La Habra Appoints New Planning Board Member

LA HABRA — The City Council has appointed restaurant manager William E. Reeves to the Planning Commission, replacing Paul G. Thornburg.

Thornburg, a nine-year veteran, had hoped the council would change a policy limiting planning commissioners to two consecutive four-year terms, or a total of 10 years, but the council didn’t consider it.

The council did, however, reappoint Howard Derow and Donald Brigante to the Community Services and Traffic Commissions, respectively.

Reeves, 46, manager of a La Habra Sizzler restaurant and an eight-year city resident, said that his prime objective as planning commissioner will be to beautify La Habra.

“I think La Habra has beautiful potential; we just haven’t provided the money for it,” he said. “The responsibility of planning commissioners is to enhance the city’s appeal to draw in new business and revenue.”

Derow, who was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Community Services Commission last year, now begins his first full three-year term.

Serving on the commission, said Derow, 67, “is a great opportunity for people who want to work on behalf of the city.”

Derow, a retired engineer who works part time at Knott’s Berry Farm, said he will push an adopt-a-park program for the city. “I want people to adopt a park and donate money, equipment or services to beautify our parks here,” he said.

Brigante, 57, a plumber, begins his first four-year term on the Traffic Commission. He has held the position for two years.

“They’re qualified, very interested and energetic,” Mayor William D. Mahoney said of the new commissioners.

“I think they’ll do a good job.”