Dignitaries, residents pay tribute to Zimmerman, Sobek

Bill Zimmerman and Lesa Sobek and their spouses pose with fellow City Council members.

By Doug Spoon, Editor

A full house at City Hall paid tribute to outgoing Mayor Bill Zimmerman and council member Lesa Sobek as the Menifee City Council was reorganized on Tuesday.

Heartfelt messages were given by state and local politicians, city staff, and residents to Zimmerman, who has served as Mayor since 2018, and Sobek, who completed eight years on the City Council. Both individuals have been public servants in various roles for decades, and those in attendance showed their appreciation for two people who were instrumental in the development of one of California’s fastest growing cities.

Following the tributes, Ricky Estrada was sworn in as Mayor, while Dan Temple and Bob Karwin were sworn in as council members.

Proclamations to Zimmerman and Sobek were presented to both by State Senator Kelly Seyarto; Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington; representatives of Congressman Ken Calvert and State Assemblyman Bill Essayli; and City of Menifee staff. Others paying tribune included Gloria Sanchez, chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee; Dr. Joyce Johnson of Mt. San Jacinto College; Dr. Jennifer Root, superintendent of Menifee Union School District; and several residents.

Also in attendance to pay tribute were Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Warren and City Council member Lisa DeForest of the Murrieta City Council and City Council member Jeremy Smith of Canyon Lake. Zimmerman was presented a “quilt of valor” by members of the Sun City Quilting Club.

“It’s local government that people wake up to every day,” Washington said. “It’s so easy to work with you two.”

“I consider these two my friends,” Seyarto said. “I was on the Murrieta City Council when we had struggles in the beginning, and I’ve watched Menifee go through some struggles, too. Watching these two navigate the city to what it is today is impressive. I appreciate what you have done to lead the community.”

Zimmerman has termed out after being appointed to complete the late Neil Winter’s Mayoral term in 2018 and being elected to a four-year term in 2020. His years of service include the following:

Member of the inaugural Planning Commission
Member of the Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission
Chairman and member of the Mt. San Jacinto College Board of Trustees
County Trails Committee member
County Parks District Advisory Commissioner
Menifee Arts Council past president
Board member of the Boys and Girls Club
Board member of the Menifee Valley Historical Association
Supporter of the Antelope-Menifee Rural Center
Member of the Rotary Club of Menifee
Supporter of the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce

“It’s heartwarming knowing people appreciate your public service,” said Zimmerman, who like Sobek received a standing ovation. “You’re people who care. It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to serve. Menifee is my hometown and I love it here. I know we’ve accomplished so much and we’ve done it together.”

A gifted public speaker, Zimmerman pledged to carry on Winter’s tradition as the “People’s Mayor” and carried out that promise by representing the city at virtually every public event, In his farewell remarks, he emphasized the importance of having a Mayor who is out in the community as well as conducting business in City Hall.

“The Mayor’s role is so much more than here [at City Hall],” he said. “That’s really just 20 percent of the effort it takes. A majority is your job of being out in the community, being a role model for the youth, supporting private businesses, and advocating for funds. I tried to use the title to benefit others.”

Sobek’s list of accomplishments include:

Citizen of Month and Business Spotlight programs
System of processing passports at City Hall
You Matter Collaboration
Youth Leaders of Menifee program
Menifee Citizens Academy
Annual Education Summit
Creation of the Military Banner program
Creation of the Menifee Better Together program
Senate District Woman of the Year
State Assembly Woman of the Year
Instrumental in creating the Menifee Police Department

“I’d like to thank the citizens for allowing me to serve,” Sobek said. “It has truly been an honor. I’d like to thank the city staff for the talent they show in leading the city. This is my work family.

“It’s the relationships that matter. I wanted the residents to know they were cared about, like they could step up and do something, too. I’d like to thank my City Council colleagues for their support. Bill is a gentleman and more than a leader. He’s honest and a man of integrity.

“To council member Estrada: I believe in the election process. The voters have spoken, and I wish you the best of luck.”

Mayor Pro Tem Dean Deines joined the other council members in paying tribute to Zimmerman and Sobek.

“Lesa, if you look up the words public servant, your picture would probably be there,” Deines said. “It’s been a great pleasure to serve with you. Bill, we really know you’re the heart of the city. How many people would retire early to take the position of Mayor? It’s been an honor work with you.”