Crescent City honors Mayor Blake Ensor and Council Member Kelly Viola with tributes and plaques

The Crescent City Council on Dec. 16 held a lengthy ceremonial portion of its meeting to honor Mayor Blake Ensor and Council Member Kelly Viola as they leave their posts.

City Manager Eric Weir opened the segment with a PowerPoint reviewing projects and partnerships completed during the pair’s tenures, saying the two had “been extremely transformative for this city.” He cited infrastructure projects, grant awards and community programs tied to both officials’ time on the dais.

Weir listed specific accomplishments that he attributed to their leadership, including sewer and water projects, the RV park renovation, public-safety improvements and more than $56 million in grant funding obtained for the city over the last decade. He also highlighted the sister-city relationship with Rikuzen-Takada, Japan, and repeated that the city’s story around that partnership had drawn national and international attention.

Speakers from local organizations and agencies addressed the council during the ceremonial period. Tamara Layton, executive director of the Del Norte Local Transportation Commission and a Crescent City resident, praised Ensor’s preparation and steady attendance at transportation meetings and thanked both officials for their teamwork on regional projects. Cindy Vosberg, executive director of the Crescent City Del Norte Chamber of Commerce and the destination marketing organization, thanked both officials for support of the business community.

Multiple community members and agency representatives — including county supervisor Chris Howard, leaders from First Baptist Church and representatives of the Tallah Cultural Committee — offered testimonies describing the officials’ local and international outreach, continuity through crises such as the 2011 tsunami response and COVID-19, and personal dedication. Several speakers noted the officials’ roles in advancing local festivals, youth programs and veteran commemorations.

Mayor Ensor and Council Member Viola each spoke briefly. Ensor said he hoped the council’s decisions had prepared the city for future leaders and thanked staff and residents for their cooperation. Viola reflected on the relationships she built while serving and encouraged the council to use staff and community engagement to continue work on infrastructure and community projects.

The city presented plaques and a ceremonial “sunset” pitcher to both Ensor and Viola during the meeting. Several attendees, including family members joining via Zoom, spoke in support and appreciation. The ceremonial portion occupied much of the evening’s first half and concluded before the council moved on to the regular agenda.