Temecula Mayor, New Mayor Pro-Tem Announced For 2024

TEMECULA, CA ? Temecula Council Member James "Stew" Stewart received a unanimous appointment for Mayor of Temecula, starting in 2024. His appointment was unanimous by the sitting city council at their last meeting.

The new Mayor Pro-Tem, Council Member Brenden Kalfus, was selected at the same meeting. That selection was also unanimous, according to the city spokesperson.

Kalfus, as Mayor Pro Tem, would assume mayoral duties in the event of Mayor Stewart?s absence.

Stewart released a statement on being selected as Mayor.

"Temecula's charm lies in its hometown welcoming atmosphere with over 40 picturesque parks, safe neighborhoods, beautifully manicured roadways and trails, community events, parades, an entrepreneurial environment, and an abundance of amenities to enjoy anchored by historic Old Town, Vail Ranch, world-class wineries and Pechanga," he said. "It is this very essence that makes Temecula special, and as Mayor, I am motivated to preserve and enhance these qualities for every resident, business, and visitor."

Council Members Zak Schwank and Jessica Alexander were appointed respectively as 2024 President and Vice President for the Temecula Community Services District at that meeting. Council Committee and Board assignments are anticipated to occur in early 2024.

There is still an open council seat as of Council Member Curtis Brown's abdication of his seat in mid-December.

Brown will step down, effective January 1, 2024, leaving an open seat where a new council member may be appointed at the next meeting.

Government Code Section 36512 sets forth the process by which to fill a vacancy on the City Council. The City Council has sixty (60) days from the effective date of a vacancy to fill that vacancy by appointment or call for a special election. If a vacancy occurs within the first half of a term and at least 130 days before the next general municipal election, the vacancy is filled through that election.

"With the effective date of the resignation on January 1, 2024, the City Council will need to make an appointment or call for a special election by March 1, 2024," according to a news release from the city.

"If the City Council makes an appointment, the individual selected to fill the vacancy must be a resident of District 1 and will serve the balance of the first half of the term through the November 2024 election certification, which is the next general municipal election. There are no requirements for the methodology to be used for the appointment," a spokesperson said.

"If the City Council calls for a special election, it will continue to serve as a four-member body through the November 2024 election certification, which is the next special election date available for the vacancy," they said. "The District 1 candidate elected in the November 2024 election will serve the second half of the term. Regular elections and terms for the district will continue thereafter."