Thorsen leaveAgoura Hills

Jim Thorsen Jim Thorsen, Agoura Hills' assistant city manager and a longtime employee of the city, has accepted the post of city manager for Malibu. He is scheduled to start his new job on May 1.

Thorsen launched his nineyear career with Agoura Hills as an engineer, but quickly moved into other responsibilities and positions, including director of public works. He was named assistant city manager last year.

The $25-million Kanan Interchange project may have been the longest running and most challenging project that Thorsen oversaw, but it was also among the most rewarding. He said he worked on the project for about seven years.

"It's a great project for the city, one we worked hard to get federal funding for," Thorsen said. "I will miss not being a part of the final construction of the Kanan Interchange, as I devoted a great deal of time and energy to that project, (but) it's good to see it finally come to fruition."

Thorsen will be missed by many. "Jim has been one of the most trustworthy, capable professionals I have ever met in this business," said Greg Ramirez, Agoura Hills' city manager.

"He has done an incredible amount of good for the community of Agoura Hills. Though I am losing a valuable assistant, I expect our great friendship to carry on for many years," said Ramirez.

Thorsen said he anticipates that managing Malibu will be a task similar to his responsibilities in Agoura Hills.

"The main difference will be in the time dedicated to the daily interaction with city council, sheriff, fire, staff and the public," he said. "Although my current position does require this interaction, (such interaction) is much more predominant as a city manager."

Agoura Hills Mayor Denis Weber remembers predicting that Thorsen would someday land a job as city manager.

"When I first got to know Jim I told him that he needed to think about becoming a city manager one day because he had all the qualities to be a great one," Weber said.

"Jim brings integrity, professionalism, humor-lots of that- patience, 'smoothness' and a vast amount of knowledge to his job," Weber said, "and Malibu should thank their lucky stars they have someone like him."

As to the duties awaiting him in Malibu, Thorsen said "I am sure every day will bring new and unexpected challenges.

"There are a number of environmental issues, traffic, capital improvements, schools, land development and the day-to-day tasks of running a city."

"I expect Jim Thorsen will be a great city manager for the city of Malibu for many years," said Dan Kuperberg, an Agoura Hills council member. "He combines great intelligence, deep thinking and great personal skills that will serve him well. We will miss him, but I am glad that he is able to move forward professionally."

While Thorsen anticipates that the move will be professionally rewarding, he admits he'll miss the workers at city hall.

"They are a great group of people who are dedicated to their jobs," he said. "I always enjoyed the trust and respect that the city council and the public provided (the) staff."

"It is truly amazing what can be accomplished when everyone is working towards common goals." Thorsen said Malibu's recent purchase of the Chili Cook-off site will present exciting challenges.

"This property will be used to implement a comprehensive water quality management plan to improve Malibu Creek, Malibu Lagoon and Surfrider County Beach."

Thorsen lives in Moorpark with his wife and two children.