Signal Hill City Manager Ken Farfsing will soon be stepping down after nearly two decades on the job. In an announcement last week, Farfsing said he has decided to retire after 37 years of public service, spanning 5 different Southern California cities.
Before coming to Signal Hill, Farfsing worked as city manager in South Pasadena. He also previously held the deputy city manager position in Downey, as well as the development director position for the City of La Verne.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to have served you during the past two decades,” Farfsing said.
Signal Hill’s role as a major oil producer has added to the complexity of his job, according to Farfsing. However, the city “has made tremendous improvements over the last two decades due [to] the able guidance of the City Council, the dedication and work of an outstanding city staff, the efforts of our commissioners and volunteers, our residents and business community,” he added.
Farfsing’s tenure was marked by a series of efforts of deal with the Great Recession. During his time with the city, Signal Hill also contracted with Los Angeles County for fire services, obtained its own zip code, and planned the construction of the new EDCO transfer station.
Farfsing will step down on June 30. He has recommended that the city council interview Deputy City Manager Charlie Honeycutt for the position at its April 7 meeting.
Read more about Farfsing’s departure here.