lot of different projects and try to fulfill many of the community’s needs,” he said.

And there are plenty.

According to Kelly, Arcadia is set to begin a major redevelopment campaign to refashion both the physical and commercial vestiges of its downtown. Further, the city plans an ambitious commercial project at the old Santa Anita Racetrack property.

While news of his resignation saddened some colleagues, it was expected. When Penman was hired in 1994, he made it clear that he desired a position with more authority and responsibility.

“We always knew he wouldn’t stay, so it didn’t come as a surprise to anyone,” said Mayor Greg Stratton. “I understood a long time ago that he wanted to get back to managing a city, so it’s a good move for him.”

Added Simi Valley City Manager Mike Sedell: “While we regret his departure, we understand his desire to move forward in his career.”

Councilwoman Sandi Webb, who said she supported Penman’s failed bid to become Simi Valley’s city manager in 1995, said Simi Valley has lost a patriot of sorts.

“I understand his decision,” she said. “He’s done so much for us. . . . It’ll be hard to see him go.”

No plans have been made for a replacement, but Sedell expects to have made a decision by early February.

“There are still a few projects that I’m sorry I won’t see through to completion, but I’m lucky to have been here and worked with such a capable team,” Penman said.