Members of the Solvang City Council played musical chairs on Monday night as a new mayor moved to the center seat. 

A swearing-in ceremony saw Mayor David Brown assume the role after spending the past two years on the council.

Brown handily won the job in the Nov. 5 election where voters had three options.

He replaced Mark Infanti, who chose not to seek another two-year term wielding the gavel. Instead, he ran unopposed for a four-year seat on the council. 

“Serving as your mayor has been a great honor and a privilege,” Infanti said. 

The role provided the chance to get to know people he might not have met otherwise, he said. It also meant working alongside elected officials from other cities, the county and the state, he added. 

As the child of a career Army officer, Infanti moved around a lot while growing up. He also traveled extensively as a management consultant.

“So, I can truly say that Solvang is a very special place,” he said. 

Infanti also expressed appreciation for residents who have engaged with the council and other city committees.

“I’m proud of the council’s accomplishments during my term. And now it’s time to turn over the gavel to the new mayor so we can continue to serve the city, and I will continue to serve as the District 1 representative,” Infanti said. 

A third member, Claudia Orona, also began her new term Monday after running unopposed. 

Later in the meeting, she was appointed to serve as mayor pro-tem for the next year.

They join Councilwoman Elizabeth Orona, who is in the middle of her four-year term.

The panel also recognized departing Councilman Robert Clarke for his service. 

Being on the council has meant “a wild ride,” Clarke said. He served during tumultuous time that included a successful recall of Councilman Chris Djernaes. 

“We did something very right by bringing you in,” Clarke said, referring to the hiring of the City Manager Randy Murphy. “And seeing a calm and happy City Hall is the one thing that I’m most proud of, because we had some chaos for a long time. I’m just really, really pleased everybody here is happy.”

“We did have a City Council that did some things we didn’t all care for, so we’ve been trying to get better,” Infanti said.

A hallmark of Clarke’s time on the council involved blunt comments about state mandates and other issues he opposed, including his concern that a Pride parade would involve naked participants.

True to form, Clarke couldn’t resist a final parting shot Monday night.

“Oh, and I won’t miss public records requests from professional victims and lunatics,” Clarke said.

The vacancy created by Brown’s ascension to mayor will be filled by appointment.

The seat represents District 3, which includes areas in the heart of the city. A map of the district can be found by clicking here.

The deadline for applications for the council seat is Jan. 3. The council may pick the new member during the Jan. 13 meeting.

Solvang also is seeking to fill terms on the city Planning Commission, Design Review Committee and Measure U Citizens Oversight Committee, with the applications for those seats due Jan. 2.

Residents must meet the eligibility criteria for each role.

To learn more or to submit an application visit: City of Solvang Boards & Commissions or contact City Clerk Annamarie Porter by calling 805.688.5575 x206 or sending an email to aporter@cityofsolvang.com.