Politics & Government

Lake Elsinore City Official Leaves 15-Year Legacy

Ken Seumalo is an engineer whose most recent title with Lake Elsinore is public works director.

There were well wishes and some tears Tuesday night in Lake Elsinore as officials and residents said goodbye to Ken Seumalo, who has served the City of Lake Elsinore for 15 years.

Seumalo is leaving for an opportunity with the City of Indian Wells, and the impact will be felt locally, according to officials.

“The biggest challenge we’re going to face is the 15 years of knowledge you’ll take with you,” Lake Elsinore City Councilman Brian Tisdale told Seumalo as the officials said their farewells during Seumalo’s last official Lake Elsinore City Council meeting.

Seumalo is an engineer whose most recent title with Lake Elsinore is public works director.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Lake Elsinore Mayor Bob Magee read off a long list of projects completed under Seumalo’s watch, including taking the reins on mining operations in the city, the construction of three Lake Elsinore fire stations, installation of the Links at Summerly golf course, numerous street and lighting improvements, and rehabilitation of the Laguna Boat Launch and Resort, to name just a few. 

“This is a bittersweet moment,” Magee told Seumalo as he handed him a certificate of recognition. “Words simply aren’t enough.”

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Tisdale commended Seumalo for his courage in the face of state regulators, who were considering stripping the city of its lead agency status over Lake Elsinore-based mining operations. Ultimately, Seumalo, city staffers, city council members, and local residents convinced the state to let Lake Elsinore retain its authority. 

“Take that same courage with you,” Tisdale told Seumalo.

For one Lake Elsinore resident, Seumalo will always be remembered on the most personal level. 

Speaking through tears Tuesday night, Annmarie Devaney thanked him.

“He is a good man – he has a heart for everyone,” she said.

On May 1, 2012 at approximately 10:10 p.m., as 19-year-old Anthony Devaney rode his skateboard on Lake Street, about a half mile west of the 15 Freeway, he was struck by a vehicle and killed.

The driver didn’t see the teen and was unable to slow for him. 

Anthony is Annmarie’s son. He was an honor student at the former Gordon Kiefer High School in Lake Elsinore and had gone on to Mt. San Jacinto Community College, according to Annmarie. He earned several scholarships as a result of his grades and community service, she said following his death, noting that her son volunteered for activities like the Unity in Community Parade, church functions, and as an Explorer with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, and he had a great appreciation for Christian music.

During Tuesday’s meeting, city council members unanimously approved the planting of a magnolia tree and installing a plaque at its base in memory of the teen. 

The tree will be planted at McVicker Canyon Park.

Seumalo worked with Annmarie to bring the project forward. He also answered her bigger request last summer, when she pleaded to improve lighting on the dangerous Lake Street curve where Anthony lost his life.

Annmarie choked on her words when she told the council and Seumalo, “I can live in Lake Elsinore and know I live in a great city that supports us.”

Seumalo’s permanent replacement has not been found, but Lake Elsinore City Manager Grant Yates announced Tuesday that Ati Eskandari will serve as interim city engineer. Eskandari has been serving Lake Elsinore on a consulting basis and has previously served as a staffer for both the cities of Corona and Pomona.

As for Seumalo, Yates had this to say: “Ken has been so important – he’s been the heart and soul of the city.”



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