Monthly Third District Newsletter - July 2024

Dear Third District Resident,  

Last month, my colleagues and I voted unanimously to approve a $9.6 billion budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year that expands and ensures the delivery of essential services for Riverside County’s growing population. This year’s budget brings continued investments to unincorporated communities, develops infrastructure and economic development opportunities in underserved regions, and addresses Third District priorities. 

To further improve the quality of life for the residents of California’s fastest growing county, my colleagues and I have invested in vital initiatives such as affordable housing, public safety, and behavioral health services. Within the $9.6 billion budget, we allocated $2.6 billion to Health Services, $2.2 billion to Public Safety, $2.1 billion to Human Services, and $1.2 billion to Public Works and Community Services.  

Additionally, we are proud to announce that the General Fund discretionary budget remains structurally balanced for the third consecutive year. The 2024-2025 budget is a testament to the County’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of those who call Riverside County home while also remaining fiscally responsible. 

The Riverside County 2024-2025 fiscal year budget went into effect as of July 1st, 2024. To read more about the budget, please click here.  

Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health Breaks Ground on the Mead Valley Wellness Village 

Alongside my colleagues, I attended the Riverside University Health System (RUHS) Wellness Village groundbreaking ceremony in Mead Valley. This state-of-the-art campus will serve as a model for innovative healthcare and will seamlessly integrate behavioral treatment, medical care, and social services under an all-inclusive approach. 

The Wellness Village will allow community members to conveniently access a diverse set of healthcare services and will be home to new care programs such as Riverside County’s first Children’s Crisis Residential Program. The campus will also feature primary and specialty medical care, dental services, substance use disorder treatment, and a pharmacy open to the public. Community members can look forward to the Wellness Village’s Youth and Family Care Center, the Wellness and Education Center, Recovery Center, Supportive Housing, and the Restorative Care Center; all of which are set to open in 2026. 

Register for the Third District Special Games 

SAVE THE DATE! In partnership with Valley-Wide Recreation & Park District, the Third District is proud to host Special Games on Saturday, September 21st, 2024 from 9:00am to 11:00am at Veterans Park (32394 Richardson Street, Menifee). 

Special Games is an event designed for athletes of all ages with developmental disabilities to participate in non-competitive games and an awards ceremony. Each athlete is paired up with a volunteer to act as their buddy during the event and participate alongside them. All athletes will be presented with a participation medal. 

Pre-registration opened on Monday, July 1st, and is required for both volunteers and athletes. For more information, please visit our website.  

And the Emmy Goes to… Congratulations Riverside County! 

Congratulations to both the Riverside County Executive Office and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office on winning an Emmy award, and the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services on receiving an Emmy nomination this year!  

Each office had the distinct honor of attending the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Pacific Southwest Chapter’s Annual Emmy Awards Ceremony. We had two winners out of the three nominations received. Both, the Riverside County Executive Office and Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, brought home Emmy awards. The Executive Office earned top honors for the “DEIA Stories,” which highlights the County’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access. The Sheriff’s Office won an Emmy for “Operation Intercept,” which showcases the department’s dedication to safety and justice. 

Congratulations again to all three departments on their outstanding accomplishments! We are exceptionally proud of the hard work, dedication, and the impactful contributions that each department has made. 

Anza Founder’s Day Celebration 

On Saturday, June 29th, I participated in the Anza Days Celebration at Minor Park. Anza Days Celebration has been a part of the community’s history for decades, and it honors the region’s past through activities hosted by local nonprofits and volunteer organizations including the Anza Civic Improvement League. Additionally, these festivities would not be possible without the contributions of individual volunteers like retired Riverside County Sheriff’s Captain Leonard Purvis.  

Thank you to all who showed your support for Anza! 

WRCOG Annual General Assembly Address  

Last month, Third District staff and I attended the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) 33rd Annual General Assembly and Leadership Address. WRCOG is a joint powers authority consisting of the County of Riverside, eighteen cities, two water districts, and the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools. The organization focuses on spearheading programming to address regional matters ranging from transportation to air quality, solid waste, environment, energy, resiliency, sustainability, and growth. This year’s General Assembly, aptly themed “Governing Together: Teamwork in Action,” provided the organization's membership and its supporters with an opportunity to network, promote collaboration, and vision cast for the upcoming year.  

It is my honor to serve on WRCOG’s Executive Committee, the decision-making policy board, as the Third District’s voice and advocate.  

Temecula Summer Concert Series 

Join the City of Temecula for the Summer Concert Series on July 11th, 18th, or 25th at the Civic Center Quad from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM.  

Experience a gourmet food court and handcrafted vendors before and during the summer concerts. Admission is free and there is no registration required. Participants are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for this amazing night out! 

Learn More 

Valle Vista Community Center Summer Activities 

Valley-Wide Recreation & Park District has many activities in store for Third District residents this summer at the Valle Vista Community Center.  

Enjoy a movie in the park, disco golf, a water play day, dodge ball, water balloon fights, and bingo over the course of the next few weeks with Valley-Wide! For more details, click the link below. 

