Trading places

Eron Ben-Yehuda

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- Mayor Dave Garofalo’s attempt to reach out to “real

people” by serving lunch at Lucci’s deli last week may have paid off.

“I didn’t even know who our mayor was until today,” said Manei

Mohabbatizadeh, 15, who got more than he bargained for when he ordered a

burger and fries.

There stood Garofalo, behind the counter wearing a red smock, helping to

feed people’s hunger not only for food, but politics as well.

“I’m bringing the office of the mayor and literally City Hall to the

people,” he said.

Garofalo plans to spend about an hour every week doing everything from

pumping gas at a local service station, tending bar and working at a dry

cleaning store. He wouldn’t say where he plans to go next, but he said

he’s open to suggestions.

His method is somewhat risky because he has no idea how people will

react, said Councilwoman Shirley Dettloff, a former mayor.

“One thing Dave will always do is put himself out there on the front

line,” she said.

Councilman Ralph Bauer, another former mayor, said he has never had to go

to such extremes to reach residents.

“I don’t need to do much outreach because people come to me,” Bauer said.

But Garofalo’s day at Lucci’s did give residents an opportunity to say

what was on their minds.

Lucci’s customer Teri Messmer railed against the City Council’s seeming

indifference to overdevelopment, especially the proposed hotel,

restaurant and retail complex covering two blocks Downtown.

“That’s a thorn in a lot of residents’ side,” she said.

Still Messmer was glad to know that Garofalo was appointed mayor in

December.

“He works hard for Huntington Beach,” she said.

Manei wanted to know what could be done to repair his aging high school,

Edison High, since the bond measure failed.

Garofalo said the “only solution” was to try once again to convince

voters that paying more taxes for a bond would be a wise investment.

As for his work performance at the deli, Garofalo earned his keep,

encouraging customers to order up.

“Spend a lot of money,” he told one customer. “We need it.”

And he looked out for the city’s interests, too.

“I sold two No. 1 [specials],” he said. “Is that sales taxable? Good.

Good.”

QUESTION BOX

THE PEOPLE’S MAYOR?

What do you think of Mayor Dave Garofalo’s plan to spend an hour a week

reaching out to the public by working in gas stations, delicatessens and

dry cleaning shops? Call our Readers Hotline at 965-7175, fax us at

965-7174 or send e-mail to o7 hbindy@latimes.comf7 . Please spell your

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