James “Stew” Stewart announced that effective immediatelyhe will resign as Mayor and as a member of the Temecula City Council. Stewart was elected to a four-year term in November of 2016.
Mayor Stewart’s statement is as follows:
“City of Temecula, I hear you, I agree with you, and I am deeply sorry.
I owe everyone an apology including our citizens of all backgrounds and ethnicities, City staff, and my respected colleagues on the City Council. You have every right to be hurt and offended. My typos and off-the-cuff response to an email on a serious topic added pain at a time where our community, and our country, is suffering. I may not be the best writer and I sometimes misspeak, but I am not racist. I deeply regret this mistake and I own it, entirely. I am truly sorry.
I understand that even my sincerest apologies cannot remedy this situation. Because actions speak louder than words, I will step down as your Mayor and City Council Member effective immediately. It has been a true honor to serve this great City and its citizens. My love for Temecula and its residents is beyond expression.”
Mayor Pro Tem Maryann Edwards states, “Stew is a hard-working and honest man, and the City accepts his resignation. Temecula is poised to close this chapterand continue our long-term commitment to denounce and prevent racial injustice in any form. On this day of Mr. George Floyd’s memorial service, on behalf of my council colleagues, the City of Temecula offers our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family.”