Yuba City names Mark Boomgarden mayor, Michael Pasquale vice mayor in ceremonial 'change of the guard'

YUBA CITY, Calif. — The Yuba City Council on Dec. 16 formally installed Mark Boomgarden as mayor and Michael Pasquale as vice mayor during a ceremonial "change of the guard" meeting that included tributes to outgoing Mayor Dave Shaw and remarks about the year ahead.

City attorney Shannon Chaffin explained the council's updated district‑rotation procedure for the mayoral office before nominations were opened, saying, "We now do elections by districts, and the council has set up a procedure to rotate the office of both the mayor and the vice mayor by district." Boomgarden (District 2) accepted the nomination and was elected by voice vote after a motion and second. Pasquale (District 3) was nominated and approved as vice mayor in a subsequent voice vote.

Outgoing Mayor Dave Shaw was presented with a proclamation and ceremonial gavel and plaque dated Dec. 16, 2025. Representatives from state and federal offices presented certificates and thanked Shaw for his service. In his closing remarks Shaw said, "Yuba City is just not where we live. It's who we are," and thanked staff and council colleagues for their support.

Incoming Mayor Boomgarden used his remarks to lay out short‑term priorities for 2026, naming road maintenance, public safety staffing and equipment, recruiting and retaining city staff, and work to address unhoused and food‑insecure residents. "Yuba City is experiencing some challenging financial times, so maintaining and enhancing these services where possible remains a top priority," he said, urging the council to seek additional revenue sources as state and federal funding pressures continue.

Boomgarden also highlighted local development efforts, noting that the city recently broke ground on two affordable housing projects — Richmond Village and Merriment Village — intended to serve veterans, seniors and families. He acknowledged partnerships with regional entities, including Beale Air Force Base, and thanked city staff by name during his remarks.

The meeting was largely ceremonial; the council recessed into closed session earlier in the evening to address liability claims and later returned to open session for the mayoral and vice mayoral appointments. No roll‑call vote tally was recorded on the public record; the chair announced the motions "carried" following voice votes. The ceremony concluded with holiday wishes and an announced reception at the Happy Viking.

The council adjourned after the incoming mayor's remarks; future council actions and agenda items will follow the new mayoral rotation schedule.