Community Corner

Community Services Director Says Goodbye

Herman Parker is leaving the city after more than 20 years of service.

Temecula's community services director is leaving the city, and he was honored for his service today.

Herman Parker will be taking a new job for Santa Barbara County at the end of the month. He held his position with Temecula for the last 12 years.

members gathered around the man, shook his hand and shared hugs as he choked back tears during a meeting at the .

Find out what's happening in Temeculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"You couldn't have… a better group of folks to work with, and it's been a pleasure to work with you," Parker told the council members.

He announced his departure earlier this month. To read more about Parker, .

Find out what's happening in Temeculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When he joined the city in another position, it had one park and two activities that fit on one flier. Today, the city has 39 parks, 1,100 classes and 41 big events "that really define the charator of who Temecula is," according to City Manager Shawn Nelson.

The council members gave Parker a plaque commending him.

"We are going to miss you so much," Mayor Ron Roberts told him.

Parker played a major role in putting together the programs of the Old Town Temecula Community Theater, among other accomplishments.

Parker's departure comes less than two months after the founding manager of the theater, Bruce Beers, passed away. To read more, .

Parker also helped anti-Liberty Quarry activists organize themselves without expressing bias for or against the proposed mine, said Robbie Adkins, a member of SOS-Hills, a group opposing the project.

"Herman was such an incredible asset and helped us become what we did become," said Kathleen Hamilton, a founding member of SOS-Hils.

To read about the quarry, .


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