Parks Is New Mayor; Councilmen Inducted

City Councilwoman Linda Parks is the new mayor of Thousand Oaks, sworn in during a reorganization meeting filled with pomp, dignitaries and more than a few tears, as the city said goodbye to two of its long-standing council members.

Residents and officials from all levels of government packed the council chambers Tuesday as speakers approached the podium to offer words of farewell to Councilwomen Elois Zeanah and Judy Lazar, as well as to thank outgoing Mayor Michael Markey, who returns to his regular post as a council member.

In addition, the council inducted newly elected members Dan Del Campo and Dennis Gillette, renewed the seat of incumbent Andy Fox for his second term and elected Gillette as mayor pro tem.

During the avalanche of farewells, Zeanah, Lazar and Markey received more plaques, statuettes, rose bouquets and other gifts than the council dais could hold.

A spectrum of local dignitaries also paid their respects to the councils--old and new.

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) told the council members that they should take very seriously the praise that residents give their work.

“I attribute the quality of life here to an amazingly high level of community service,” Sherman said. “The pinnacle of that public service is service on the City Council.”

The night, however, belonged to both Lazar and Zeanah, two bitter political rivals who left the council together, eight years after they had joined it together. Zeanah had chosen retirement, citing her pledge to abide by term limits, while Lazar lost by 240 votes to Del Campo, one of the challengers whom Zeanah and Parks had endorsed.

“I have been richly rewarded as few politicians rarely are,” Zeanah said as she thanked her supporters, who rallied to her side last year as she successfully defended herself in the city’s first recall election.

“It’s made for some good political excitement, but you residents were always my shield, and I thank you. You lifted me high above it all on your wings of compassionate support.”

Lazar, for her part, remained in good spirits despite her election defeat.

“I’ve won no matter what the outcome of the election,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to a new phase. I’m going to be around; I’m going to be involved.”