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Dear Friends and Second District Residents,
We hope you enjoyed your Labor Day weekend! The Labor Day holiday typically marks the end of Summer, the ramping up of Fall activities, and back to school. However, the advent of COVID-19 has ushered in a new “season” for us and this year is far from “normal.” 2020 has already delivered many unprecedented challenges such as the pandemic, fire season, earthquake swarms and widespread shortages of essential items such as toilet paper. Did you ever imagine that would happen? The good news is that every year, the month of September is recognized as National Preparedness Month and we have resources to help you and your family during a disaster. The month of September is a great annual reminder to take steps to prepare your family, friends and neighbors for the unexpected. Simple steps will help make you and your family more resilient during disasters. For preparedness tips and information, visit https://rivcoready.org/. Additionally, I encourage you to take a moment to register for Alert RivCo which allows emergency managers and public safety first responders to rapidly alert and warn the public in the event of emergencies. Register today!
The County Administrative Center reopened to the public on September 8th with limited services. Other county facilities will also reopen, although in-person services at all locations will be limited.
Community members are asked to call ahead or check the county department’s website to find out if the service they need can be done remotely. Some in-person services may require an appointment. In addition, clear partitions have been installed at front desk or counter areas, as well as floor markings to keep people distanced by six feet when standing in line. Elevators are also limited to no more than four people at a time. A list of county departments and websites can be found online here.
The Riverside County Second District Supervisor’s office is working both remotely and with modified in-office hours to answer constituent questions and provide assistance. The District 2 Team is available Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to assist you. You can reach my office by calling (951) 955-1020 or by emailing District2@rivco.org and we will assist you promptly.
I encourage you to stay connected by joining District 2 on Facebook @SupervisorKarenSpiegel or Twitter @SupKarenSpiegel and Instagram @SupervisorKarenSpiegel
I hope you enjoy this e-newsletter. Please reach out to my office if we may be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Karen Spiegel
Second District Supervisor
STATE REOPENING FRAMEWORK AND COVID DATA
The “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” was unveiled by Gov. Newsom on Friday, August 28th, which includes a color-coded, tiered system that will use two metrics to measure the coronavirus: spread rate and test positivity percentage.
The tiers are designated by four colors: purple (widespread), red (substantial), orange (moderate) and yellow (minimal with the lowest restrictions). Most counties statewide – almost 90 percent – are currently highlighted in purple, including Riverside County. Although Riverside County’s numbers are trending in the right direction, Counties must remain at each tier for a minimum of 21 days. Data is reviewed weekly and tiers are updated on Tuesdays. To move forward, a county must meet the next tier’s criteria for two consecutive weeks. If a county’s metrics worsen for two consecutive weeks, it will be assigned a more restrictive tier. The state’s new website www.COVID19.ca.gov will track the metrics, show an interactive map and list business sectors open by each county.
Currently, the County of Riverside has 54,868 cases of COVID-19; 49,176 recoveries; 1,094 deaths and 559,289 tested. More detailed reports on Riverside County’s COVID-19 cases and data is available at www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus.
The Riverside County school waiver process will not be impacted by the governor’s new system. Schools can reopen on a widespread basis (without a waiver) once a county is in the red tier for at least two weeks.
REGISTRAR OF VOTERS – COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE
https://www.registertovote.ca.gov/In accordance with State Law, the Riverside County Registrar of Voters will be deploying a new election model for the upcoming November 3, 2020, General Election. Citizens are encouraged to watch this YouTube video to learn more about the new process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQY72ZAZe-I
This will offer our voters more ways and more days to vote safely. Each eligible registered voter for the November 3, 2020, General Election will receive a ballot by mail beginning Monday, October 5, 2020 in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order.
Voters are encouraged to verify their voter registration status at www.voterstatus.sos.ca.gov or register to vote at https://www.registertovote.ca.gov/
- Your Vote-By-Mail ballot may be returned at any of our 80 secure Ballot Drop-Off locations that will be available beginning October 5, 2020 or via USPS (no postage required).
- We are now operating over 120 Voter Assistance Centers throughout Riverside County. You can vote in-person at any location from October 31 – November 3, 2020.
- You may track your ballot by registering at sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-status/wheres-my-ballot/.
- A final list of the Ballot Drop-Off locations and Voter Assistance Centers will be posted at https://www.voteinfo.net/ on September 24, 2020.
The Riverside County Registrar of Voters recommends that voters only use the in-person Voter Assistance Centers if absolutely necessary, as the generalized use of in-person voting presents risks to public health and safety in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing will be required when visiting a Voter Assistance Center and face coverings are strongly encouraged.
