Danville's New Mayor Talks 2022 Plans, Biggest Problem Facing Town

DANVILLE, CA — Newell Arnerich was named this week as Danville's new mayor for 2022.

Arnerich, whose term expires in 2024, has served the town for more than three decades including six terms as mayor, said new Vice Mayor Robert Storer. Storer's term expires next year.

"We need Newell's experienced voice more than ever," Storer said at the 40th annual Mayor's Installation and Community Service awards. "This is time to stay the course and build upon all that Danville means to each of us, and Newell will get the job done."

Arnerich replaced Councilmember Renee Morgan, whose term expires in 2024.

"I am and have been proud to be your mayor and a part of this team," Morgan said. "My journey continues beyond today and I will continue to strive to make what is good, great. Let's continue to foster collaboration, encourage preservation and invest our time to continue to make Danville a better place for today and our future generations."

Arnerich gave remarks about the coming year and encouraged residents to get vaccinated against the coronavirus as the omicron variant starts to spread in the United States.

He called downtown Danville "the symbol of Danville" and spoke of a need to continue investing in the area. The town council plans to look at matters such as the walking experience, lighting and permanent outdoor dining options in the near future.

Arnerich also said he wanted to focus on continuing to improve mental health resources to make Danville the safest and "happiest community on the planet."

"We're looking forward to making Danville even better than what it is," Arnerich said.

Arnerich had harsh words for the state government, which he said was one of the town's biggest problems in 2022.

California is "hellbent on coming after cities, and particularly nice communities like ours," he said.

He pointed to the fact that state officials eliminated single-family zoning in hopes to make a dent in the housing crisis. The move meant that more than one housing unit can be built on a parcel previously designated for a single household.

Arnerich said town attorneys are searching for ways to make the new mandate "work right for Danville," which he noted already requires developers to include 15 percent of affordable housing in new projects of at least 21 units.

"They think they're helping us, they're destroying communities and they're making all the decisions in Sacramento that we have no choice in," he said.

Also at the ceremony, community service awards were distributed to a number of local people and organizations.

"It takes all of us to help make [Danville] successful," Arnerich said.

The winners were as follows.

Awards of Merit

• Meals on Wheels - Diablo Region.
• Elizabeth Szczesny.
• Lorrie Sammons.
• Marc Silveira and Walt Welti.
• Save Mt. Diablo.
• Karin O’Connell.

Michael K. Shimansky Community Service Award

• Ronit Batra.

The Danville Award

• Kathy Chiverton.