Briefly in the news

A standing ovation welcomed the newest mayor of Huntington Beach.

Debbie Cook was sworn in for the Huntington Beach’s 63rd mayoral term

at Monday night’s City Council meeting. Cook takes over for outgoing

Mayor Pam Julien Houchen.

She is the 53rd person to hold the position, with nine mayors serving

two terms, and one who served three terms in the past 63 years.

Julien Houchen passed the gavel to Cook, who promptly presided over

her first meeting as mayor following a brief reception. She will serve

for one year.

Elected to the City Council last year, Cook is up for reelection in

2004.

“It’s basically the same job that requires more time,” she said of her

new position. “It means a lot to friends, family and supporters and [it]

is certainly an honor to be mayor.”

Cook made sure to give credit to the outgoing mayor as well.

“[Julien Houchen] has done an incredible job, it’s been an exhausting

year,” Cook said. “She’s a great leader for our community.”

Community outreach, dealing with a reduced city budget, and land use

planning are three challenges Cook expects to face in the coming year,

she said.