Learn More  

Wildomar Sweet 16 Birthday Celebration 

Celebrate the City of Wildomar’s Sweet 16th Birthday on Saturday, July 20th from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Marna O’Brien Park. 

Admission is free! Celebrants can look forward to live music from local artists, food vendors, a car show, vendor booths, and much more. 

Learn More 

Annual Christmas in July at the Diamond Valley Aquatic Center 

The eighth annual Christmas in July event hosted by Valley-Wide Recreation & Park District is back and will take place on Thursday, July 25th from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM at the Diamond Valley Aquatic Center. 

Come to enjoy swimming, raffles, guessing games, and watch as Santa catches some waves between 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM. 

Learn More 

French Valley Movie in the Park 

Take in a movie underneath the stars with Valley-Wide Recreation & Park District at the Rancho Bella Vista Park in French Valley on Friday, August 2nd, beginning at dusk.   

Be sure to bring a blanket and chairs and enjoy free popcorn with the showing of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. Children 8 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult.   

Learn More 

Menifee Foodie Fridays Market 

Experience new culinary delights at the Foodie Fridays Market on Friday, August 2nd from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Mt. San Jacinto College. 

Presented by Made Local in partnership with the City of Menifee and Mt. San Jacinto College, this tasty event is sure to impress with popular bites, drinks, and treats available from diverse culinary backgrounds.  

Learn More   

Murrieta End of Summer Splash Bash 

Join the City of Murrieta for the End of Summer Splash Bash on Saturday, August 3rd from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Town Square Park and Amphitheater. 

This free, family- friendly event will include water activities, vendors, music, and games. 

Learn More 

National Night Out – August 6th, 2024:  

National Night Out is an annual campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while fostering a sense of community in a free, family-friendly environment. Take a look at the National Night Out events happening in and near the Third District:  

• Murrieta | All Day | Town Square Park and Amphitheater  
• Menifee | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Audie Murphy Ranch Sports Park
• Mountain Center | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Lake Hemet Sheriff’s Substation   
• Temecula | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Civic Center 
• Wildomar | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Canyon Hills Community Park 

Cool Centers 

As temperatures continue to rise, the Riverside County Community Action Partnership has coordinated Cool Centers to serve as drop-in sites for vulnerable individuals, seniors, the disabled, and others in need of temporary relief from the heat. To find a cool center near you, please click here. 

Guaranteed Income for Expectant Parents 

Inland SoCal United Way is administering a Guaranteed Income Pilot Program for expectant parents living in Riverside County. Randomly selected eligible pregnant applicants will receive $600 a month for 18 months.  

Program Requirements: 

Guaranteed Income for Birthing People 

• Must be 18+ and live in Riverside County. 
• Must be within the first 27 weeks of pregnancy.  
• Must have an annual household income of $90,616 or less. 

Please note that applicants may be eligible regardless of immigration status, incarceration status, or probation status. Eligible applicants can complete the self-referral link below. Once the referral is complete, an invitation to submit a full application will be sent.  

Click here for the English Self-Referral Application.  

Click here for the Spanish version.  

For questions about the program or if assistance is needed, contact the Guaranteed Income Team at 951-289-3328. 

Boards, Commissions, and Committees Vacancies 

Are you looking for a way to become more involved in your community? If so, Riverside County has numerous boards, committees, and commissions comprised of appointed members of the public, who act in an advisory capacity to the Supervisor and as the Supervisor’s representatives to other members of the public. For more information and to apply, click here.  

Current Vacancies: 

• Solid Waste Advisory Council (1 Primary Vacancy, 1 Alternate Vacancy) 
• Winchester/Homeland Municipal Advisory Council (1 Vacancies and 2 Alternative Position Vacancies) 
• Flood Control Commission (1 Vacancy) 
• Fair Board (National Date Festival) (1 Vacancy) 
• Workforce Development Board (1 Vacancy) 
• Citrus Pest Control (1 Vacancy) 
• County Service Area 149 AC (1 Vacancy and 5 Alternative Positions) 
• In-home supportive Services (1 Consumer Vacancy) 
• Community Facilities District Special Tax Review Board (1 Vacancy) 
• County Archive Commission (1 Vacancy) 
• Community Action Commission CAC (1 Vacancy) 

Board of Supervisors Meetings: 

• July 30, 2024 | Board of Supervisors | 9:30 am | County Administrative Center 
• August 27, 2024 | Board of Supervisors | 9:30 am | County Administrative Center 
• September 10, 2024 | Board of Supervisors | 9:30 am | County Administrative Center 

Municipal Advisory Council Meetings:  

• July 17, 2024 | Anza Municipal Advisory Council | 5:30 pm | Anza Community Hall 
• August 8, 2024 | Winchester-Homeland Municipal Advisory Council | 6:30 pm | Francis Domenigoni Community Center
• October 8, 2024 | County Service Area 149 | 6:00pm | Wilson Creek Winery