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Prenita Venitesh sworn in as San Carlos mayor; council praises outgoing mayor and city manager
Summary
On Dec. 8, 2025, the San Carlos City Council unanimously appointed Prenita Venitesh as mayor and Adam Rack as vice mayor during its reorganization meeting; outgoing Mayor Sarah McDow reviewed centennial-year accomplishments and speakers praised City Manager Jeff Maltby ahead of his retirement.
Prenita Venitesh was sworn in as mayor of San Carlos during the council’s Dec. 8 reorganization meeting, succeeding Sarah McDow in a unanimous vote after a night of tributes, public comment and ceremonial oaths.
Venitesh, who was nominated and seconded by council members at the meeting, took the oath of office administered by her husband, Dean Balback. "I am here as proof that a young immigrant girl can grow up to be a woman who leads the city she loves," Venitesh told the assembled council and guests, saying she would prioritize diversity, children’s services, a walkable downtown and addressing housing and infrastructure challenges.
Why it matters: Venitesh’s appointment was framed as a historic moment by several speakers, who noted her background and representation for South Asian women in local government. Council members following the vote celebrated the council’s recent planning work — including downtown planning and the Holly 101 interchange funding request — and emphasized a year ahead focused on implementation.
Outgoing Mayor Sarah McDow used the reorganization agenda item to deliver an extended year-in-review. She highlighted centennial events, new parks and safe-routes-to-school work, downtown planning efforts, a recent $82 million funding request to the regional transit authority for the Holly 101 interchange, and mental-health initiatives for youth and adults. McDow thanked city staff and said the year’s accomplishments depended on staff efforts.
Public comment and personnel notes: Former Mayor Ron Collins and another former mayor praised City Manager Jeff Maltby for steady leadership through a series of civic challenges, including budget crises, the city’s policing transition, regional fire-service changes, the PG&E pipeline matter and the COVID-19 pandemic. Collins said Maltby had guided the city for 15 years and expressed appreciation ahead of Maltby’s upcoming retirement; the council and incoming mayor also publicly thanked Maltby.
Vice mayor and other leadership changes: The council also nominated and unanimously approved Adam Rack as vice mayor. Rack received the oath of office and gave brief remarks committing to support Mayor Venitesh and the council’s priorities for 2026.
Votes at a glance: The council approved the consent calendar (items A–D) by roll call with Council members Dugan, Leighton, Rack, Vice Mayor Venitesh and Mayor McDow voting yes. The nominations for mayor and vice mayor were each adopted unanimously by roll call.
What’s next: Mayor Venitesh closed by urging collaboration on housing, infrastructure and youth services; the council set agenda items for the coming year and adjourned to take a centennial group photo with former mayors.
