Temecula City Councilmember Curtis Brown Resigns

Temecula City Councilmember Curtis Brown has resigned from his District 1 seat effective Jan. 1 due to the demands of his job, the city announced Thursday.

“I am confident that my decision to resign is the best course of action for me, and I am grateful for the understanding and support of those who have been part of this journey with me,” Brown said in his resignation letter. “I am grateful for the experiences, the friendships, and the lessons learned during my time in office, and I am optimistic about the bright future that lies ahead for Temecula.”

Brown was elected to the Temecula City Council in 2022 and is currently a federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency currently deployed in Maui for Lahaina disaster recovery. He previously served as fire chief for the city of Temecula and as deputy director with Cal Fire.

“While I may be stepping down from my position on the council, my commitment to serving our community remains unwavering,” Brown said in the letter. “I will continue to support our city and contribute to its progress in any way I can, as a private citizen.”

Mayor Zak Schwank said in an email to The Record that the council will discuss its options for filling the vacancy at the next regularly scheduled meeting set for Jan. 9. Brown’s term runs through 2026.

“Councilmember Curtis Brown has worked diligently, and has represented Temecula residents and businesses with experienced leadership decisions that support the city’s excellent quality of life,” Schwank said in the release. “His commitment to a lifetime of public service and public safety is highly respected, and he has served our city very well.”

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with comments from Councilmember Curtis Brown’s letter of resignation and comment from Mayor Zak Schwank about the council’s next steps.