The Torch Gets Passed at Temecula City Hall

After 35 years in public service — and 13 of them helping shape the city we call home — Kevin Hawkins is hanging up his lanyard.

Temecula’s Assistant City Manager will officially retire May 1st, but don’t expect a quiet exit. The city is throwing him a public send-off on April 28th, and honestly, it sounds well-earned.

Hawkins came to Temecula in 2013, stepping into the Director of Community Services role after stints in Inglewood and San Bernardino. He eventually rose to Assistant City Manager, and along the way became known around City Hall for something he called “Humble Excellence” — a phrase that apparently wasn’t just a slogan. City Manager Aaron Adams put it simply: “Kevin’s impact on Temecula is immeasurable.”

Hawkins himself, reflecting on his time here, said he was thankful to be part of “Team Temecula Family, where we not only find a way to Yes, but along the way we find a way to Grace.” He credits Faith, Family, and Friends as his north stars — and says his proudest titles have nothing to do with his job description.

Stepping into his shoes is someone who knows this city about as well as anyone: Luke Watson.

Watson’s story is a classic Temecula one. He started as an intern here more than 20 years ago, worked his way up through the Planning and Community Development Department, helped steer the city through its redevelopment era, became Director of Community Development, and was named Deputy City Manager in 2021. He’s been here for the growth, the change, and the growing pains — and now he’ll help lead what comes next.

His promotion to Assistant City Manager took effect March 7th.

For a city that’s grown as fast as Temecula has, transitions like this one matter. Hawkins shaped a lot of what you see here. Watson helped build it too. That’s the kind of institutional knowledge that doesn’t show up in a press release — but it shows up everywhere else.

If you want to thank Kevin Hawkins in person, mark your calendar: Tuesday, April 28th at City Hall.