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Councilmember Pentin concluded his remarks with the words of one of his favorite City employees, the <br /> late landscape architect Mike Fulford He stated he visits Mr. Fulford's memorial rock in Bernal <br /> Community Park often on bike rides. He added the inscription on the rock reads"people—despite their <br /> artistic pretentions,their sophistication, and their many accomplishments—owe their existence to a six- <br /> inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains" <br /> OATHS OF OFFICE <br /> City Clerk Diaz administered the oath of office to Mayor-elect Karla Brown. <br /> Mayor Brown thanked the individuals she campaigned against, Monith Ilavarasan, Druthi Ghanta, Tom <br /> Turpel, and Councilmember Pentin. She stated her hope over the next two years is to earn the trust <br /> and vote of those who did not vote for her. <br /> Mayor Brown stated she lives by the policy her cup is always half-full. She added she is positive and <br /> will always stand up for her friends. She added she got involved in politics by standing up for what she <br /> thought was the right thing to do. She recalled growing up on a wine vineyard where you have to roll up <br /> your sleeves and get to work. She recalled she began her civic engagement rallying against Pacific <br /> Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) putting a high-power tension line down her street—a fight she won <br /> along with the support of her neighbors and the City. She also recalled fighting against a housing <br /> project unwelcome in her neighborhood. <br /> Mayor Brown acknowledged she took an untraditional path to the office, never serving on a Committee <br /> or Commission before her election to City Council, but she has the utmost respect for those who do and <br /> contribute. She credits those groups for making the Council better <br /> Mayor Brown concluded by stating her intention to roll up her sleeves as Mayor, work hard, and earn <br /> the public's respect and votes. She stated she appreciates Councilmember Pentin's support in this <br /> task <br /> Congressman Swalwell administered the oath of office to Councilmember-elect Valerie Arkin. <br /> City Clerk Diaz administered the oath of office to Councilmember-elect Jack Balch. <br /> REMARKS <br /> Mayor Brown welcomed Councilmembers Arkin and Balch, stating they will enrich the City Council with <br /> new ideas after long histories of civic contributions <br /> Councilmember Arkin thanked Mayor Brown and Congressman Swalwell for swearing her in She <br /> thanked the community for electing her and stated she is both honored and excited to represent the <br /> community. She pledged to be transparent, responsive, and accessible — ideals the community <br /> deserves. She stated she looks forward to making decisions that will continue to make Pleasanton a <br /> wonderful place to live. She thanked her campaign supporters and her fellow candidates. She <br /> congratulated Mayor Brown and Councilmember Balch and believes they will make a great team with <br /> Councilmembers Narum and Testa. She stated she looks forward to working with City staff which has <br /> welcomed her and concluded by thanking her family for their unconditional support. <br /> Councilmember Balch congratulated Mayor Brown. He stated he announced his candidacy on May 12, <br /> 2020, his grandmother's 102nd birthday He spoke glowingly of his grandmother and the life she led <br /> before passing away on December 14, 2020 and noted her life story was a testament to perseverance <br /> while enjoying the journey along the way with qualities like kindness and respect. He pledged to carry <br /> those life lessons forward. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 3 of 17 December 15,2020 <br />