Hernandez Departs County with Huge Pay Day

Pay Day Will Keep Hernandez Afloat — for Now

RIVERSIDE — Steven A. Hernandez may be out of a job as chief of staff for Supervisor V, Manue Perez, but he just received a huge pay day, which should help heal any wounds.

Hernandez accrued annual leave at 12 hours per pay period over 26 pay periods. His separation includes a leave accrual payout of $178,846 and an at-will severance payment of $45,591, both issued in accordance with Resolution 2025-272 and processed through the regular payroll expense account. The County is not able to confirm how these amounts compare to other separation payouts, according to a Riverside County spokesperson.

Hernandez began his employment with the County of Riverside on June 17, 2004, accumulating 21 years and nine months of service. His total gross salary in 2025 was $180,580.68.

In the case of a felony conviction, CalPERS determines whether a pension is forfeited, according t o a senior public information specialist for Riverside County. Hernandez was released as an at-will employee. According to the management resolution, the County is not responsible for continuing health insurance payments.

Two days after Steven A. Hernandez pleaded guilty to a felony conflict-of-interest charge, Fourth District Supervisor V, Manuel Perez. terminated Hernandez as his chief of staff. Hernandez, 43, had served as chief of staff, a county government position, to Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez for 8.5 years.

The Board of Supervisors Chief of Staff classification is designated as at-will under Resolution 2025-272, which governs Exempt Management, Management, Confidential and Other Unrepresented employees. Hernandez was released from that classification effective March 26, 2026. The County will process his final paycheck and applicable leave payouts as part of the standard post-separation process.

Benefits (including leave accrual, etc.) for this position are detailed under the Benefits Tab of the job classification. This can be found by visiting: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/riverside/classspecs

Search ‘Board of Supervisors Chief of Staff’ and select ‘Benefits’ tab.