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The end of November 2017 saw the Rheem sinkhole repaired and a temporary Canyon Bridge installed. The town hired Cynthia Battenberg as town manager, who in turn, oversaw the hiring of three new department heads: Parks and Recreation Director Breyana Brandt; Planning Director Derek Farmer; and Administrative Services Director Norman Veloso.
Moraga received a $2.38 million sinkhole reimbursement and initiated a rescission of emergency funds, while still allowing for storm drain maintenance and repairs as well as continued plans for the new replacement of the Canyon Bridge.
The continued beautification of the town was a major priority. A Moraga Specific Plan Grant introduced the possible creation of a new "main street" in the center of town. The natural surroundings were upheld with the Urban Creeks Grant and Laguna Creek Restoration. There was an adoption of new hillside and ridgeline regulations, as well as a new all-access playground in Moraga Commons Park. A new Moraga Trails Map has become available and the Bollinger Valley (126-lot) project development application was denied.
The Rheem Theatre reopened, along with several new restaurants, adding an evening entertainment vibe to the town.
Not to be left out, town safety was an important issue with the adoption of a firearm storage and maintenance ordinance. It was noted that crime statistics have gone down and were the lowest in a number of years.
Vice Mayor Teresa Onoda said, "Thank you to the town of Moraga for having faith in me. Thank you to my husband, who's been my biggest cheerleader. Thank you to the staff, both past and present, for teaching me what I needed to know, so that I could be the best council member that I could be." She felt that it has been the best town council Moraga has ever had.
Trotter welcomed newly elected council members Mike McCluer and Steve Woehleke, offering them his congratulations and best wishes. He agreed with Onoda that the past 12 months was equal to, if not better than, previous councils. Amidst his thanks to staff and fellow council members, he noted, "It's been a privilege to serve with you these past few months." Trotter then mentioned his wife. "Thank you Debbie for everything."
Trotter concluded, "I've had a very good run on the town council. Twelve years is a long time." He added, "I leave with few, if any, regrets; hundreds, if not thousands, of friends made along the way and a profound appreciation for the faith and trust that the people of Moraga have given me."
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA