Councilman caps off year with a child

Dave Brooks

This is a year Don Hansen will never forget.

After winning a resounding election to the City Council in

November, Hansen enjoyed another “victory” earlier this week after

his wife Sara gave birth to their first son.

“It’s incredible because everything we worked for has come true,”

he said. “It’s really been an amazing year.”

At 1:15 a.m. Saturday, little Ryan Crawford Hansen was born at

Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. He weighed nine pounds, four ounces

and was 21 inches long.

When Ryan gets home, he’ll have a sister, Bailey, to help watch

over him. Don Hansen said his 4-year-old daughter has been preparing

for her big sister role for months.

“She’s super excited,” he said. “She’s really baby crazy, really

ready to jump right in and help out. Of course she has the attention

span of a 4-year-old, so after she’s held the baby for a little while

she wants to go ride her bike.”

Sara Hansen, who was pregnant through the entire 2004 election,

said she remained optimistic about her husband’s chances because he

came so close to winning in 2002.

“I think since it was our second time through this, it was a lot

easier,” she said.

Don Hansen said he plans to teach both his children about politics

and have the entire family participate in city events.

“Whenever it’s appropriate that my children can attend, I want

them to be there,” he said. “I think it will really enhance our

family connection.”

Don Hansen works as a vice president financial manager for Balboa

Capital in Irvine. His wife said she plans to continue her role as a

stay-at-home mom.

With the pregnancy now complete, Sara said she hopes she can

return to a more active lifestyle.

“Now when I take my daughter to the park, I can go down the slide

too,” she said.