The League of California Cities announced the election of new officers to form the 2010-20110 executive committee of its board of directors. The new officers were introduced at the closing general session of the League’s 112th Annual Conference & Expo in San Diego on Friday, Sept. 17.

Modesto Mayor Jim Ridenour was elected to serve as the League’s president, assuming the post held for the past year by Hemet City Council Member Robin Lowe. Mountain View Council Member Mike Kasperzak was elected as first vice president, and Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard will join the League’s executive committee as second vice president.


The League’s bylaws call for officers to serve one-year terms. Under the League’s bylaws, Lowe now becomes immediate past president of the League and remains a member of the League’s executive committee. Ridenour advances to his current position after serving the past year as first vice president. Kasperzak has served the past year as second vice president.

“Mayor Ridenour is an extraordinary leader who as president of the League will serve not only his own community of Modesto but also every city in California. He comes to this position at a critical juncture for local government, and his strong voice will be critical as the November election approaches when Californians will be voting to ensure the protection for local funds for basic local services is important,” said League Executive Director Chris McKenzie.

This is the second term as mayor for Mr. Ridenour, who terms out of office in November 2011. He was elected to the League’s board of directors; executive committee in 2008.

“Council Member Lowe made an incredible contribution to the cities of California in the past year. Her tireless efforts to promote policies that best represent our cities and our residents as a whole will have a lasting affect on our state. I want to thank Ms. Lowe for her outstanding leadership during this historic year,” said McKenzie. “Her leadership of our organization has been critical to our success in protecting local control and building strong partnerships statewide.”

Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials.