Los Altos honors longtime Town Crier editor Bruce Barton and presents proclamation to outgoing Vice Mayor Nissa Flagger

The Los Altos City Council used its reorganization meeting to honor two local leaders: Bruce Barton, longtime editor of the Los Altos Town Crier, and outgoing Vice Mayor Nissa Flagger.

Mayor Pete Daly read a proclamation recognizing Bruce Barton’s more than 32 years as editor of the Town Crier, calling the paper “a cornerstone of the local community.” Barton accepted the proclamation and told the council he was “very humbled.”

Later in the meeting the council presented a separate proclamation honoring Nissa Flagger for historic service to the city. The proclamation noted she was the first African-American council member elected to the Los Altos City Council, served as mayor in 2021, led or played a key role in efforts including the climate action and adaptation plan, the housing element update, the Los Altos Community Center opening, and regional leadership roles. Flagger, who told the council she had given notice of her resignation effective 7:30 p.m., delivered a farewell address highlighting seven years of public service and a list of initiatives she helped advance.

Regional officials and elected representatives attended and offered remarks. Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abbe Koga congratulated outgoing and incoming leaders, praised recent progress on affordability and public safety, and presented a county commendation to Mayor Daly. Other attendees and speakers included representatives from the offices of Congressman Sam Liccardo and state legislators, and mayors and vice mayors from neighboring jurisdictions who praised Flagger’s regional contributions.

The proclamations were ceremonial honors; no ordinance or policy action resulted directly from the recognitions. The council then completed reorganization votes and adjourned.