Deputy City Manager Jonathan Nicks leaves for job in Indio

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Another high-ranking City of Menifee official is leaving the city following an announcement today by the City of Indio that Deputy City Manager Jonathan Nicks has accepted a position as Indio's Assistant City Manager.

Since 2018, Nicks has served as Community Services Director, coordinating parks and recreation services in Menifee. He was given the additional duties of Deputy City Manager in January 2023. At the time, he was third in command at City Hall, behind City Manager Armando Villa and Assistant City Manager Rochelle Clayton.

In October 2023, Villa and Clayton were placed on paid administrative leave during what was described as “an internal personnel investigation.” Bypassing Nicks, the City Council instead named lower-ranking Rebekah Kramer as interim City Manager. The reason for the investigation -- and the bypassing of Nicks -- has never been publicly disclosed.

In February, the City Council reinstated Villa. Clayton, who remained on leave, left the city in April to become Deputy City Manager for the City of San Bernardino. Another City of Menifee official, Economic Development Director Gina Gonzalez, had already left in March for a similar position with the City of Lake Elsinore. Nicks’ departure thus makes three high-ranking officials to leave the City of Menifee in five months.

Nicks will begin his new duties in Indio on Sept. 9, according to a City of Indio news release.