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Dear Friends and Second District Residents,
The month of June brings with it the official start of summer as well as many anticipated changes and new beginnings. Many of us have been wondering, what will Riverside County look like after June 15 – when California plans to fully reopen the state’s economy? We are looking forward to everyday life feeling a lot like it did before COVID-19, and are hopeful that we will see our businesses (such as restaurants, shopping malls, and movie theaters), and most of the places we regularly frequent, reopening without capacity limits or social distancing requirements. To make it easier for our residents and provide consistency, Riverside County has aligned with the State of California. These two links will help to answer any reopening questions you may have:
(https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Beyond-Blueprint-Framework.aspx and https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Beyond-Blueprint-QA.aspx)
Despite the challenges we have experienced over the past year, all signs are pointing onward and upward. Riverside County is poised to ride this positive momentum into a wonderful season of growth, bringing with it countless opportunities. We are looking forward to more and more events and activities returning to our region and enhancing our quality of life.
As Chair of the Board of Supervisors, my main priority is helping our families, residents, businesses, and local economy recover from the impacts of COVID-19. At the peak of the pandemic, Riverside County’s unemployment rate reached a whopping 16%, but I’m pleased to share that as of March 2021, the unemployment rate has dropped to 7.7%. That’s a 51% DECREASE in unemployment in 11 months. While that’s great news, we still have work to do. We will continue working to reduce that unemployment number at or below 4% - the lower, the better!
Some of our businesses are experiencing staffing challenges as they struggle to get employees to return to work. Although there are many contributing factors, we should acknowledge the loss of some of our region’s childcare facilities and impacts that has had on our workforce. With more families working from home this past year and schools practicing virtual learning, childcare facilities struggled, and many were forced to permanently close their doors. Now that families are preparing to return to the workplace, they are facing the challenges with schools reduced schedules as well as a shortage of childcare.
Over these past few months, I have been working with local school districts to make sure our kids are able to safely return to in-person education. We look forward to the new school year with a return to full school days and in-person education. This will help allow moms, dads, and caregivers to return to their jobs.
Interestingly, the ranks of the employed has increased and we have seen 115,000 more residents employed in March 2021 than was reported in April 2020. That means a lot more people have entered the workforce (according to data from the Employment Development Department). While still not back to pre-pandemic highs, we have shown remarkable vigor in our growth since the worst of the economic shutdown. This shows the strengths of our regional economy’s fundamentals and promises continued progress.
Another indicator of strong upwards trends is the County’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The 2019 Real GDP for Riverside County was $82 Billion dollars. Let that sink in… $82 BILLION Dollars! Did you know that Riverside County’s GDP is higher than 12 states?? (New Hampshire, Idaho, West Virginia, Delaware, Maine, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Alaska, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming and Vermont)
Riverside County is the 4th largest county in the state of California and the 10th largest county in the Nation, with a population of almost 2.5M as of January 2021. Of the six major counties in Southern California, and the state itself, Riverside County was the only area to show positive population growth from 2020 to 2021 (according to the CA Department of Finance).
When the U.S. Census Bureau releases the data collected during the 2020 Decennial Census, electoral districts will be redrawn in the state of California and across the nation, impacting all districts at the Federal, State, County, and City levels. As a result of population shifts, California will lose a congressional seat when Redistricting takes place this fall. This process occurs every ten years to equitably balance the populations in each district based upon the Census data.
With a growing population comes an increased demand for housing and new home construction. Mortgage rates remain very attractive for home buyers, and Riverside County continues to see incredible home price gains. Business at our local home improvement stores has significantly increased as home renovation projects and contractor services have also expanded.
As the pandemic starts to dwindle, consumer confidence and the desire to travel is making a huge comeback – which is great news for our local hotels, meeting venues, and tourism in general. Even though tourism was hurt by the Economic shutdown, Riverside County still saw a $2 Billion dollar travel industry in 2020. We are looking forward to watching that number soar in the months ahead!
June also brings us to our annual Riverside County Budget process, with Public Hearings beginning June 14 at 9:30am in the Board Chambers at the County Administration Center. I invite you to review the budget documents and/or watch the hearings to learn more about our almost $7 billion budget. A vital component of open government is an open budgeting process. Learn how your taxpayers’ funds are spent and invested. Our goal is to ensure county departments have the resources they need to continue to deliver social services, public safety, healthcare, public works, and community services for all our residents and communities. Click here to access the Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2021/22:
https://rivcoca.com/sites/default/files/Riverside%20Budget%20Volume1_2021-06-01%20Revised.pdf
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
I hope you enjoy this e-newsletter. Please reach out to my office if we may be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Board Chair Karen Spiegel
Second District Supervisor
COVID-19 VACCINATION UPDATES
TWO MILLION COVID-19 VACCINES GIVEN IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Less than two months after the one millionth COVID-19 dose was administered, Riverside County is celebrating the delivery of two million and two million plus one doses administered to a father-son duo. This is an important step for Riverside County in its mission to provide COVID-19 vaccines to those who live and work in the county. The first COVID-19 vaccinations in Riverside County were administered in December 2020.
