HERMOSA BEACH – The Hermosa Beach City Council voted Monday night to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Jackson to the position of mayor and to name Councilmember Justin Massey mayor pro tem.  

Mayor Jackson and newly elected councilmembers Dean Francois and Rob Saemann also took the oath of office. Councilmembers Francois and Saemann were elected in November, and Mayor Jackson was re-elected in November after first attaining office by winning a special election in May 2021.  

During the Council’s special session, Councilmembers praised outgoing Mayor Michael Detoy for his leadership and two of their colleagues who did not seek re-election, Councilmembers Stacey Armato and Mary Campbell, for their service.   

“When I decided to run for Council, the first two people I called were former Councilmembers Campbell and Armato,” said Mayor Jackson. “They have helped lead Hermosa with class, dignity and grace and been instrumental in my development as a person, councilmember and mayor pro tem. I know they will stay on my speed dial throughout my time as mayor.” 

Mayor Pro Tem Massey also thanked his colleagues for choosing him to be mayor pro tem and praised former Mayor Detoy for his service. 

“Mayor Detoy’s management style and community engagement through his monthly Cleanup and Conversations brought the City together in ways that recognized its diverse perspectives,” said Mayor Pro Tem Massey. “I look forward to our continued work together serving Hermosa Beach.” 

Upon turning the gavel over to the new mayor, Councilmember Detoy thanked the City Council and the community for their support and expressed his confidence in the newly elected leadership team.   

“Hermosa is one of the most amazing cities in the world, and a special place we are all lucky to call home,” said Councilmember Detoy. “I have the utmost confidence in Mayor Jackson and Mayor Pro Tem Massey, and I look forward to working alongside them and my newly elected colleagues to preserve and improve what makes this City great.” 

All Councilmembers elected in November will serve four-year terms of office. The mayor and mayor pro tem were chosen to serve nearly 10-month terms in those positions.