Spiegel Spotlight: News for District 2 - February 2025

County of Riverside California - External sent this bulletin at 01/30/2025 09:00 AM PST

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To contact the Second District, please email district2@rivco.org.

Dear Friends and Second District Residents,

January was a month of action, as we focused on addressing critical issues and implementing policies that directly benefit the residents of our district. One of our significant developments was the progress of county-wide homeless outreach initiatives. Through partnerships with local organizations and our Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions, my staff and I participated in the bi-annual Point-In-Time count in four of our six cities throughout the Second District. Across Riverside County, 961 volunteers were deployed to 28 cities, and access centers were activated to provide direct connections to housing and supportive services for veterans, youth ages 18-24, families with minor children, and seniors. This vital effort helps our county better understand the number of unsheltered residents and facilitates real-time solutions. Thanks to our "More Than a Count" initiative, 31 individuals were identified as eligible for immediate services and placed into housing that day, demonstrating these outreach efforts' tangible impact.

During the last month, my office also hosted the Woodcrest and Temescal Valley Municipal Advisory Council meetings, where members of these communities received valuable updates from County departments, keeping our residents informed and connected. My staff and I also welcomed new businesses to our district, including 85°C Bakery Café to Jurupa Valley, Pacific Capital to Corona, and the latest edition of the Riverside County Archives at its new location on the 2nd floor of the Riverside County Administrative Center.

Lastly, I’m proud to share that exciting progress is underway for Fire Station 82 in Lake Hills. This project is a critical investment in enhancing fire services and ensuring the station can continue to meet the community's needs for years to come. As the much-anticipated renovation project prepares to launch, temporary plans have been carefully crafted to maintain uninterrupted emergency response services in the area.

The renovation project is scheduled to begin shortly, with an estimated timeline of nine months. This project reflects the County’s commitment to modernizing its facilities and maintaining top-tier emergency services for residents. Stay tuned for updates as the work progresses!

Honoring Deputy Timothy Corlew

It is with a heavy heart that we commemorate the life and legacy of Deputy Timothy Corlew, a dedicated servant of Riverside County who tragically passed away on January 8, 2025, in an on-duty motorcycle accident.

Timothy Corlew was born in Fountain Valley and raised in Southern California by his parents. During his teenage years, his family moved to Corona, where he graduated from Corona High School in 2002. Tim’s passion for public service led him to study Public Safety and Fire Science, earning EMT and Fire Science certifications. In 2015, Tim joined the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, beginning his distinguished law enforcement career. After graduating from the 198th Basic Peace Officer’s Academy in 2016, he served three years with Sheriff’s Court Services before transitioning to patrol operations at the Jurupa Valley Station. Tim completed Motor School in 2022, launching his traffic enforcement career in Eastvale, and in October 2023, he proudly took on the role of restarting Norco’s motor officer program, which he served with dedication.

Tim exemplified loyalty, honesty, and trustworthiness, with a unique ability to bring joy and laughter to those around him. He served with dedication at Sheriff’s Court Services and the Jurupa Valley Station, always offering unwavering support and camaraderie to his fellow deputies. Deputy Timothy Corlew’s passing leaves a profound impact on his family, friends, colleagues, and the community, as he represented the highest standards of dedication, professionalism, and service.

As we remember Deputy Corlew, let us honor his legacy by supporting and uplifting the men and women serving in law enforcement. Their sacrifices and dedication are the foundation of our community’s safety and security.

As always, I encourage you to reach out to my office with your thoughts, concerns, or ideas. Together, we can ensure that Riverside County’s Second District remains a place where families thrive, businesses prosper, and everyone feels at home.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your representative. Let’s continue working together to make 2025 a year of progress and unity.

Warmly,

County Launches Community Budget Priorities Survey

The County of Riverside is enhancing opportunities for community participation in its annual budget process with the launch of a budget priorities survey.

Residents are invited to provide input into how county taxpayer dollars are spent across county departments and services for the upcoming fiscal year.

The survey is part of an expanded effort to give Riverside County residents more opportunities to voice their opinions earlier in the budget development process.

“The goal is to make our budget process more inclusive and responsive to the needs of our diverse communities,” said Board Chair Chuck Washington, Third District Supervisor. “I’m excited to invite the community to help guide decisions that will impact the future of our region.”

The survey is available online in both English and Spanish. Participants can identify services of greater need in their areas, as well as indicate categories of spending to receive more or less funding. The County encourages all to participate.

