The Healdsburg City Council has appointed a new member to the dais. Ozzy Jimenez, chief executive officer of Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar, replaces former mayor Leah Gold, who resigned after controversial comments about Black Lives Matter.
Jimenez is the first person of color to serve on the City Council since 1992. He is third Latino to ever serve on the Council and its second openly gay representative. Healdsburg’s population is 30% Hispanic.
Jimenez will serve out the remaining 21/2 years left on Gold’s term. Only Vice Mayor Shaun McCaffery voted to have Jimenez run for election in November.
Jimenez’s appointment comes as the city tries to improve its response to issues of race.
“Just to maybe state the obvious, I think this is a moment for celebration. It brings tears to my eyes,” said Mayor Evelyn Mitchel “We have gotten through what has proven to be an incredibly difficult time, and really opened up our eyes to a lot of issues and things that we need to address, and this seems like a good start for that. I’m just sorry that it came this way, but nevertheless, we’ll move forward. I’m very proud of the people that I’m serving with.”
Jimenez said he would “try to be that voice for marginalized folks, working families and the Latinx population...”
Read more about his appointment at the Press Democrat.