Michael retiring as Rancho Cucamonga mayor

L. Dennis Michael is stepping down as mayor of Rancho Cucamonga after 16 years on the job.

Michael announced his retirement at the recent State of the City event at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center.

Born in 1947, Michael is a lifelong resident of the community now known as Rancho Cucamonga; it incorporated in 1977 and added “Rancho” to its name.

Michael attended Chaffey College and began working as a firefighter with the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District in 1976. He became fire chief in 1984, and remained in that job until he retired in 2003.

Michael was elected to the city council in 2004 and 2008, began serving as mayor in 2010. He was elected to that position three times.

“I’ve given 50 years of service to Rancho Cucamonga, and I’m very proud of that,” Michael said. “It’s been a real privilege to serve the city. I’ve watched it grow, and I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished.”

Michael will leave office after the Nov. 3 election.