Bellflower honors Ray Dunton at outgoing‑mayor ceremony, cites strategic plan and Oak Center progress

Bellflower city leaders and community organizations on Jan. 26 gathered for a mid‑afternoon ceremony to recognize Ray Dunton’s fifth term as mayor and his years of local public service.

Speakers recounted Dunton’s municipal career — planning commission service beginning in 1999, election to the city council in 2007 and multiple terms as mayor and mayor pro tem — and highlighted accomplishments during the 2024–25 term, including adoption of the city’s first strategic plan, the launch of the My Bellflower mobile app, modernization of permitting and inspections, the Oak Center groundbreaking at Sims Park, and enhanced public‑safety technology such as license‑plate readers and ShotSpotter.

Representatives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department and the Bellflower Chamber of Commerce delivered congratulations and small tokens of appreciation; local service clubs and residents donated to the Kiwanis Foundation flag fund and presented certificates. The City Council presented a gavel and plaque recognizing Dunton’s leadership.

Mayor Dunton thanked staff, family and residents, reflected on the city’s fiscal improvements and redevelopment projects, and noted the city’s strategy of acquiring property and holding it for future development.

The ceremony was followed by a reception; the council recessed and later reconvened its regular evening meeting.