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Council ratifies most mayoral commission nominees after heated public debate over Planning Commission appointments
Summary
Council approved mayoral nominees for multiple advisory commissions but deferred a final consensus on the Planning Commission amid public testimony and councilmembers' concerns about process, outreach and reappointments.
The Moreno Valley City Council on Tuesday approved mayoral nominees to several advisory commissions but faced extended public comment and council debate over the Planning Commission appointments.
City Clerk Patty Rodriguez presented the mayor's slate for multiple commissions including Emerging Leaders, Environmental and Historical Preservation, Parks and Community Services and Trails, Traffic Safety, Utilities and the Planning Commission. The agenda packet listed nominations and expiring terms.
Most slates were adopted by the council after a motion to approve all of the mayor's nominations except the Planning Commission carried unanimously. The Planning Commission drew sustained public comment from current and former commissioners, applicants and community members who either supported reappointments of long'serving commissioners or urged new voices.
Speakers during public comment described strong sentiments on both sides. "I am actually very disappointed and very hurt by the way I was treated," said Alvin DiJonais, a current planning commissioner who said he had contacted council members prior to the decision and did not receive a reply. Other longtime commissioners and residents urged an interview process and public vetting. Supporters of applicants nominated by the mayor, including Gabriela Mendez and Stan Yambo, described their training and participation as alternates and urged the council to confirm younger applicants.
Mayor Yxstian Cabrera explained the nomination process is governed by state law and the city's adopted policy, which allows council members to recommend district nominees to the mayor but leaves the formal nomination power with the mayor. "This process is pretty complex," he said, noting the council had earlier added a step for district recommendations.
After extended deliberation the council voted to approve the mayor's slate for all commissions except the Planning Commission, which the body agreed to hold for further discussion so the council and mayor could reconcile recommendations and outstanding applications.
Council members said they wanted to avoid leaving commission seats vacant while a process review occurs; staff confirmed terms that expire next month will continue until replacements are seated. Several council members suggested bringing forward an ordinance or a formal process change for consideration at a future meeting to clarify interview and appointment procedures.
