MOORPARK : New Development Director Named

Moorpark has hired a new community development director to replace Patrick J. Richards, who resigned abruptly in May.

Jaime (Jim) Aguilera, 42, community development director for the city of Colton in San Bernardino County, will take over the Moorpark post Oct. 5.

As Moorpark’s community development director, Aguilera will oversee planning at a time when the city is poised to continue its position as Ventura County’s fastest-growing city.

The City Council recently tentatively approved several development proposals that would add about 5,000 houses to the city and nearly double its population from 26,000 to 48,000 by the year 2010.

Aguilera said Wednesday the new position “seems like a good opportunity to be involved in molding the future of Moorpark.”

Aguilera said he is used to directing planning in fast-growing cities.

Colton’s population has doubled from 21,000 to 42,000 since Aguilera became community development director in 1981, he said.

Aguilera said he accepted the offer in Moorpark partly because the city offers a better quality of life, with less crime and a cooler climate than Colton.

He, his wife and two sons plan to move to the city soon.

Aguilera’s predecessor, Richards, resigned in mid-May after serving five years with the city.

He gave notice of his resignation on April 27, five days after he was publicly castigated by the City Council over a staff report about the city’s new planning guidelines.