Outgoing San Mateo mayor Lisa Diaz Nash is presented with a crystal gavel by incoming Mayor Robert Newsom, standing, with new Deputy Mayor Adam Loraine, left.
The San Mateo City Council has two new councilmembers, after two of its previous members decided not to seek reelection.
Many councils throughout the Peninsula are not only swearing in new elected leaders this month but also conducting annual mayoral rotations. Like many cities throughout the county, San Mateo annually rotates councilmembers to the mayor position to serve a one-year term. Mayor Rob Newsom was sworn in as mayor, replacing now-Councilmember Lisa Diaz Nash. Councilmember Adam Loraine was named deputy mayor.
Departing San Mateo Councilmember Amourence Lee, with her children Mia and Simon holding gifts from the city in honor of her service.
“It is about using power to uplift others and knowing when to pass the torch. … In 130 years, our city has never elected a Black man to lead, and we still have a long road ahead to dismantle the racism in our community and our country,” Lee said. “As I reflect on my five years in office, I can say without hesitation that I would do it all again. I have no regrets about the stances I’ve taken or the battles I’ve fought.”
Lee lives in District 2, which encompasses the North Central neighborhood, an area that has historically housed minorities, such as Black residents and Japanese Americans throughout the 20th century. The Latino population has increased over the past couple decades, and the area is home to the highest share of the community of any district in the city. The former councilmember had endorsed Charles Hansen, chief program officer at Peninsula Family Service, for the seat, however, Nicole Fernandez won with about two-thirds of the vote.
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Incoming San Mateo District 2 Councilmember Nicole Fernandez is sworn into office by City Clerk Martin McTaggart.
Arianna Cunha/Daily Journal
“We are going to be an awesome, collaborative council who puts the people first. I am grateful that we are all going to be rowing in the same direction because we are going to center what’s important and that’s the people, and I’m really excited that we get to do that in 2025,” Fernandez said.
Fernandez also works for the office of state Sen. Josh Becker, D-San Mateo.
Former Councilmember Rich Hedges also decided not to seek another term and had stepped in for a two-year term in 2022 when there was a vacancy and tumultuous mayoral rotation on the council. Danielle Cwirko-Godycki ran unopposed for his District 4 seat in the November election. The district encompasses neighborhoods east of Highway 101, including Shoreview, Mariner’s Island and Parkside.
“Being on the council has been the highest of honors. To serve the people who reside in San Mateo has been one of the highlights of my life,” Hedges said. “Many of us here in San Mateo are doing quite well, and many of us are not. We should always be focused on trying to make it easier for those who are employed here and serve us to have their needs met.”
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
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PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
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