Please feel free to contact the Riverside County Registrar of Voters at (951) 486-7200 with any questions or concerns regarding the upcoming November 3, 2020 General Election.
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HAMNER BRIDGE PROJECT
In January 2021, construction will begin on the new Hamner Bridge. Hamner Avenue is an approximately 8.5-mile stretch of road extending through the Cities of Norco and Eastvale. The corridor runs parallel to Interstate 15 (I-15) and extends from Riverside Drive in the City of Eastvale (Eastvale) at the north end to the southern boundary of the City of Norco (Norco) at the south end. Hamner Avenue serves not only as a local arterial but also as an alternate route to the I-15.
The bridge site is near the border between Norco and Eastvale, approximately 1,300 feet to the west of the I-15 Bridges over the Santa Ana River in the City of Norco, California. The existing structure has two traffic lanes, one in each direction with no shoulders. It carries heavy traffic bypassing Interstate-15 when there is congestion, maintenance activities, or an emergency on the freeway. The existing reinforced concrete bridge is approximately 676 feet long and 36 feet wide. The bridge was constructed in 1939. It was widened and seismically upgraded in 1978. The bridge widening project provided a cantilevered sidewalk on the east side of the structure and installed cable restrainers through the expansion joints for seismic retrofitting. To learn more, interested view the project renderings here or visit https://rcprojects.org/hamnerbridge
CORONA RESTAURANT OWNERS RECOVER FROM COVID AND BRING BUSINESS BACK WITH SAFETY MEASURES
The Riverside County Communications Team is featuring businesses throughout Riverside County who have invested in safety measures and cleaning protocols to keep their employees and customers safe. Residents are encouraged to support the businesses that are taking these important safety measures.
This Family-owned, Veteran-owned breakfast joint, Skillets Café in Corona, had to close earlier this year after owners, Beto Fuentes and his wife contracted COVID-19. After recovering from the illness and disinfecting the restaurant, the owners reopened for take-away and outside dining. https://vimeo.com/454170177/2bbb3da50a
You can visit Skillets Café at 490 Hidden Valley Pkwy STE 101, Corona, CA 92879 or call (951) 737-7725 to place an order.
RIVCO RESPONDS
RIVERSIDE TRANSIT AGENCY SERVICE CHANGES
On Sunday, September 13, RTA will continue to operate a reduced schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic and will make minor route and schedule changes to maintain performance and connections.
RTA is pleased to present you with the new digital Ride Guide, which covers September 13, 2020 through January 9, 2021. This isn’t just any guidebook. It has been designed with you, the customer, in mind and has plenty of new features to make your travel experience even better.
Unlike paper guides, your digital guide provides several advantages, including the fact that routes and schedules can be updated immediately online should there be unexpected changes. Also, you don’t need to carry a paper guide anymore because it’s all on your mobile device. Plus, less paper means less waste and a cleaner environment on the bus. Check out RiversideTransit.com for details.
DOWNLOAD SEPTEMBER 13 SERVICE CHANGE GUIDE HERE
DOWNLOAD SEPTEMBER 13 SYSTEM MAP HERE
APPOINTMENTS FOR COVID-19 TESTING AVAILABLE ONLINE
Riverside County residents who are interested in getting screened for coronavirus at one of several county-operated testing sites can now make an appointment online.
More than 556,173 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in Riverside County, and health officials continue to encourage residents – those with and without symptoms -- to get screened for the virus. The online scheduling will make it easier to make an appointment.
To make an appointment, click www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus/testing. Residents can also call 800-945-6171, seven days a week between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. The wait time to make an appointment by phone is shorter between 5 and 10 p.m.
- You must be a Riverside County resident to be tested in Riverside County.
- Testing is available to anyone, with symptoms or without.
- There are no out-of-pocket costs to individuals.
- Have your health insurance on hand, but you will not share in any costs, or co-pays.
- Testing is still offered, even if health insurance is not provided.
- Families are welcome.
For more information about COVID-19 testing site, please visit the following links:
NOTE: (For County-run testing sites, please create a mychart account)
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IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO COMPLETE YOUR 2020 CENSUS!
Please take a moment to complete the Census. It’s estimated that our region lost $1 billion dollars over the last ten years because of undercounting in the 2010 Census. That’s $1 BILLION dollars that our region didn't have for our schools, public health, small businesses, non-profits, transportation and critical infrastructure. 85.7% of housing units have been accounted for in the 2020 Census as of today, with 20.4% counted by census takers and other field data collection operations, and 65.3% of housing units responding online, by phone, or by mail.
