District 4 Supervisor Manuel Perez, new Board Chair
Editor’s note: Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez is the new Chair of the Board of Supervisors. He represents the Fourth Supervisorial District, which includes Idyllwild, Pine Cove and Mountain Center. The following is an interview with Supervisor Perez since he assumed the chairmanship of the board.
“It’s an honor to be able to serve and be in a position to help the community and our quality of life,” he said about beginning his second term as Chair of the Board of Supervisors.
While some may perceive the Chair’s role as largely ceremonial, such as presiding over presentations, opening and closing the Board meetings, and representing the county at larger functions, there is much more substance to the position and Perez is well prepared this time.
“Now I have to consider the County and the needs of the other supervisors along with mine,” he explained. “That’s a little tougher. Your team and the other supervisors have to be on the same page for policies, reserves and other issues.
“I will try to maintain a balance, so that at the end of the day, they all feel that they were heard. We will get along together as the County family,” he added. “For example, when it comes to the budget, I will listen to what the others think and propose.”
Perez does have priorities for the Board’s attention during his term. The three highest are jobs and the economy, housing, and social or public services (including animal services).
These can be advanced as he, with the County Executive Jeff Van Wagenen, set the Board’s meeting agenda and cleared the presentations, which he envisions as setting the tone for the year.
“You’re in a grind on a daily basis, so I have to identify the big areas for every supervisor and work together so that people respect each other,” Perez stressed.
He is enthusiastic about the coming year and expects a lot of cooperation among the supervisors.
In 2017, when Perez first joined the Board, he mentioned that he was the only Democrat. Now the Board is composed of all Democrats.
“I think it will be more open to social issues,” he opined. “With three Latinos [Supervisor Jose Medina, 1^(st) District and Yxstian Gutierrez, 5^(th) District], immigration and LGBTQ issues will be more open. We’re all passionate about these. And we will ask questions and dig. The Board represents the diversity of Riverside County.”
The current spree of fires in Los Angeles and Ventura counties have not threatened Riverside, but Perez recognizes the constant danger of wildfire on the Hill.
He offered sympathy for the loss of lives and homes in those fires. Then stated that Riverside Board is “. . . doing our best to ensure safety. There are discussions with the County fire staff emergency Disaster teams and the Sheriff. We’ll work with the community to have a plan of action.”
Consequently, Perez mentioned several steps he and his staff are planning, which will involve the local community. One is a community block party.
“Its purpose is to educate people about possible dangers and available services, rather than after something happens,” he said.
Secondly, another Town Hall meeting is in the works. His intention is to organize and have one of these sessions every year. Perez would like to include County agency department leaders in order to “. . . join in an open discussion.”
One example of the issues, which would involve the local residents as well as County management, is the safety along State Highway 74.
“I hear of many accidents on 74. Folks get hurt and there’s loss of life. My brother was an example of an injury, and it been brought to my attention. People want to make it safer. Of course, we have to involve Cal Trans, as well as Riverside County Transportation. We have a role even though Cal Trans is largely responsible,” Perez said describing a community concern.
“We have to make that road safer,” he continued. “Some have suggested banning diesel trucks because the road is so narrow. Or setting times for bicyclists’ use. There needs to be a conversation.”
With respect to short-term rentals, Perez stressed, “There has to be more funding for enforcement. We have to make sure there is enforcement available for many issues, especially parking problems which are consistently a gripe.
“Overall, the complaints are down, and things are working out,” he concluded.
Perez succeeds Supervisor Chuck Washington (District 3) as the Board Chair. Supervisor Karen Spiegel (District 2) is the Vice Chair of the Board and will become chair in 2026. Perez previously served as Board chair in 2020, during the COVID pandemic and shutdowns.
Jose Medina is the new Supervisor for District 1, replacing Kevin Jeffries who chose not to seek re-election. Medina is a former State Assembly member as is Perez.
