(L-R) Newly elected Mayor Kristine Lowe and outgoing Mayor Robert Parkhurst. A group photo of the newly reorganized Sierra Madre Council (Photos – City of Sierra Madre)
The Sierra Madre City Council held its final meeting of 2025 on Tuesday evening, marking the close of a year defined by one of the most destructive fires on record, leadership recognition, and the selection of new council leadership.
By Shashank Tongaonkar
Incoming Mayor Kristine Lowe highlighted the way residents supported one another during difficult moments throughout the year.
Honoring Mayor Robert Parkhurst
Much of the evening was dedicated to honoring Mayor Robert Parkhurst for his service to Sierra Madre. Council members praised his leadership, especially his calm guidance through the Eaton Fire, as well as his efforts to strengthen the city’s policies and partnerships.
A proclamation read during the meeting highlighted key achievements under Parkhurst’s leadership, including:
- His guidance during the Eaton Fire, which led to the creation of a Fire Safe Council to enhance community resilience.
- Environmental leadership, including the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure and partnerships with the Clean Power Alliance.
- Fiscal stewardship, with Sierra Madre earning its eighth consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and its sixth Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
- Community improvements, such as the addition of new pickleball courts and increased youth representation on local commissions.
Representatives from the offices of State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Assemblymember John Harabedian presented certificates recognizing Parkhurst’s leadership during the fires and his environmental initiatives.
“Just days after the fire broke out, you raised the alarm on the possibility of mudslides even before the rainstorms, which prompted immediate response from county and state officials,” a representative from Assemblymember John Harabedian’s office said.
New Leadership for 2026
The Council then moved to elect its leadership for the upcoming year. By unanimous vote, Councilmember Kristine Lowe was elected Mayor, and Councilmember Gene Goss was elected Mayor Pro Tem.
A lifelong Sierra Madre resident and former volunteer firefighter, Lowe spoke about her deep connection to the community and her commitment to preserving the city’s small-town character while focusing on financial sustainability and public services.
“There is no town like ours,” Lowe said. “There’s absolutely no town in LA County nor as you travel around the United States and the world that is similar to us.”
Gene Goss was then sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem for the coming year.
Council Comments and Adjournment
Council members took a moment to thank city staff for their responsiveness during recent community events, including the extra safety measures taken during the recent menorah lighting.
With no additional agenda items, the Council unanimously voted to adjourn the 2025 calendar year.
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