To further enhance public engagement, the County will also host five budget workshops throughout the county in early 2025. This ensures accessibility for residents across the vast geographic area of Riverside County.

These workshops, will provide an opportunity for residents to learn about the budget process, share their perspectives, and offer input ahead of the annual budget hearings in June. More details on the workshops will be posted in early 2025.

“Engaging the community earlier in our budget planning is critical to ensuring that we are addressing the needs and priorities of our residents,” said Riverside County Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen. “This survey is a demonstration of the County's commitment to transparency and accountability. Community feedback will be used during the budget process to improve quality of life across the county. This is an important step, and we look forward to hearing from our community.”

Residents are encouraged to access the survey and provide their feedback in either English and Spanish. The survey will remain open until March 2025. The results will help inform decisions on the County’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which starts July 1.

Access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Rivconeeds.

Support for CalFresh Customers Affected by Recent Fires and Power Shutoffs

To our residents impacted by the recent wildfires and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), we understand how challenging these events have been, especially for families who have lost food during prolonged power outages. We want to ensure you have the resources to recover.

CalFresh customers who lost food purchased with benefits due to PSPS have until February 5, 2025, to report their losses and apply for replacement benefits. Additionally, through February 8, 2025, all CalFresh recipients can use their benefits to purchase hot, prepared meals from participating grocery stores.

If you’ve been affected, visit BenefitsCal.com, call 1-877-410-8827, or contact a county social services office to take action. Please consider applying through the same channels for those not currently enrolled in CalFresh but who need food assistance.

We are here to support you through this difficult time and encourage all impacted residents to reach out for assistance.

Hotline Established to Combat Price Gouging During State of Emergency

In light of the recent fires affecting the greater Los Angeles area, including the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires, the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation has launched a Price Gouging Hotline to protect our residents from exploitation during this difficult time.

If you suspect price gouging—when essential goods or services are marked up more than 10% during a declared state of emergency—please report it immediately by calling the Consumer Protection Price Gouging Hotline at (888) 814-8450. Assistance is also available in Spanish.

Reports can also be filed online through the DA’s website or the state Attorney General’s Office.

Price gouging is illegal and applies to essential items like food, water, medicine, diapers, and lodging. Violators face severe penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and restitution to victims.

Riverside County residents, we stand with you during this time of recovery. If you encounter suspected price gouging, please don’t hesitate to take action. Together, we can hold bad actors accountable and protect our community.

Completion of Mockingbird Canyon Road Resurfacing Project - Woodcrest

I’m excited to share that the Mockingbird Canyon Road Resurfacing Project in the community of Woodcrest has been completed. This critical project improved the stretch of Mockingbird Canyon Road between Van Buren Boulevard and El Sobrante Road, ensuring safer and smoother travel for residents and commuters.

Thanks to efficient planning and execution, the project was completed ahead of expectations, delivering outstanding results for our community. I’m grateful to the Transportation and Land Management Department for their hard work and dedication to this successful effort.

Supervisor Spiegel Welcomes Staybridge Suites and Parkview to Eastvale at Grand Opening Event

Supervisor Spiegel joined community leaders and business representatives to celebrate the Grand Opening of Staybridge Suites and Parkview in Eastvale. Read more...

Lake Elsinore Woman’s Club Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Recognition from Supervisor Spiegel

At the Lake Elsinore City Council meeting, Supervisor Spiegel joined city officials in celebrating a significant milestone—the 50th Anniversary of the Lake Elsinore Woman’s Club. Read more...

Riverside Lunar Festival Honors Tradition and Unity

Supervisor Spiegel attended the Riverside Lunar Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture, tradition, and community. Read more...

Celebrating Leadership and Excellence at the 132nd Riverside County Medical Association Awards Dinner

Supervisor Spiegel attended the 132nd Riverside County Medical Association Installation of Officers and Awards Dinner, an inspiring celebration of leadership and excellence in healthcare. Read more...

Honoring the Life and Service of Deputy Timothy Corlew

Surrounded by a community united in grief and gratitude, Supervisor Spiegel joined others at Harvest Christian Fellowship to honor the life and service of Deputy Timothy Corlew. Read more...

Celebrating Community and Business Excellence at Corona Chamber Gala

Supervisor Spiegel joined the Corona Chamber of Commerce for their Annual Installation and Awards Gala at Eagle Glen Golf Club. Read more...

