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Pasadena Independent Nov 20, 2015
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– Photo by Terry Miller
Beck to Leave Pasadena February to Take Administrative Position at UCLA
By Terry Miller
City Manager Michael Beck will leave Pasadena February to take an administrative position at UCLA.
Beck first joined the City in 2008. His last day will be Feb. 14, 2016.
In March, Beck will become UCLA’s Administrative Vice Chancellor.
However, during Michael Beck’s tenure, recently fraught with scandal, calls for his resignation and a significantly critical independent report, albeit heavily redacted, on the police shooting of Kendrec McDade make one suppose that these may have been contributing factors in his decision to take the position at UCLA.
During the month of January 2015, public displeasure with Michael Beck was at a high point. The post-embezzlement publicity was enormous and the pressure was on.
“What I’m seeing is the same actors, recycling themselves throughout the different communities, going from community to community to community, spreading this very negative culture which is not servicing the public,” activist Jason Hunter said. “And Mr. Beck is one of those.”
Some local observers note that then Council Member Terry Tornek’s persistent questions on an unrelated issue led to the discovery of the missing money ($6.4 million). Tornek, who has since become mayor himself, called the time frame for the missing money “astounding.”
“There’s no question that this was an absolute failure on the part of some staff to detect criminal activity,” Councilman Victor Gordo said. “There’s no question that we have to run this completely to the ground to see who knew what, and when they should have known it, if they didn’t know it.”
In January Michael Beck says that he has no intention of resigning “at the moment” and will do “what is best for the organization.”
During Beck’s tenure, the Rose Bowl renovation budget was riddled with cost overruns and ultimately cost $180 million. One of the main benefactors of the Rose Bowl is, ironically, UCLA.
Here’s a copy of Michael Beck’s resignation letter from Nov. 20, 2015:
“Dear Colleagues,
“Since arriving in the City of Pasadena in 2008, I have worked hard on behalf of our citizens and all of you to ensure we fulfill the City’s mission of delivering exemplary municipal services responsive to our entire community, consistent with our history, culture and unique character. We have invested in our programs, services, capital infrastructure, and facilities to improve the lives of those who call Pasadena home. We have ensured that Pasadena retains its enviable reputation as a premiere destination for leisure, tourism, hospitality, arts, entertainment, education, innovation, design, and quality living.
“We have certainly faced many challenges over the years, but I take great pride in our accomplishments and I am so grateful for the cooperation and dedication of our employees and the leadership of our elected officials who have allowed the City to continue to redefine excellence.
“Today, I write to inform you that I will be leaving my position as City Manager effective February 14, 2016, to embark on the next chapter of my professional journey. Beginning on March 1, 2016, I will assume the role of Administrative Vice Chancellor at UCLA.
“When I was first approached about the opportunity at UCLA my inclination was to graciously decline to pursue it, as I believe we have more work to do in Pasadena and I love my job as your City Manager. However, as I engaged in further discussions with my family and with UCLA, I came to the conclusion that this is an exciting professional opportunity for me, and although there is never a good time to leave, I am confident that the City of Pasadena is on the right track and well positioned for further success.
“I am working closely with Mayor Tornek, members of City Council, and the Executive Leadership Team to ensure a smooth transition. Announcements concerning next steps for the City will be forthcoming from the Mayor.
“The opportunity to serve Pasadena and to work with all of you has been the highlight of my professional career. We still have more to accomplish in the coming months and you have my unwavering commitment to continue to lead our organization until I transition in February.
“Sincerely,
Michael J. Beck
-City Manager.”
“UCLA is a vibrant campus where amazing innovation happens every day,” Beck said. “While I will miss the people of Pasadena, this is an extraordinary opportunity to join one of the world’s best universities and to help support its mission of teaching, research and service.”
Prior to working in Pasadena, Beck served as Riverside’s assistant city manager (from 2004 to 2008) and deputy city manager (2001–04). He also worked in various capacities at UC Riverside, including as the director of economic development and real estate services, and as director of new initiatives and special programs.
Beck, 50, earned a bachelor’s degree in business economics and an MBA from UC Riverside. He is president of the California chapter of the International City/County Management Association and serves on committees for the League of California Cities.
Beck succeeds Jack Powazek, who retired in July after more than 40 years of service to UCLA in various capacities, including as administrative vice chancellor since 2011.
We have contacted many in the city, including councilmembers and CEOs, for comment if the recent embezzlement scandal and OIR Report release may have played a role in Mr. Beck’s decision.
Thus far, we have received only one reply – from Paul Little, CEO of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce: “Both the embezzlement and the criticism of the McDade investigation are troubling events in the recent history of Pasadena, but I don’t know that either had an impact on the city manager’s decision to take the position at UCLA.
“Michael Beck has been dedicated to the success of Pasadena during his tenure here. I have enjoyed working with him. I find him to be a friendly, open, honest man who really believes public service is exactly that, doing his best to see the people and City of Pasadena are well served.”
Michel Beck receives $323,284.70 annually with pay and benefits. With accumulated CalPers benefits, Mr. Beck will be receiving a considerable sum in retirement benefits from his time at Riverside and Pasadena.
