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Temecula commissioners express disappointment as council plans to restructure civic commissions; joint meeting set for July
Summary
Multiple commissioners said they were disappointed to learn the Community Services Commission will be disbanded at year's end and urged finishing out the term; staff and the director encouraged engagement at a joint meeting with council in July to discuss next steps and redesign options.
Several commissioners used their reports to express disappointment after recent council action indicating the Community Services Commission will end in December. Commissioner Kingsburg said he was "disappointed" but intends to finish his term through Dec. 31 and urged the commission to "see the year through and finish strong." Commissioner DeGraves and Commissioner Castro echoed that sentiment and said they plan to serve out their terms and continue community outreach.
Vice Chair Cassie Sizemore and other commissioners raised concerns about appointment transparency and a perceived shift away from a previously more open appointment process. Sizemore said she was concerned that returning to council-driven appointments could exclude long-time residents who have not been actively visible but have served and represented families over many years.
Director Russo acknowledged the frustration and urged commissioners to remain engaged in the process, noting a joint meeting with council and other commissions planned for July that will give commissioners a chance to present visions, discuss possible formats such as a "people commission" or ambassador roles, and influence any redesign. "I think there's something really important about that notion that sometimes...the way change comes about is even more impactful than the change itself," Russo said, urging commissioners to participate in the joint meeting and offer constructive input.
Why it matters: The planned restructuring affects civic advisory structures and how residents are represented in policy discussions. Commissioners and staff framed the coming joint meeting as a chance to reimagine roles and preserve meaningful civic engagement while acknowledging the process has been difficult for current commissioners.
