Jarrett Fishpaw Is Youngest Mayor in Los Altos History

Before a packed crowd Tuesday night, Jarrett Fishpaw, 25, was sworn in as mayor of Los Altos, the youngest in the city’s history.

With the results of the Nov. 6 election officially certified that day, the City Council met to swear in its three newly elected members of the council—incumbent Megan Satterlee, and newcomers Jan Pepper and Jeannie Bruins. The sole business of the new council Tuesday, was to elect Jarrett Fishpaw as mayor and Satterlee as mayor pro tempore.

“As my first official act as mayor, I’d like to thank my parents,” said Fishpaw, adding, to much laughter, that they probably didn't expect his becoming mayor of their 29,000-population city "when you told me I could be anything I wanted to be."

Outgoing council members Ron Packard and David Casas each spoke about their eight and nine years on the council and thanked the public, city staff and fellow council members, past and present, and their families.

Pepper, who was one of the highest vote-getters in recent memory, thanked her supporters, and pledged transparency in actions and improved communication with the public.

Bruins thanked her campaign team and committed to "listening carefully" and to exercise good judgment. "We are going to be stronger together."

Satterlee thanked her supporters and, especially her husband, Clay, whose support, she said, was the secret to her being able to hold a full-time job, be a mother of a toddler, and serve on the City Council.

Then Fishpaw spoke, describing the deep roots his family had set in the community, and how its institutions, from Boy Scout Troop 37 to the Los Altos Village Association, had nurtured and shaped him... and brought him to this day.

Those experiences had led to his becoming, two years ago, the youngest city councilman in Los Altos' history, and now, at 25, its youngest mayor. Possibly in Santa Clara County. Evan Low, the rising young star from Campbell, was 21 when he was elected to his council and 26 when he became mayor in 2009. Low, now 29, was sworn in as mayor of Campbell, for a second time, Tuesday night, as well.

Traditionally, each Los Altos mayor sets a theme for his or her tenure. Fishpaw chose communication, something residents say has been in short supply at City Hall.

"I charge this council with the task of seeking additional ways to communicate with our residents, our commissions, our school districts and our businesses," Fishpaw said.

"We will drive community engagement in discussions early and often. Clear and honest communication is always the in the public's best interest."

And with that, he adjourned the meeting, using the gavel that had been used by every Los Altos mayor since 1952.