Former Paramount Mayor Tom Hansen has died, the city announced last week. Hansen passed away on May 31 at the age of 77.
Hansen retired in 2020 after serving 13 years on the City Council. He served three terms as mayor. Hansen had previously served on the Paramount Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, Paramount’s Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Planning Commission.
“As a Planning Commissioner, Hansen helped steer the City through a time of major rebirth and economic development. This included attracting major retailers like The Home Depot, Starbucks, and CVS Pharmacies, construction of public spaces such as The Paramount Pond and the Civic Center Gardens, and continuing the Commercial and Residential Rebate programs that encouraged the upgrading of businesses and homes throughout town,” according to the city.
“As a Councilmember and Mayor, he focused on enhancing youth and seniors programming, brought in more retailers such as major restaurant chains IHOP, The Habit, and Chipotle, and maintained the close relationships between the City, the Paramount Unified School District, and the local business community that is a hallmark of Paramount.”
Paramount’s current mayor, Isabel Aguayo, called Hansen “an extremely likeable man” who helped transform the city.
Hansen was preceded in death by his son Todd. He leaves behind wife Vivian and children Chad and Amanda.