LA MESA CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Source:  City of La Mesa

October 23, 2019 (La Mesa) - City Manager Yvonne Garrett has announced her retirement effective December 30, 2019. Mrs. Garrett has served in several positions with the City of La Mesa, starting as the Director of Community Services in January 2000. Mrs. Garrett spent six years as the Assistant City Manager and Community Services Director prior to her appointment as City Manager in 2016.  Mrs. Garrett was the Director of the La Mesa Park and Recreation concurrently with her position in Community Services and in the City Manager’s Department. The Foundation is a private non-profit organization that raises funds for park improvements and facilitates recreational, education and cultural programs in La Mesa. 

“Yvonne Garrett’s exemplary character, leadership, wisdom and vision have served the City of La Mesa for two decades.  Her priority of helping create a livable community has helped elevate the La Mesa as one of the top cities in the county.  Her willingness to solve problems is only surpassed by her knowledge of the City. It will be a challenge to find her successor”, said Mayor Mark Arapostathis, Dr. “A”.

Mrs. Garrett, in her tenure with La Mesa, completed several major capital projects including the award winning PARKS Project, the La Mesa Teen Center, and has been instrumental in promoting walkability in the City of La Mesa. She handled special projects for the City including funding and developing a Health and Wellness Element for the General Plan, completion of the Parks Master Plan, and oversight of the implementation of the citizen initiated medical cannabis ordinance, as well an excise tax measure for cannabis facilities passed by the voters in 2016 and 2018 respectively.  In 2018, La Mesa was the first East County city to approve a Climate Action Plan. She led the City’s re-branding efforts which have resulted in a new interest in La Mesa as an attractive place to dine, shop, and explore.

Mrs. Garrett says in retiring, “I have relished working in the City of La Mesa.  Its residents have a deep attachment to their city and there is a generational appeal where folks who were born here often strive to come back home. I have grown to love La Mesa as if it was my hometown too. I will certainly miss the privilege of working for a City Council that is respectful and appreciative of the employees and who also clearly love their City. La Mesa is in good hands with an excellent executive management team and a dedicated and conscientious professional staff.”

The Council unanimously directed City Manager Garrett to engage the Human Resources Manager to begin a state and nationwide recruitment to present qualified candidates for City Council consideration and appointed Assistant City Manager Greg Humora as the Interim City Manager upon Mrs. Garrett’s retirement.