Former City Council members recognized as part of city's rich history
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

HONORED- Agoura Hills City Manager Greg Ramirez and state Assemblymember Juliana Brownley present a key to the city to former mayor Joan Yacovone, who served on council from 1991 to 1995.

In honor of Agoura Hills' silver anniversary, former City Council members joined the current panel at the Nov. 28 meeting to celebrate the hard work and dedication of those people who have helped shape the city over 25 years.

Julia Brownley (D-Woodland Hills), who represents the 41st District in the state Assembly, was among the participants.

Brownley presented an Assembly proclamation to the city, and noted that 25 years ago, 68 percent of residents voted in favor of cityhood.

In 1982, Agoura Hills became the 83rd municipality in Los Angeles County.

Brownley and Agoura Hills City Manager Greg Ramirez presented keys to the city to a number of former and current council members who have served terms since the city incorporated in 1982.

"These are exceptional individuals and today Agoura Hills is a testimonial to their vision and success," Brownley said.

Mayor Dan Kuperberg recognized the city's historical committee, which worked diligently over the year to collect information and "bring to life" the city's history in pictures, stories, artifacts and timelines. The city's 25-year time capsule is on display at the Canyon Club, he said.

Those honored included Carol Rosenberg, Darlene McBane, Ed Corridori, Jack Koenig, John Hood, Louise Rishoff, Joan Yacovone, Ernie Dynda, Vicky Leary and Sally Schneider.

"Because of this group, residents can all learn our city's past while we look toward the future," Kuperberg said.

Many of the members of the historical committee are also former City Council members. Hood, McBane, Rishoff, Koenig, Leary, Dynda, Yacovone and Corridori all served the city on the council, as mayor or both.

Fran Pavley, the city's first mayor, could not attend the meeting. Pavley's experience in city government enabled her to successfully serve as an Assembly member for six years. A Democrat, she has said she plans to run for state Senate next year.

Former councilmember Jeff Reinhardt was also absent from the meeting. He retired from the council in December 2005 after eight years on that panel and six as a planning commissioner.

Carol Sahm, another pioneer in the city's formation who couldn't attend the meeting, sent a statement that was read by Schneider.

"Our first council meetings were at Fran's dining table to establish the city," Sahm said. "From there we went on to a conference table, then to an office at the Reyes Adobe Center, and we were on our way."