City Guide

LA HABRA

Mayor: Juan M. Garcia

Age: 42

Occupation: Project coordinator at Chevron Petroleum Technology Co. in La Habra

First elected: November, 1992, after serving by appointment to fill a vacant seat in April, 1991

Term expires: November, 1996

Key issues: Garcia would like to eliminate gang violence and also increase community involvement by having occasional town hall meetings in different neighborhoods. He also wants to beautify the city and improve its programs. In addition, Garcia wants to have railroad crossings renovated and streets resurfaced.

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Councilman: Steven C. Anderson

Age: 42

Occupation: Supervisor for the Utility Department in Anaheim

First elected: November, 1992

Term expires: November, 1996

Key issues: Anderson wants to maintain the size of the police force, implement more youth programs and reduce crime. He also wants to revamp local commercial areas to improve their appearance. He says residents should volunteer their services to the city and local charities.

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Councilman: David M. Cheverton

Age: 35

Occupation: Director of communications at United Ostomy Assn. in Irvine

First elected: November, 1990

Term expires: November, 1998

Key issues: Cheverton wants to expand the city’s sales tax base through redevelopment and other incentives. He also wants to find funding to beautify the city and continue with gang suppression activities.

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Councilman: James Flora

Age: 68

Occupation: Retired Southern California Edison manager

First elected: April, 1984

Term expires: November, 1996

Key issues: Flora wants to improve the economic base of the city with jobs and plant investment. Eliminating gangs and graffiti and improving communication with residents are also key issues for him. He wants all residents to take an active role in government.

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Councilwoman: Dorothy May Rush

Age: 60

Occupation: Retired dressmaker and teacher’s aide

First elected: November, 1994

Term expires: November, 1998

Key issues: Rush wants to change the city’s anti-blight ordinance, which she calls “stupid” and inadequate. She would like the ordinance to bar residents from using fences as clotheslines and require landlords to install clotheslines. She also wants to force code enforcement officers to issue citations to anyone who does not maintain property. She also wants the city to open a spousal abuse center.

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Other Key Officials

City Manager: Lee Risner

Age: 66

Length in office: 24 years

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City Attorney: Richard Jones

Age: 45

Length in office: Nine years

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Police Chief: Steven Staveley

Age: 42

Length in office: Three years

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Fire Chief: Michael McGroarty

Age: 45

Length in office: Six months

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How to Reach Them

Council meets: First and third Thursdays of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 201 E. La Habra Blvd.

Hours: City Hall is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Telephone: (310) 905-9700

Fax: (310) 907-9719

Fast Facts

Motto: “La Habra, a caring community”

Flower: Hibiscus

Incorporated: Jan. 20, 1925

Population: 51,617

Legislative districts: 39th Congressional, 32nd State Senate, 64th Assembly

Operating budget: $12.8 million

Number of employees: 201

Highest-paid employee: City manager, $93,500 per year

Council perks: Members each receive monthly $400 stipends

RESEARCHED BY MIMI KO