Patch Malibu, CA --Olivia Damavandi, Malibu's media information officer, is leaving her position at the city this week.
Damavandi, a Malibu native, answered a few questions about her nearly two years at the city and what she has planned next.
*Malibu Patch:* I understand you are leaving the city of Maibu. What are your new plans? Will you stay in Malibu?
*Olivia Damavandi:* I was living in New York City when I was offered this position with the city of Malibu and, prior to the job offer, was not planning on moving back to the West Coast. I felt the opportunity to use my skill set to serve my beloved hometown was a tremendous privilege, so I unequivocally jumped at the chance. A year and eight months later, I am moving back to the place I once called my second home. I am very pleased with the professional progress I have contributed to the city of Malibu during my tenure. Though leaving my position and moving from Malibu is extremely bittersweet, I feel this is the appropriate time to make this change in my life. Malibu will always be home and I will be back often to spend time with my family and friends.
*Malibu Patch:* What was the best part of being media information officer in the city of Malibu? Was it what you expected?
*Olivia Damavandi:* Personally, the best part about being the media information officer for the city of Malibu was the privilege of doing a job I love, for a cause about which I am passionate, in my favorite place in the world. Professionally, the best part about my job was the opportunity to interact with many people who strive to make Malibu a better place. I am very proud to be part of this community.
*Malibu Patch:* What was the most challenging?
*Olivia Damavandi:* At times, in any level of government, the political sphere can become vitriolic. A somewhat challenging aspect of the position was approaching personal interactions with individuals who abandon civil discourse, which makes it much more difficult to prevent and solve problems. While I do not condone the disregard for civil discourse, I understand that it often stems from an individuals passion for a certain cause and their frustration over not being able to change what they think should be changed. I think it is important to always keep that in mind. Some of those individuals have actually become my close friends.
*Malibu Patch:* What advice do you have for the next person that will take your role at the city?
*Olivia Damavandi:* Master the arts of multitasking and time management.
*Malibu Patch:* Anything else?
*Olivia Damavandi: *I am very grateful for the opportunity to have served the City of Malibu. It has truly been an honor. I will forever regard it as one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Reported by Patch 5 days ago.