Former Palos Verdes Estates City Manager Joe Hoefgen has been hired as the acting director of recreation and community services in Redondo Beach, City Manager Bill Workman announced during Tuesday's City Council meeting.
"It's my pleasure to be here," Hoefgen, who had just wrapped up his second day on the job, told the City Council. "I look forward to working with the community."
Workman told the Daily Breeze that despite Palos Verdes Estates' decision to release Hoefgen, the city manager was confident that Hoefgen "is of high character and can perform at the highest level working for us."
Hoefgen lost his job in Palos Verdes Estates in June for reasons that have never been made public. At the time, he said the decision came as a surprise.
Before his time in Palos Verdes Estates and Redondo Beach, Hoefgen worked for the cities of Encinitas and Del Mar. In the latter city, he served as an assistant city manager and director of public safety—positions that he said made his new position a good fit.
"I had oversight for all the beach functions, community service functions [and a] number of capital projects," he said.
Hoefgen currently lives in Long Beach with his wife.
Hoefgen replaces Maggie Healy in the position, where he will oversee the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center and Seaside Lagoon, as well as other facilities. He has not said whether he would be a candidate for the permanent position.
