MALIBU—The Malibu City Council swore in Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner as the city’s new Mayor during its meeting on Monday, December 10 at City Hall. According to a press release from the city of Malibu, Wagner’s oath of office was administered by his pal and Malibu resident Rob Reiner. He assumes the role form former Mayor Rick Mullen.
“I had a list of goals and things I would have wanted to achieve as Mayor,” said Wagner. “But all that has changed. We have experienced the biggest natural disaster in the City’s history, and my singular focus now is helping residents rebuild as quickly and smoothly as possible.”
Wagner is the owner of the surf shop Zuma Jay’s Surfboards and concessionaire of the Malibu Pier. He was first elected to the Malibu City Council in April 2008, and served through April 2012. He was elected for a second term in November 2016.
Karen Farrer, who was elected to the City Council during the November 6, 2018 General Election was sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem. Farrer’s oath of office was administered by her husband Cameron. She has been a resident of the region for 40 years and for years.
“I am honored. I am humbled, especially in this very sobering time of great need and devastation,” said Farrer. “I feel for everyone who has suffered losses and I want to help them get as whole as possible as quickly as possible. I consider the process of rebuilding a moral responsibility, so my goal is to do anything I can to help streamline and expedite that.”
Mikke Pierson was sworn in as a councilmember during the meeting. Pierson, a business coach, family has lived in the region since the 1950s, and was sworn in by his son Emmet. He served for six years on the Malibu Planning Commission and a year on the Public Works Commission.
“My focus will be on helping the people and the community of Malibu rebuild and recover, and improving the way we approach disaster preparedness and response,” said Pierson. “I am also very concerned about local businesses and want to help them find ways to survive this disaster as important members of our community.”
Councilmembers Laura Rosenthal and Lou La Monte who were elected in 2010 and ended their two terms on the Malibu City Council during the December 10 meeting.
