Moreno Valley — Following an hour of public comment and competing nominations, the City Council on Jan. 7 unanimously approved changes to its slate of mayoral nominees to the city’s advisory bodies, moving an existing planning‑commission alternate into a full seat and designating a new alternate.

Why it mattered: The planning commission seat drew significant public attention because residents and current alternates said the council should promote internal alternates into vacancies as a standard practice and because community members pressed for greater geographic and experiential balance on the commission.

What the council did: After public testimony from scores of residents who both supported Nicole Taylor (a current alternate) and Gabriela Mendez (a nominated candidate), the council amended the mayor’s slate. The final approved motion made Nicole Taylor a full member of the Planning Commission and appointed Gabriela Mendez as an alternate; Stan Yombo will remain active on the city’s Environmental and Historical Preservation Board. Council members said they favored a compromise that advanced an experienced alternate while retaining the newly nominated community member as an alternate to continue learning and contributing.

Public comment: Multiple speakers — including Nicole Taylor, Daryl Terrell and community organizers — urged the council to promote the alternate who has regularly filled in at Planning Commission meetings and attended training sessions. Supporters of Gabriela Mendez — including neighborhood organizers and labor representatives — urged the council to appoint her based on her volunteer record and community involvement.

Outcome and next steps: The council vote to amend and adopt the slate passed unanimously. Staff will update commission rosters and terms and proceed with onboarding. The council asked staff and the mayoral office to continue outreach so alternates and nominees can be better informed about expectations and the timing of future openings.

The vote: Motion to amend slate and appoint Nicole Taylor to the Planning Commission (full member), appoint Gabriela Mendez as alternate, and retain Stan Yombo on the Environmental and Historical Preservation Board passed unanimously (Council member Baca Santa Cruz: yes; Council member Delgado: yes; Council member Gonzales: yes; Council member Bernard: yes; Mayor Cabrera: yes).