Mountain View Voice
By Kevin Forestieri
The Mountain View City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint Councilman Lucas Ramirez to be the city's next mayor, following a ceremonial -- albeit virtual -- passing of the gavel and leadership responsibilities during tumultuous times.
Ramirez, who joined the council in 2019, will be the third mayor to lead the city through the COVID-19 pandemic and the myriad problems it brings, ranging from public health risks and housing instability to small businesses barely staying afloat. And while Mountain View is not a "strong" mayor city, the title has nevertheless played a big role during the pandemic.
Ramirez was next in line for mayor going into the Jan. 11 council meeting and was the expected appointment, but colleagues nevertheless emphasized that he was the right person for the job...
Several state and county elected officials chimed in as well, including State Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), who praised the city's efforts in launching interim homeless housing and standing up against hate targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.