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Dear Friends and Second District Residents,
As we enter the holiday season, I find myself being very reflective on the rollercoaster year we have had so far. Although it has been fraught with unprecedented challenges, we remain blessed and thankful to live in America, and thankful for the beautiful moments we are able to have.
As many of you know, we have experienced struggles with my personal and family health due to COVID-19, but I have remained resolute in my dedication, commitment and service to the region and particularly those families that have been impacted by this virus.
2020 has given us a different perspective, challenges, and many devastating losses but it hasn’t taken away our hope. These are certainly trying times for everyone and COVID-19 has taken a toll on all of us. It has changed the way we work, the way we think, the way we interact with each other, the way we educate our children and even how we worship. Given Governor Newsom's Stay-At-Home announcement today, the next few weeks will be even more challenging as we close the door on 2020.
Although these times are challenging for many, we must never forget that we as Americans have always found light through the darkness, hope through the despair and unwavering in our convictions as we forge a path to create a brighter future for our country.
I look forward to working with you all as we enter 2021 with utmost optimism and promise for Riverside County.
The Riverside County Second District Supervisor’s office Staff are 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 staff will assist you promptly.
I encourage you to stay connected by joining District 2 on Facebook @SupervisorKarenSpiegel or Twitter @SupKarenSpiegel and Instagram @SupervisorKarenSpiegel
Sincerely,
Karen Spiegel
Second District Supervisor
REGIONAL STAY AT HOME ORDER
The Regional Stay Home Order, announced December 3rd, 2020, will go into effect within 48 hours in regions with less than 15% ICU availability. It prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and requires 100% masking and physical distancing in all others.
The order will remain in effect for at least 3 weeks and, after that period, will be lifted when a region’s projected ICU capacity meets or exceeds 15%. This will be assessed on a weekly basis after the initial 3 week period. Learn more about this order.
The state released a map of five regions and their current ICU capacity, as well as projected dates when regions will fall below the 15 percent threshold. The regions are:
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Northern California: Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity
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Bay Area: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma
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Greater Sacramento: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba
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San Joaquin Valley: Calaveras, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Benito, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
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Southern California: Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura
TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
Riverside County Projects Receive $78 million in state funding for projects in Corona and Eastvale
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) awarded funding on December 2nd, 2020 for three Riverside County projects, including the long-awaited 71/91 Interchange in Corona, through a statewide competitive grant process.
Funding was provided through gas tax revenue authorized by Senate Bill 1 and included:
- 71/91 Interchange Project, Corona: $58.1 million
- McKinley Avenue Railroad/Street Grade Separation Project, Corona: $10.3 million
- Limonite Avenue Gap Closure Project, Eastvale: $9.4 million
The Riverside County Transportation Commission is sponsoring the 71/91 Interchange Project and applied multiple times for state and federal funding. The interchange improvement is part of the voter-approved Measure A transportation improvement plan, which provides partial funding for the project. The $58.1 million award will provide the final portion of the $121 million needed to rebuild the interchange.
The non-tolled interchange is designed to reduce traffic congestion, increase travel reliability, improve safety, and enhance air quality. The $121 million construction effort will replace the existing single-lane loop connector between eastbound 91 and northbound 71 with a new, two-lane, direct connector ramp, build a new, separate lane from Green River Road to east of the 71/91 Interchange, and realign the eastbound 91 on-ramp from Green River Road to improve access to the interchange. Construction is expected to begin in 2022 and open in 2024.
The CTC also approved the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority project in the amount of $118 million for its Interstate 15 Corridor Project, which will cross the San Bernardino/Riverside County line to connect with RCTC’s 15 Express Lanes at Cantu-Galleano Ranch Road. RCTC is working with SBCTA on this project to provide a seamless travel experience for express lane customers.
For more detailed information about the projects being funded, please see links below:
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71/91 Interchange: https://www.rctc.org/projects/71-91-interchange-project/
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McKinley Grade Separation: https://www.coronaca.gov/government/departments-divisions/public-works/construction-projects/mckinley-grade-separation
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Limonite Ave gap closure: https://www.eastvaleca.gov/government/community-development/planning/limonite-gap-closure-capital-improvement-project
DECEMBER IS NATIONAL IMPAIRED DRIVING PREVENTION MONTH
December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
Why the month of December? During the winter holiday period there is an increase in impaired driving fatalities that coincides with end-of-year celebrations and holiday travel. Which is why the season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day has been described as “one of the deadliest and most dangerous times in America’s roadways due to an increase in impaired driving” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
During the month of December 2018, 839 people lost their lives in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver. During the Christmas and New Year’s Day holiday periods in 2018 alone, there were more drunk-driving-related fatalities (285) than during any other holiday period that year. These fatalities are preventable, and drivers must remember that driving impaired by any substance — alcohol or other drugs — is deadly, illegal, and selfish behavior.
