"City Council members voted unanimously to appoint Rick DeGolia, Mike Lempres and Bill Widmer to start new terms in December."

So each of these people was appointed to a four year term by just four other citizens.

It's a very sad situation that at this point, not a single council member has the legitimacy of having been elected to his or her post by the residents.

Hardly the type of mandate required to take out debt for the first time in Atherton's history without seeking voter permission!

Sad:
Rather expel hot air, why didn't you put your hat in the ring. Maybe you didn't what to spend the time to actually do something for the town but complain. Maybe you could not take the criticism from town residents who don't understand what it takes to get involved to make Atherton better.

In towns where there is no sense of community, where people are more independent contractors than neighbors, elections mean nothing and are treated as such.
If people need something in Atherton, they just buy it.
Sad, lonely town.