City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: JANUARY 6, 2026 FROM: CITY CLERK’S OFFICE WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS ISSUE:
Approve appointments and reappointments for March 1, 2026, annual board and commission recruitment.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the Mayor and City Council:
Approve the following reappointments for terms through March 1, 2030; Pamela R. Bash to the Ward 5 and Don Coon to the Ward 7 seats on the Commission on Aging; Steven Delpino to the Ward 3 seat on the Airport Commission; Sorrelle Ellis Williams to the Ward 1 seat on the Budget Engagement Commission; Jordan Sission to the Ward 1 seat and Andrew Bryce-Hudson to the Ward 4 seat on the Cultural Heritage Board; Shelly Dunston to the Citywide, Gilbert Lee to the Ward 4, and Brynn Pellegrino to the Ward 7 seats on the Commission on Disabilities; Rikka M. De Herrera to the Ward 1 and Luis A. Hernandez to the Ward 6 seats on the Board of Ethics; Sharron M. Lewis to the Citywide, Sandra M. Woods-Adeyeye to the Ward 2, and Julian L. Turner to the Ward 3 seats on the Human Relations Commission; Krista D. Ivy to the Ward 2 and Lovelyn Razzouk to the Ward 7 seats on the Board of Library Trustees; Thomas J. Forbes to the Citywide and Stephanie Schaefer to the Ward 3 seats on the Park and Recreation Commission; Lorraine Mooney to the Citywide seat on Planning Commission.
Approve the following appointments for terms through March 1, 2029:
Oswaldo Puerta to the Ward 6 seat on the Park and Recreation Commission; and Deion Samuels to the Ward 6 seat on the Board of Library Trustees.
3. Approve the following appointments for terms through March 1, 2030:
Jennifer Gamble to the Ward 3 seat on the Museum of Riverside Board; Sean H. Rand to the Ward 3 seat on the Board of Public Utilities; and Ashley Sandoval to the Ward 6 seat on the Human Resources Board.
4. Refer remaining board and commission vacancies for Citywide seats to the Mayor and Ward specific seats to respective Councilmembers for appointment.
BACKGROUND/LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
The Rules of Procedure and Order of Business allow the Mayor and City Council to select applicants for direct appointment for Citywide or Ward-specific vacancies.
Riverside City Charter Section 802 provides that each board and commission have one representative from each Council Ward. Further, Section 803 provides that all vacancies shall be filled as described in this Article except that when a position on a board or commission has remained vacant for sixty days the Mayor shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy.
The board and commission annual recruitment process begins in August of each year. The City Clerk’s Office initiates a marketing campaign to solicit applications by posting vacancies and terming out seats on the City’s website, in the newspaper electronically and in paper format, and on bill inserts.
DISCUSSION:
Members eligible to serve a second term are contacted to confirm they wish to continue serving on their respective board or commission. Those members confirmed are submitted for the Mayor and City Council approval for reappointment.
Boards and commissions are a substantial piece of City government as they provide advice to the City Council. Vacancies lead to quorum issues resulting in cancelled meetings. It is crucial that all vacancies be filled in a timely manner to reduce cancelled meetings and demonstrate an appreciation for the members who contribute to the community through their partnership with the City on the boards and commissions.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Recruitment and appointment costs are funded in the City Clerk’s Office budget.
Prepared by: Donesia Gause, City Clerk
Approved as to form: Rebecca McKee-Reimbold, Interim City Attorney Annual Board and Commission Appointments and Reappointments - Page 2