On Wednesday, May 20, John Petty resigned his position as Riverside County 3rd District planning commissioner. His specific reason was “apparent incompatibility between newly appointed Supv. Chuck Washington and me.”
His letter to Marion Ashley, Board of Supervisors chair, stated, “ … for nearly 17 years, through many difficult cases, and through one of the most prolific growth spurts of any county in the United States, it has been a great privilege serving the County of Riverside.”
In March, Washington of Temecula was appointed as the new 3rd District supervisor replacing Jeff Stone. Supervisors appoint the county planning commissioners.
Recently, Petty unsuccessfully urged the Planning Commission to encourage Shane Stewart to follow more authentic style as he renovates the gas station in Mountain Center.
Petty objected to using “fake rock” rather than authentic rock and using stucco rather than log woodwork on the exterior.
In an email to the Planning Department, he wrote, “I view this location as a key gateway to the mountain communities and it should set the tone for a visitor’s Mountain Center and Idyllwild experience.”
Whether this project or others influenced Petty’s decision is unknown.
