Shape San Gabriel’s Future: Apply to Serve on a City Commission

Mission Street in San Gabriel (Photo – sangabrielcity.com)

If you’re passionate about the City of San Gabriel, now is the perfect moment to raise your hand, virtually, and apply to serve as a volunteer commissioner.

By News Desk

The City of San Gabriel is accepting applications through April 10, 2026, for volunteer positions on five city commissions: Civil Service, Community Services, Historic Preservation & Cultural Resources, Planning, and Design Review. Commissioners serve terms of up to two years, from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2028. The Community Services Commission also has one additional vacancy that expires on May 31, 2027.

These commissions play a vital role in advising the City Council on matters such as civil service, recreation, planning, design, and historic preservation.

Interested residents may apply online at SanGabrielCity.com/Commissions, in person at the City Clerk Department at City Hall, or by calling (626) 308-2800.

Commission Vacancies

– Civil Service Commission

• Positions available: 3

This five-member commission hears employee appeals related to disciplinary actions. Commissioners must be San Gabriel residents. Meetings are held on an as‑needed basis.

– Community Services Commission

• Positions available: 3, plus 1 vacancy expiring May 31, 2027

This five-member advisory board connects the City Council, Community Services staff, and the community on matters related to programs, activities, and leisure services. Commissioners must reside in San Gabriel. Meetings take place on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 pm.

– Design Review Commission

• Positions available: 2

This five-member commission includes professionals in fields such as architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, graphic design, engineering, and the visual arts. Members review building plans for commercial and residential projects. Residency is not required.

At least one architect and one landscape architect are preferred. All members must complete orientation training and participate in ongoing education, including at least one annual training session on topics such as design practice, meeting management, ethics, or planning and design law.

Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 pm.

– Historic Preservation and Cultural Resource Commission

• Positions available: 2

This five-member commission includes at least two professionals in fields such as anthropology, archaeology, architecture, history, historic preservation, landscape architecture, urban planning, land economics, or real estate. Members must demonstrate interest, experience, or knowledge of San Gabriel’s cultural heritage, history, or architecture. Preference is given to city residents.

Meetings are held quarterly on the second Wednesday of March, June, September, and December at 6:30 pm.

– Planning Commission

• Positions available: 3

This five-member commission reviews applications for zone changes, subdivisions, variances, development plans, and conditional use permits. It also makes recommendations to the City Council on amendments to the General Plan and zoning standards. Commissioners must reside in San Gabriel.

Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 pm.

For more information about City Commissions, visit SanGabrielCity.com/1195/Vacancie.