Dial 1-844-330-2020 to connect with the U. S. Census Bureau to fill out your Census by phone - and their call-back feature means you won't have to be placed hold!
Visit https://2020census.gov/en/ways-to-respond/responding-by-phone.html to take the Census in another language.
Your participation in the 2020 Census is mandated by the Constitution, even if you recently completed another survey from the U.S. Census Bureau. And while you are required by law to participate, the Census Bureau is required by law to protect your answers. Your responses are used only to produce statistics, and the Census Bureau does not disclose any personal information.
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PATHWAYS TO EMPLOYMENT
The Pathways to Employment Program provides 8 to 12 weeks of on-the-job training to residents in Riverside County ages 18 and over. Participants will receive a paid stipend, training, mentorship and supportive services during the duration of the program.
If you would like to apply to be a participant in this program, click here.
For general questions, call the Housing, Homelessness Prevention and Workforce Solutions department at (951) 955-1161 or send an email to workforcehelp@rivco.org.
HUMAN AND SOCIAL SERVICES RESOURCES
 
COMMUNITY YOUTH CORPS
Riverside County residents ages 16 to 24 can apply to the Youth Community Corps to save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The $2 million federally funded Youth Community Corps provides participants with a paid stipend, training and mentorship during their term.
- This project also provides support to local nonprofits, which have lost funding and their volunteer force during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Members of the Youth Community Corps may work to assist local food pantries, serve school lunch programs or help municipal social service departments.
For more information and to apply, please visit RivCoWorkforce.com or email youthcorps@rivco.org for questions.
RENTAL RELIEF – ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS UNTIL JULY 25TH
The County of Riverside is offering $33 million in rental relief to individuals and families who have lost income due to COVID-19 and cannot make rent payments. United Lift will administer $33 million in rental assistance between the months of June and November.
All residents who can document a financial impact related to COVID-19 are eligible for $3,500 in rental assistance. Under the expanded county guidelines residents will no longer have to document being currently behind on their rent to qualify for rental assistance. Residents can qualify for rental assistance regardless of their income level. Residents who received a lower payment amount previously can receive an additional payment to bring them up to $3,500 in total rental assistance and do not need to reapply. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis at www.UnitedLift.org
HIGHGROVE MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (MAC) – ONE ALTERNATE BOARD MEMBER POSITION
Interested in serving your local community? If you live within the Unincorporated community of Highgrove within District 2, be sure to look at the opening we have below for the local advisory council. If you feel you have the time to dedicate to making the district a better place, feel free to apply online at www.rivcodistrict2.org under Boards-Committees & Commissions.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS & CEREMONIES
On Friday, September 11, 2020 at 8:35 a.m., the City of Norco will host a virtual Patriot Day ceremony on its official Facebook page where Mayor Berwin Hanna, along with representatives from CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department and Riverside County Sheriff's Department will reflect on the tragedy of September 11, honor the lives that were unexpectedly cut short, and recognize the heroism of our first responders who put their lives in danger every day to protect our freedoms.
In addition, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on September 11, the community may honor our nation’s flag, pay tribute to our fallen heroes, and reflect on the meaning of Patriot Day at the moving George A. Ingalls Veterans Memorial Plaza. Vehicles may enter through Gate 5 of the Ingalls Event Center from Crestview Drive. For more information, contact the City of Norco at (951) 270-5632 or info@ci.norco.ca.us.
Join the Corona Chamber of Commerce on September 11th for a commemoration of those we lost on 9/11/01. We will be socially distanced and set up outside in the Chamber/Elks parking lot. Refreshments will be available beginning at 6:15 a.m. The Ceremony will begin promptly at 6:35 a.m. Location: 904 E 6th St, Corona, CA 92879.
The City of Eastvale looks forward to coming together virtually as a community to honor, remember, and reunite during our 9/11 Memorial Ceremony & Moment of Silence. This Ceremony will be streamed live on the City’s Facebook and Instagram on Friday, September 11, 2020, at 6:45 AM: https://www.facebook.com/cityofeastvale
Join the Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce and help highlight the diverse career pathways of Riverside by hosting a booth at this year’s Virtual Riverside College & Career Fair! The fair will take place on October 1 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM and event admission is free and open to the public. Exhibit your business as a top career choice and register for a virtual booth here: bit.ly/RCCFOnlineStore2
Deadline to register is September 18. Attendees can register for the event here: bit.ly/VirtualRCCF2020
For more info, contact Nick Adcock at 951-683-7100 Ext. 217.
STATE OF THE CITY
BLOOD DRIVES
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