Riverside County Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington, announced the appointment of Jeff Comerchero, a long-time Temecula councilman, as his chief of staff. Comerchero replaces Verne Lauritzen who is retiring after serving Washington, and previous Supervisor and now Senator Jeff Stone.
Washington was appointed to Supervisor by Governor Jerry Brown in March, 2015. He easily defeated his opponent Shellie Milne, by 17.2% and over 25,000 votes. Washington and Comerchero served together on the Temecula City Council for over a decade. Comerchero will continue to serve on the Temecula City Council.
“It’s important to note that a position on the city council is meant to be a part time, essentially volunteer, position. We do get a small stipend, designed to be sufficient to cover our out-of-pocket expenses,” Comerchero said about his role on Temecula City Council, adding, “I am in my 20th year as a Temecula council member and mayor. During that time, as with most city council members in most cities, I have maintained a full-time job.” “Jeff brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Third District Staff,” stated Washington about the appointment.
Comerchero served as Temecula’s Mayor in 2001, 2005, 2010, and 2015, and Mayor Pro Tem in 2000, 2004, 2009, and 2014. A city council member since 1997, Comerchero also served on the Board of Directors of the Riverside Transit Agency from 2000 to 2005. He served as chairman and vice chairman of the city of Temecula’s Budget and Finance Committee.
Comerchero’s responsibilities include working with the Third District staff to implement the policies and vision of Washington. “The Third District is the most beautiful region in Riverside County with open spaces, Idyllwild Mountain Communities, riding trails of Anza and beautiful wine country. In meeting with area leaders and local citizens it is clear that we all have common goals; to live in a safe neighborhood with good schools where our families can live, grow and learn; and to have good jobs that provide for our families. I am committed to protecting this dream, growing the economy, and making this the Thriving Third,” Supervisor Washington said.
“During our 12 years together on the Temecula Council, I found Chuck to be totally dedicated to our constituents and effective in identifying needs. He’s carried those same qualities over to the Third District as the Supervisor. Having this opportunity to work side-by-side with him to improve the quality of life for the Third District residents and to bring economic development in all regions, is a rare opportunity for which I am grateful,” Comerchero added.
The Third District encompasses four incorporated cities: Hemet, Murrieta, San Jacinto and Temecula, as well as the communities of Anza, Aguanga, Cahuilla, Idyllwild, French Valley, Mountain Center, the Pinyon Communities, Valle Vista, Sage, Soboba Hot Springs, and Winchester.