While this holiday season may look a little different than in years past, it is still important to plan ahead if you will be celebrating. Designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you plan on drinking, plan on not driving. Doing so could change your life, not to mention the lives of your passengers, of pedestrians, or of other drivers and passengers nearby.
If you’re the designated driver, make sure you keep that promise of safety to yourself and your passengers. Stay hydrated with water and other non-alcoholic beverages. Support other designated drivers, too. It can be a long night, but people are counting on you, not to mention the other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the streets. Take the role of designated driver seriously — people are relying on you.
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement immediately – it could save a life.
- Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely – it will be the best gift you’ll ever give them.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY FOOD ACCESS SITES
The County of Riverside has created a county-wide mapping service that provides a valuable resource for those struggling with food insecurities. You can allow this app to use your location, or type in an address to find locations providing food pantries, senior meals, and school meals during the COVID-19 emergency in Riverside County. Click HERE to view the map.
A mobile version is also available from the RUHS Coronavirus home page: https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus
There are also several local food pantry events listed below.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Up-to-Date Information on COVID-19 and Social Programs (as of November 17, 2020):
FINANCIAL SECURITY
- Several provisions of the Executive Order (EO) issued by Governor Newsom following the declaration of disaster due to the COVID-19 Emergency, which allowed recipients of safety net programs (CalWORKs, CalFresh, In-Home Supportive Services, Medi-Cal, and Cash Assistance for Immigrants) to continue receiving them without interruption or need for re-certification, expired in June. However, several others, like the stop in CalWORKs time clocks and the waiver of interview requirements, will continue as a result of a separate EO issued in June. For a comprehensive summary of that EO, click here.
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Water and other utility shutoffs for homes and small businesses are suspended while the state responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, at least until April 2021.
- Here is a Distance Learning Student Resource Guide from the California Department of Social Services. The guide includes information on free or low-cost internet, English language learning, adult education and workforce skills, video conferencing resources, and more.
FOOD
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CalFresh Emergency Allotments for September were issued on October 18th. October Emergency Allotments were issued on November 15th. November allotments are anticipated near mid-December.
- Restaurant delivery service is available for older Californians through the Great Plates program. While Riverside County is no longer accepting applications, infomratio nfor current program participants and restaurants are available here.
- The California Department of Education has created an app to help families locate meals. For the general CDE COVID-19 resource page, click here.
- Riverside County households receiving SNAP food stamp benefits (CalFresh) can now purchase groceries online through a USDA pilot program launched in April 2020.
HEALTH
- Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is covered at no cost for all Californians.
- If you have Medi-Cal, testing is free.
- If you are uninsured, testing is also free. You will have to go to a state, county, or city run testing site.
- If you have private health insurance, testing is free and does not need prior approval from your health plan, if it is determined to be medically appropriate by your attending health care provider. This can be any health care professional who is licensed and responsible for providing medical care. Note, this applies to most but not all private health plans.
- If you are an essential worker and have private health insurance, testing is free and does not need prior approval from your health plan. You can contact your health plan, which will help you secure an appointment for testing. For the purposes of COVID-19 testing, an essential worker is someone who works in the following sectors: health care, home caregiving, congregate care facilities, manufacturing, emergency services, food services, agricultural and food manufacturing, public transportation, correctional facilities, and education.Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is covered at no cost for all Californians.
HOUSING
- The California Legislature and Governor announced new legislation to temporarily stave off evictions for tenants who can’t afford to pay rent, and the Center for Disease Control issued a federal order stopping evictions for nonpayment until December 31, 2020.
- Help for renters, homeowners, small landlords, and people experiencing homelessness due to COVID-19 related hardships can be found here.
As always, the Second District team is available to help address any other concerns or resource needs which may not be listed here.
VETERANS
Goodwill Employment Services is looking for 50 veterans who are homeless or “At Risk” of being homeless and are seeking employment!
Goodwill can help you find employment opportunities, and provides services such as resume writing, gas cards, assistance purchasing uniform items (boots, uniforms, etc.), and other resources.
