Development Services
Planning Commission Members
Erick Verduzco-Vega, Chair
Erick Verduzco-Vega is a business owner and entrepreneur with extensive experience in the Long Beach community. He is the President and CEO of the South Bay Latino Chamber of Commerce, a Partner at CCE Consulting Group, a board member with the Long Beach Public Library Foundation and supports other civic causes within Long Beach. Erick manages real estate and restaurant investments including the iconic Stache Bar. Erick received his Bachelor's degree in Finance, Real Estate and Law from CSU Long Beach.
Jane Templin, Vice Chair
Jane Templin is the Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) where she promotes excellence and wellbeing for over 12,000 electrical trades professionals. Jane overcame barriers in her own career as an electrician and now gives back through mentoring, promoting apprenticeship programs and green building educational programs. She is activist and dedicated to career pathways for youth, minorities and women into the construction trades. She has dedicated her time with Habitat for Humanity, Foster Youth and Los Angeles Conservation Corps among other causes in addition to serving on the South Bay Workforce Investment Board , Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Board and the Electrician Examining Board.
Alvaro Castillo
Alvaro Castillo is a life-long resident of Long Beach. He’s lived in almost every area of the LBC (North, West, Central and East). He’s a proud graduate of LB Poly High School and Long Beach State University. He holds a bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Real Estate & Law and a Master’s in Business Administration. Alvaro has over 20 years of progressive experience in human resources management in numerous industries and organizations ranging from small employers to large multinational Fortune 500 companies. He has a passion for being an involved member of the community, which is why he has been an active member in numerous non-profits in the City. He previously served in leadership roles including the Board of Directors of the 49er Shops, President of the Alumni Association of Delta Chi Fraternity, and served as a Commissioner for Community Development, Citizens Police Complaint Commission, Long Beach Airport and most recently the Planning Commission. Alvaro lives in East Long Beach with his wife and college sweetheart, Teresa along with their two children, Diego, and Sofia.
Josh LaFarga
Josh LaFarga is a resident of North Long Beach and an executive leader with the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA). His work with LiUNA and the allied Building and Construction Trades Council focuses on improving the lives of construction workers while delivering high-quality housing and buildings to Southern California. Josh has served on the South Bay Workforce Investment Board, FuturePorts, the Los Angeles County Building Rehabilitation Appeals Board and other civic volunteer endeavors.
Mark Christoffels
Mark Christoffels is a 32 year resident of the City. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Mark has worked in local government for 35 years for various cities in both Orange and Los Angeles Counties. He is both a registered engineer and land surveyor with the state of California.
Richard Lewis
Richard Lewis has over 25 years of experience in construction management and commercial real-estate development. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Lewis and Clark College and his MBA from Pepperdine University. Richard is very involved in the Long Beach community and has served on numerous boards and city task forces.
