Public information officer retires

Ritch Wells, who for 15 years served as the go-to face and voice of Glendale as its official spokesman, retired Thursday.

Wells is best known for his work with the city’s Emmy-award-winning government access channel GTV6, and has been a key figure in the city’s fight against Charter Communications’ plan to change the channel’s placement, which he said would undo years of branding and marketing efforts.

Before coming to Glendale, Wells worked as an administrative assistant to county supervisors in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. He had previously spent 10 years working in broadcast media.

City officials gathered Thursday for an official send-off. Assistant Public Information Officer Vicki Gardener will take over Wells’ responsibilities, effective immediately.