'Heart Of Service:' Agoura Honors Murtaza Mogri As He Readies To Move East

AGOURA HILLS, CA — As Murtaza Mogri and his family pack up to move from Southern California to West Memphis, Arkansas, the City Council honored the former planning commissioner as someone who embedded himself in the Agoura Hills community at lightning speed.

"I don't think I've ever, ever met anyone who's moved here and gotten so involved on so many levels so quickly," Councilmember Deborah Klein Lopez said at Tuesday's meeting. "It's really a testament to your heart of service."

Mogri moved to Agoura Hills in 2019 with his family. Later that year he was appointed to the Planning Commission, named vice chairman within a year and elected as chairman the next year, totaling four years of service on the important city board.

Mayor Chris Anstead said Mogri shepherded the commission through complicated and controversial matters, including the Agoura Hills Specific Plan, always with an eye toward fairness and a sense of open-mindedness.

"Murtaza's friendly demeanor and eagerness to learn the issues that affect Agoura Hills residents endeared Murtaza to many civic leaders and residents," Anstead said.