For more information, check out the attached flyer or contact the number below!
David A. Torrez
dtorrez@goodwillsocal.org
Office: 909-890-1415
Cell: 909-659-4859
Fax: 909-890-1284
TTY: 909-885-2382
COMMUNITY EVENTS
***PLEASE READ: ALL COMMUNITY EVENTS WERE COMPILED UP TO DECEMBER 2, 2020. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR RESPECTIVE HOST FOR ANY CHANGES PRIOR TO ATTENDING.
Save the date for this years Virtual Blue Light Ceremony live-streaming December 7th at 6pm. A ceremony presented by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department honoring all Riverside County Peace Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
 The Riverside Latino Network will be hosting the 22nd Annual Virtual Nuestra Navidad Breakfast on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 from 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM. Grab a coffee, get comfy and join in for the live auction. To register and purchase a ticket, please go to:
https://hopin.com/events/riverside-latino-network-22nd-annual-virtual-nuestra-navidad-breakfast?fbclid=IwAR3NPhJRkt9MBkFiZNsdNE0yiw2U2CF_SHku50PyDIF1MxIAjgRDDNWcdOw
Are you searching for fun, safe and educational activities for your kids? Registration is open for three upcoming day camps! During day camps, City facilities and staff will strictly adhere to CDC, State (https://bit.ly/2OE67Ke) and County issued guidelines and sanitation compliance standards. Face coverings are required, and participants must bring their own snacks and drinks. Participants will remain in their “pod” through the duration of the day camp. Learn more at www.norco.ca.us/sportscamp, and register online at www.norco.ca.us/register OR in person at Norco City Hall in the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department at (951)-270-5632. Conditioning/Fitness Day Camp: From November 30-December 4, participants (7-13 years old) will improve their athletic conditioning and expand their fitness routines! This day camp will be held Monday-Friday in two sessions (5-6:15 p.m. OR 7:15-8:30 p.m.). This day camp is $55 for residents and $65 for non-residents. Register by November 30!
Basketball Day Camp: From December 7-11, participants (7-13 years old) will build basketball knowledge, skills and framework! This day camp will be held Monday-Friday in two sessions (5-6:15 p.m. OR 7:15-8:30 p.m.). This day camp is $55 for residents and $65 for non-residents. Register by December 7! Pickleball Day Camp: From December 14-18, participants (7-13 years old) will build pickleball knowledge, skills and framework! This day camp will be held Monday-Friday in two sessions (5-6:15 p.m. OR 7:15-8:30 p.m.). This day camp is $55 for residents and $65 for non-residents. Register by December 14!
The City of Norco is proud to present a “Horsetown Community Christmas” with cheerful events and activities hosted throughout the month of December leading up to the week of Christmas! Mark the following dates on your calendar and check back for more details as we officially kick-off the 2020 holiday season on December 1st. For more information, visit www.norco.ca.us/Christmas2020 or contact the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department at (951) 270-5632 or events@ci.norco.ca.us.
Drive-Thru Illuminated Display: From December 12, 2020 – January 1, 2021, the Norco Community Center will be illuminated with bright and cheery decorations and open to vehicles for drive-thru viewing from 5-10 p.m. Santa’s Four Days of Festive Fun: From December 14-17, 2020, Santa will post daily clues on the City’s social media accounts that direct participants to find his trusty Elf distributing early Christmas gifts at a specific location…from a distance, of course!
Drive-In Movie: On Saturday, December 19, 2020, drive-in to the George Ingalls Event Center and experience a classic, family-friendly and socially distanced outdoor movie night featuring the holiday classic “Elf”! Tickets are $10 per vehicle and will be available for sale on December 1, 2020. Fa-La-La-La-La Photo Contest: As you prepare your holiday décor and celebratory outfits, make sure you take pictures and enter St. Nick’s Sweater Decorating Contest, the Twinkle & Tinsel Tree Decorating Contest, and the Holly Jolly House Decorating Contest. Submit your photos to events@ci.norco.ca.us by December 17, 2020 for a chance to win early Christmas gifts!
Letters to Santa Drop-Off Station for the City of Norco: From December 1-17, 2020, local youth are invited to mail their letters to Santa for a chance to win early Christmas gifts! Download the letterhead at www.norco.ca.us/Christmas2020 and drop your letter off in Santa’s mailbox in the Administration Department at Norco City Hall during normal business hours (Monday-Thursday between 8 a.m.-6 p.m.).
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