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Accompanied by a standing ovation of the nearly full-house audience, Vice Mayor Yoriko Kishimoto was elected unanimously and unopposed as mayor of Palo Alto Monday night by the City Council -- even though her vote lagged slightly.

"Are you abstaining?" outgoing Mayor Judy Kleinberg quipped about the blank spot in a line of green "yes-vote" lights on the voting panel, just as Kishimoto added her vote.

Kishimoto becomes the ninth woman to serve as mayor and the first Asian-American to serve as mayor in the city's history, which started in 1894 as a commissioner-based government and converted in 1952 to a council-manager form.

The mayor is elected by the council members, and primarily chairs council meetings, presides over ceremonial functions, appoints special committee or task forces and provides personal leadership of the council in terms of tone and efficiency of council meetings.

In a contested race for vice mayor, Councilman Larry Klein was elected to that positon on a 6-to-3 vote, over Councilman Jack Morton. The vote puts Klein in a favored spot to be mayor in 2008 if the council follows its unofficial tradition of rotating one-year terms.

Councilwoman LaDoris Cordell, who nominated Klein, said his having served two prior terms as mayor -- 1984 and 1989 during a prior stint on the council -- especially qualifies him to be vice mayor now. He also had served several years on the city Planning Commission, as well as serving on or chairing special city task forces, she noted.

Klein most recently chaired the Blue Ribbon Committee on Storm Drains, whose work resulted in successful passage of a storm drain fee.

Morton was nominated by Councilman John Barton, who praised his dedication to the community and his work ethic qualified him to serve as vice mayor, and Councilwoman Dena Mossar agreed, adding that Morton's passion for the community was reciprocated.

After the 6-3 vote, the council voted to make the selection unanimous.

Following expressions of appreciation to Kleinberg for her work as mayor -- during which she championed environmental and disaster-preparedness efforts, among other duties and initiatives -- Santa Clara County Supervisor Liz Kniss presented a lengthy rendition of Kleinberg's overall service to the community and region during her 23 years residency in the area.

Kniss noted Kleinberg also worked full time in addition to the many projects she has undertaken, both as a volunteer and later as a public official.

Numerous officials from other cities joined Palo Alto officials and former council members and mayors at the council chambers, and following presentations and festivities adjourned to the Civic Center lobby for cheese and crackers, white cake and a special cheescake made by City Attorney Gary Baum.

— Jay Thorwaldson