Baker Voted Mayor of San Clemente

San Clemente's new Mayor for the rest of this year through 2013 is Bob Baker.

Baker was sworn in Tuesday after his recent reelection, along with freshman Councilman Chris Hamm.

Hamm took 16-year council veteran Jim Dahl's spot.

Baker, who was voted in unanimously, said his chief initiative this year would be to keep the dialogue between city leaders and the public open.

"I'm going to focus on improving communications between the residents and the citizens," Baker said. "I want to make sure that everyone is calling that city number anytime they've got something to say."

The council thanked Jim Dahl for his years of service, and Dahl touted some of the city accomplishments he had helped achieve during his time on the dais.

Not only did he mention all the parks, trails and facilities added to the town over his 16 years, but also economic revitalization.

"I remember when you could have dropped a bomb on Del Mar at 4:30 in the afternoon and you wouldn't have hurt anyone," Dahl said. "Now, it's just thriving."

Baker replaced Councilman Jim Evert as mayor. Councilman Tim Brown will serve another year as Mayor Pro Tempore.