Monthly Third District Newsletter - February 2024

Dear Third District Resident,  

February is a unique month. It brings us in the spirit of gratitude, joy, and acknowledgement brought forth by the commemoration of Black History Month, Presidents' Day and Valentines Day. Each year during the month of February, we are reminded to think about the things we love and cherish. One may commonly think of their loved ones, the opportunities they have been granted, or the community they live in. As County Supervisor, I am constantly reminded of how much I truly enjoy serving our thriving Third District alongside a team of dedicated public servants who share the same passion.

Serving this vast, diverse community is one of the greatest privileges that I have been granted. When it comes to our thriving third district, what’s not to love? We have safe communities, great schools, flourishing small businesses, amazing natural spaces, and much more! Our growing community is a testament of the fruitful quality of life that the Third District offers.

Advocating for the wants and needs of our residents, connecting individuals to resources and providing assistance in navigating our county structure is some of the ways my team and I can assist you. 

We look forward to the opportunity to connect with you. You can reach us directly at (951) 955-1030 or d3email@rivco.org.

And remember, this year in February, we get an additional day to serve YOU, Happy Leap Year!

Sincere regards,

French Valley Community Fair - March 2, 2024

Join us for the French Valley Community Fair! It is back this year and better than ever with carnival games, inflatables, music, vendors, and free dog microchipping. The event will take place on Saturday, March 2nd, from 10:00AM to 2:00PM at Rancho Bella Vista Park. Stop by our office booth for a warm welcoming! The first 100 attendees will receive free hot dogs.

While at the fair, be sure to visit the over 25 exhibitor booths, featuring county departments, nonprofits, and public safety agencies who will also have their vehicles on display. Additionally, the Riverside County Library System, Department of Child Support Services, and Department of Animal Services will have mobile outreach teams onsite ready to provide services to county residents. 

Animal Services will also be offering free pet adoption vouchers and dog microchipping services at no cost for 50 pets. Appointments for microchipping must be booked online in advance. 

To book an appointment for pet microchipping and for more information about the fair, click here.  

I-15 Auxiliary Lane Groundbreaking Ceremony 

Last week, Third District staff and I celebrated the I-15 Auxiliary Lane groundbreaking ceremony with the City of Temecula, where I spoke on behalf of the Third District as well as the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and expressed how proud we are in anticipation of this vital congestion relief project. As Riverside County is one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, our population and economy are growing exponentially particularly in the Southwest. Last week’s groundbreaking is one example of why it is so important that Third District cities work collaboratively with our partners like RCTC and Caltrans. The result of this partnership is a necessary step in the right direction to help us create a more streamlined and efficient transportation network that will improve the quality of life and benefit our region for years to come.

Congratulations to the City of Temecula! The addition of the brand-new I-15 Auxiliary Lane will enhance the commuting experience by alleviating traffic congestion and contribute to a smoother and more efficient travel for all. 

Join Our Team! Apply for the Third District Legislative Internship 

Attention college students! The Riverside County Youth Commission is looking for a motivated college student to supervise our Third District Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and work directly with the Board of Supervisors. As a Legislative Intern, responsibilities include mentoring high school aged youth, coordinating and overseeing all aspects of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) program within their district. Through this opportunity, the intern will develop experience in teamwork, leadership, communication, time management, goal setting, organization, critical thinking, punctuality, professionalism, attention to detail, decision making, multitasking skills and much more! 

The in-person student internship is based throughout Riverside County with a flexible work week consisting of approximately 20 hours per week. The selected candidate can anticipate the internship to span two years in length.  

Click here to learn more or apply! 

Murrieta Hot Springs Grand Opening 

It was an honor to attend the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort Grand Re-Opening. We were elated to celebrate the reopening of this beautiful oasis built around geothermal waters. The resort encompasses 50 geothermal pools, water features, and cold plunges set across 46-acres. In addition to providing a hydrothermal experience, the resort offers a steam room, rooftop sundeck, a mud loft, and sauna with panoramic views. There is also a state-of-the-art fitness center available for use, an exceptional on-site dining experience and wellness activities available throughout the premises. 

As the resort has been closed for 30 years, the County is proud to host an establishment with this extraordinary level of relaxation within our Third District. Not only will this resort provide Riverside County residents an oasis to escape to, but it will further expand tourism, fueling our local economy. 

Short-Term Rental Tier One Applications Are Now Open  

The Short-Term Rental Tier One application is now open and will remain available until May 1st, 2024 at 11:59PM. Click here to access the application and send it to TLMA-STR@rivco.org upon completion. Please note that if you were an Airbnb operator, an annual earnings summary report should be attached along with the application. 

Community Highlight: Michelle’s Place  

This month, we would like to highlight Michelle’s Place All-Cancer Resource Center. 

Michelle’s Place is a non-profit organization and the only all-cancer resource center in both Riverside County and San Bernardino County. The organization proudly serves 2,300 cancer patients with more than 14,000 free resources annually. The on-site center provides movement classes, educational seminars, support groups, education scholarship opportunities, creative workshops, self-care sessions and more! Beyond walls of the center, the non-profit organization provides comfort items to assist clients with treatment and surgery and kits to prepare clients for procedures. Additionally, they offer a transportation program to get clients to and from appointments, as well as the the Purple Ribbon Assistance Program, where they offer financial support through gift cards for those that are in active treatment and in financial need. Michelle’s Place is not just a resource center, but a source of empowerment and support where compassionate care is provided to all who are in need.  

We are so grateful to have community partners like Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center. It is organizations like yours who truly elevate the quality of life of those not only in the Third District, but throughout Riverside County and beyond. 

