Pismo Beach names interim city manager as longtime administrator leaves for Atascadero

Pismo Beach has a new interim city manager following the resignation of longtime City Manager Jim Lewis, who is leaving to take the same position in Atascadero.

According to a news release, the Pismo Beach City Council appointed Jorge Garcia as interim city manager at a May 10 meeting after announcing Lewis’ resignation.

Garcia will take over the role on May 27. Lewis served as city manager the past 10 and a half years, the release said.

Lewis will stay with the city until June 30 and will “transition projects underway and assist the City Council with the recruitment process through his departure date,” the release said.

Garcia served as assistant city manager prior to the appointment and will serve in the interim role until a new city manager is hired, the release said.

“Mr. Garcia has 15 years of municipal management experience serving multiple communities in California and has served the city of Pismo Beach since December 2018,” the release said.

That “nationwide search” for a new city manager could take three to six months, the release said, and Garcia will be eligible to participate in the recruitment process for the permanent city manager position.

Garcia earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Chapman University and a master’s in public administration from California State University, Fullerton, the release said.

He is active with the International City/County Management Association and previously served as president of the Municipal Management Association of Southern California, the release said. He lives in Pismo Beach with his wife and two children.