Jim Evert Takes Reins as San Clemente Mayor

San Clemente Mayor Pro Tempore took the reins as San Clemente Mayor from Tuesday.

Councilman , now Mayor Pro Tempore, nominated Councilman for the largely ceremonial and administrative position, but was shot down. He nominated Baker last year and the same three council members who voted for Evert--, Donchak and Evert--voted for Donchak to be 2011 mayor instead.

Once his nomination was shot down, however, Brown joined in behind Evert, leaving Baker the sole dissenter in the decision.

Evert said his focus as mayor would be to pursue policies of economic development.

"What can we do to bring more business into this community," he said. "We have empty store fronts, empty buildings, and we need to fill them."