R.E.A.R.S. New Member Academy 

Become a part of the Department of Animal Services’ disaster relief team! The Riverside Emergency Animal Rescue System (REARS) is calling for new volunteers who wish to play a role in saving animals during an emergency. REARS is a volunteer disaster relief team that assists with the evacuation of animals and livestock during large-scale emergency events such as fire or flood. 

To join the disaster relief team, volunteers must attend the REARS New Member Academy at the Western Riverside County Shelter on February 24th 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. 

Learn More 

Menifee First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program Workshop 

Attend a free First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program Workshop hosted by the City of Menifee at the Menifee City Hall on Saturday, February 24th, from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. At the workshop, attendees will learn about the home buying process, closing cost assistance, and down payment assistance.

For more information on this free workshop, click the link below. 

Learn More 

Department of Public Social Services Mobile Outreach  

Join Riverside County’s Third District and Department of Public Social Services for a Mobile Outreach Event at Western Eagle Foundation on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024 between 9:00AM until 12:00PM. Riverside County residents can get information about various programs, such as cash aid, food assistance, and health coverage.

Eligibility technicians will be available to provide assessments for CalFresh, CalWORKS and help with the application process.

Learn More 

Winchester Neighborhood Clean-Up 

Join both the Housing and Workforce Solutions Department and Code Enforcement Department next Saturday, March 2nd, 8:00AM – 12:00PM (or until dumpsters are full) for the Winchester Neighborhood Clean-up! Bring unwanted items to the corner of Finch Street and Winchester Road (the line begins on Finch Street) to dump for free.

Please only bring acceptable items listed in the flyer attached. If you have any questions, contact Grace Escobar at GcEscobar@rivco.org. 

Learn More 

Become CERT Certified with the City of Temecula 

Become CERT certified with the City of Temecula at the Community Recreation Center (30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula)  beginning Friday, March 8th - Sunday, March 10th. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

For more information or to register, click the link below.  

Learn More 

 Coffee with the City of Wildomar

Enjoy coffee with the City of Wildomar from 8:30AM – 9:30AM on Tuesday, March 12th at The Corporate Room (34846 Monte Vista Drive, Wildomar). This free community event brings residents together over a cup of joe to connect with local leadership. No RSVP is required.  

Learn More 

Winchester Dog Wellness Clinic 

Join us for a FREE Dog Wellness Clinic hosted by the Third District and Riverside County Department of Animal Services at Francis Domenigoni Community Center in Winchester on Wednesday, March 20th, from 9:00AM – 1:00PM. Available services available include vaccines, microchipping, dewormer and flea and tick treatment. Appointments are required so please be sure to register with the link below! 

Learn More 

2024 SoCal Gas Grant Available 

SoCalGas has announced that there is $1 million available in the Gas Assistance Fund to support eligible customers with grants of up to $200 to help pay their natural gas bill in 2024! Eligibility to receive a grant from the Gas Assistance Fund is based on total household income and household size. Information on how to qualify and apply can be found by clicking here. 

Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program 

Do you need assistance with your water bill? You may be eligible for the low-income water assistance program (LIHWAP) if you are a resident of Riverside County and your household’s income is at or below 60% of the state median income threshold. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and program, click here. 

Emergency Operations Plan Community Survey 

We want to hear from you! The County’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) documents how major emergencies are managed in Riverside County. The goal of the Community Outreach Survey is to retrieve feedback from the community on your level of preparedness, comments, and concerns. If you’d like to review the plan and make suggestions on how to improve it, click here.  

Workforce Development Career Coach in the Community 

Are you looking for your next career opportunity? Riverside County Workforce Development is here to help with career planning, resume building, interview training, short term vocational training and many more resources. The Riverside County Workforce Development Center has a career coach that is conveniently accessible for third district residents. For additional information click here or call (833) 391-0507. 

Third District Code Enforcement Monthly Highlight

During the month of January, Code Enforcement Officer Gregorio was working a Vehicle Abatement in Anza. Officers had attempted contact and inspections previously without success. Officer Gregorio was able to locate and make contact with the property owner and found 7 inoperable vehicles on the property. The vehicles were a mixture of wrecked and dismantled vehicles as well as inoperable and junked motorhomes. Officer Gregorio offered to remove the vehicles off of the property at no cost to the Property Owner utilizing the Junk Your Clunker program. This program offers property owners tow services funded through the Vehicle Abatement Grant. Officer Gregorio worked with the property owner to get the proper forms signed and scheduled a tow company to come out. All inoperable vehicles were removed from the property and the owner was thankful that the stress of these vehicles was gone from his home and improved the overall look in the neighborhood. Way to go Riverside County Code Enforcement! 

Community Action Partnership Warm Centers 

As temperatures continue to fall, Riverside County Community Action Partnership has begun opening warm centers throughout the County, offering residents a warm and cozy place to relax. Warm centers will be open from December 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024. Click here to view available locations open across the county. 

Board of Supervisors Meetings: 

• February 27, 2024 | Board of Supervisors | 9:30 a.m. | County Administrative Center 
• March 5, 2024 | Board of Supervisors | 9:30 a.m. | County Administrative Center 
• March 12, 2024| Board of Supervisors | 9:30 a.m. | County Administrative Center 

Municipal Advisory Council Meetings:  

• March 14, 2024 | Winchester-Homeland Municipal Advisory Council | 6:30 p.m. | Francis Domenigoni Community Center 
• March 20, 2024 | Anza Municipal Advisory Council | 5:30 p.m. | Anza Community Hall 
• April 11, 2024 | Winchester-Homeland Municipal Advisory Council | 6:30 p.m. | Francis Domenigoni Community Center