Julian Menendez, 17 of Moreno Valley, represented the two millionth dose with cheers and fanfare from the nurses and staff at the Moreno Valley Mall vaccination clinic. When asked how he felt about getting the two millionth dose, Julian Menendez, said “It feels pretty good.” The senior at Canyon Springs High School will start college in the fall at Cal State University, San Bernardino, studying Kinesiology.
His father, Rolando Menendez, 46, immediately followed with dose 2,000,001. Both received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
“We want to take care of our family, but we have other families to take care of too,” said Rolando Menendez. “We are a community that needs to stick together. The more people who get the vaccine, the less people will get sick. Plus, we have lost relatives over the virus. This (vaccine) is our responsibility.”
Public health officials also remind residents that positive cases of coronavirus continue to decline as the county and providers administer more vaccine.
Shortly after vaccine became available, Riverside County activated its Incident Management Team to coordinate distribution of vaccinations to its 2.4 million residents and those who work in the county. The effort to provide vaccinations continues and the county is working to ensure vaccinations are easily accessible to everyone eligible.
“Today’s milestone brings us one step closer to emerging from this pandemic stronger, healthier, together,” said Board Chair Karen Spiegel, Second District Supervisor. “We are seeing the effects from these vaccinations every week in our improved COVID-19 numbers. It’s encouraging to kick off summer with such positive data that clearly indicates the region is moving through recovery.”
CELEBRATE REOPENING ON JUNE 15TH
Celebrate reopening with the Board of Supervisors on June 15 at the County Administrative Center. There will be several food trucks and a mobile vaccination team for anyone who wishes to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.
Mix and match tasty dishes from some of your favorite food trucks from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Parking will be free in the County Administrative Center parking structure.
Appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Click here to make an appointment.
RTA UPDATES
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
Hamner Avenue
Daytime work and intermittent lane closures continue on Hamner Avenue, weather permitting.
Please see the flyer for details or visit the project website at https://www.hamneraveproject.com/
SOCIAL & HUMAN SERVICES
PAY ATTENTION!!! DROWNING PREVENTION
Our beautiful beaches and sparkling pools are part of what make Southern California one of the most desirable places in the country to live, work and play year round. But, water comes with the potential for great danger. Things like unattended tubs and buckets filled with water are not often thought of as drowning dangers. But they should be. The reality is that children, and even adults, can slip under the water silently and without much commotion. Even more frightening, drownings can occur even with a house full of adults and kids. We all think someone else is watching, right?
Because we all need to work together to avoid senseless tragedy, the County of Riverside and its partnering agencies -- CALFire/Riverside County Fire Department and the Riverside University Health System–Public Health -- are committed to the water safety of residents and visitors.
VETERANS SERVICES
VETERAN RAPID RETRAINING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
FARMERS MARKETS IN THE AREA
As the summer season heats up, so does the popularity of Farmers Markets. We are pleased to share the following information on Farmers Markets located throughout the Corona, Norco, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley and Riverside areas. Enjoy!
There's always something new and exciting happening in the City of Corona! This summer, Corona willl be transforming the Circle City Center parking lot into a family-friendly Night Market on June 14, 28, July 12, 26, and August 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 365 N Main St, Corona, CA 92880.
Highlights include independent food trucks, artisan crafts, and locally sourced products in an interactive environment. While you are out, don't forget to check out our unique businesses along Main Street.
Looking for some Friday night fun? Come and hang out at the Eastvale Farmers Market, every Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the New Day Christian Church: 7155 Hamner Ave., Eastvale CA 92880.
Fresh produce, farm fresh eggs, freshly baked bread, microgreens, farm fresh honey and MUCH MORE!! For more information or on how to become a vendor, please email: eastvalefarmersmarket@gmail.com
COMMUNITY EVENTS
The City of Norco will host a Vehicle and Equipment Auction on Saturday, June 19, at the Public Works Yard (1281 Fifth Street) in Norco. Gates will open at 7:30 a.m. and the auction will begin at 8 a.m. The items will only be available for viewing on the day of the Action. All items are sold as is, all items must be paid in full with cash or Cashier’s check only, and all items must be removed from the lot by 12 p.m. For more information, please call (951) 270-5651 or email finance@ci.norco.ca.us.
HIGHGROVE MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (MAC) BOARD MEMBER POSITIONS - APPLY NOW!
Are you interested in what’s going on in the community of Highgrove? If you live within the unincorporated community of Highgrove, be sure to apply for two (2) Alternate Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) positions . Get to know your Sheriff Deputies, Code Enforcements Officers, School Board Members, Animal Control Specialists and more! Interested parties may apply online at www.rivcodistrict2.org under Boards-Committees & Commissions.
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