WESTLAKE VILLAGE : New City Manager to Start Job Jan. 6

Ray Taylor, Malibu’s city manager for its first 15 months as an independent municipality, has resigned to take a similar job in Westlake Village.

Taylor, 43, who has been commuting to Malibu from his home in Palos Verdes Estates, said the Westlake Village job is one he “coveted and really wanted.”

“The community has an excellent reputation as being well-managed with excellent staff,” he said of Westlake Village, which has about 7,500 residents. He said the City Council and Chamber of Commerce there “have high standards for residential and commercial development and planning issues, which are very important.”

He termed Westlake Village similar to Rolling Hills Estates, where he served for 10 years as assistant manager and city manager. Taylor said he will start his new job Jan. 6.