Santa Clarita’s annual City Council reorganization meeting brought a mix of celebration and tension Tuesday night as Laurene Weste was sworn in as mayor for the seventh time.

Outgoing Mayor Bill Miranda formally passed the gavel to Weste. 

Weste has served on the City Council since 1998 and previously held the mayoral role in 2001, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.

In her remarks following the swearing-in, Weste thanked Miranda for his leadership and reflected on the collaborative spirit she said defines Santa Clarita.

“Bill, you gave me such big shoes to fill,” Weste said. “It has been my honor to serve with you, and I want to thank the community for recognizing a man who has done so much with such great heart and a giving spirit.”

Weste also credited residents, nonprofits, city staff and leadership for making Santa Clarita a strong and engaged community.

“We would not be a great community were it not for the leaders, the nonprofits and the people who give and work, sometimes acrimoniously and sometimes with great jubilation, to continually try to make this a better, safer and more wonderful place to live,” Weste said. “That’s how we get things done in Santa Clarita… together.”

Following the mayoral swearing-in, the council turned to the selection of a mayor pro tem – a process that grew tense as nominations were opened.

(Picture from the left) Bill Miranda, Marsha McLean, and Laurene Weste (Sophia Lesseos KHTS)

Councilmember Marsha McLean immediately nominated herself for the position, with Councilmember Jason Gibbs seconding the nomination. Miranda then nominated Councilmember Patsy Ayala with a second from Weste.

When the votes were cast, McLean voted for herself, with Gibbs also voting in her favor. Miranda, Weste and Ayala voted for Ayala, giving Ayala the three-vote majority needed to secure the role of mayor pro tem.

After the vote, McLean acknowledged her disappointment but said she remains focused on serving the community.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed, but I can’t do anything against a block of three,” McLean said. “I’m proud of my record and how I’ve served, and I’m just going to continue to do what I do.”

McLean, who noted this will be her final year on the council due to the city’s transition to district elections, said she does not believe politics should drive local government decisions.

“I don’t like politics. I don’t play politics,” she said. “I think the average resident out there doesn’t like it either, but it is what it is.”

As mayor again, Weste outlined several milestone projects planned for the coming year, many focused on recreation, open space and community gathering.

“My goal has always been that this community should have, within its boundaries, the things it needs to enjoy life and not have to leave,” Weste said.

Mayor Pro Tem Patsy Ayala (Sophia Lesseos KHTS)

Among the projects highlighted were a second bike park planned for Haskell Canyon, an eight-acre expansion of David March Park and the long-awaited opening of the city’s rink pavilion later this year.

“We will continue to advocate for local control, maintain our infrastructure and strive to remain one of the safest cities in the United States,” Weste said.

She also told KHTS Radio she would like to have more open space and trails for Santa Clarita.

Weste closed her remarks by reflecting on her lifelong connection to Santa Clarita and the city’s upcoming anniversary.

“It is my life’s goal to make sure Santa Clarita remains a safe, family-focused and beautiful place that we are all proud to call home,” she said, noting the city will celebrate its 38th birthday on Dec. 15.

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