Supervisor Spiegel Attends Dedication of the Joseph Tavaglione Memorial Interchange

Supervisor Spiegel spoke at the dedication of the Joseph Tavaglione Memorial Interchange, honoring an extraordinary leader whose vision and commitment profoundly transformed the Riverside community. Read more...

Supervisor Spiegel Celebrates Outstanding Students at Student of the Month Ceremony

Supervisor Spiegel joined the Riverside County Office of Education in recognizing exceptional high school seniors during the Student of the Month Ceremony. Read more...

Supervisor Spiegel Participates in Riverside County Annual Point-In-Time Count

The Supervisor participated in Riverside County's annual Point-In-Time count alongside the Department of Housing & Workforce Solutions, the City of Corona Police Department, City Net Homeless Services of Riverside County, and a group of dedicated volunteers. Read more...

Supervisor Spiegel Celebrates Pacific Capital’s New Headquarters in Corona

Supervisor Spiegel joined Pacific Capital in celebrating the grand opening of their new headquarters in Corona. Read more...

Community Leaders Unite at Good Morning Corona for Growth and Inspiration

Supervisor Spiegel attended the Corona Chamber of Commerce's monthly Good Morning Corona meeting, where she connected with local leaders and community members dedicated to fostering growth and collaboration in the region. Read more...

Second District Team Celebrates Grand Opening of New Archives Facility

Supervisor Spiegel attended the grand opening of the Riverside County Archives at its new location on the 2nd floor of the Riverside County CAC Building. Read more...

Community Honors Deputy Timothy Corlew at Candlelight Vigil

The City of Norco and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department held a heartfelt Candlelight Vigil to honor the life and service of Deputy Timothy Corlew, whose end of watch was January 8. Read more...

Board of Supervisors Recognize CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department Emergency Medical Dispatchers

The Board of Supervisors was proud to recognize an incredible achievement by the CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department Emergency Medical Dispatchers. Read more...

Woodcrest MAC Meeting Fosters Community Connection

The Second District office hosted the Woodcrest Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) meeting in January, providing community members with valuable updates from County departments. Read more...

85°C Bakery Café Opens First Jurupa Valley Location

The Second District was proud to welcome 85°C Bakery Café to Jurupa Valley at its grand opening ceremony hosted by the Jurupa Valley Chamber of Commerce. Read more...

Inland Empire Economic Partnership Honors Local Leaders at Annual Dinner

Supervisor Spiegel attended the Inland Empire Economic Partnership's Annual Dinner and Awards Reception, an event dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of individuals, companies, and organizations making a lasting impact on Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Read more...

Temescal Valley MAC Meeting Welcomes Community Participation

The Office of Supervisor Karen Spiegel hosted the Temescal Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) meeting, drawing a fantastic turnout from the community. Read more...

Jose Medina Joins Riverside County Board as First District Supervisor

This morning, Supervisor Spiegel and her colleagues attended the swearing-in ceremony for Supervisor Jose Medina, the newest representative for the First District. Read more...

Jeanie Corral - City of Lake Elsinore

Jeanie Corral has lived in Lake Elsinore for over 60 years with her husband and five children. Active in the St. Francis of Rome Church, Jeanie was an organist and a substitute organist in various churches in the area as well. In addition to playing the organ and piano, she was a singer. She and her daughters would sing together and enjoyed performing in the area. In 1974, she began to play for Elsinore Middle School and surrounding High School musicals. With her experience in the area of music and the arts, Temescal Valley High School named their new performing arts center the Jeanie Corral Performing Arts Center.

Well-loved by the staff and students of the schools, Jeanie was elected to the Governing Board of the Lake Elsinore Unified School District in 1988 and went on to serve 24 years as a board member. Jeanie is also a writer and a historian. In her early years of writing, she worked at the Elsinore Valley Sun under Roe Gardner after he bought the paper from Tom Hudson. She knew Tom Hudson and was inspired to continue her writing through his encouragement. She shared that he told her, “Well, if you don’t write it, who will?” She has written numerous books since then. Most of her books record the history of individuals as well as organizations. For example, to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Elsinore High School, she wrote a book covering its history from 1891 through 1991, called If These Walls Could Speak. She also wrote a book that covered the 100 years of the St. Francis of Rome church, one of the early churches in Lake Elsinore.

Jeanie is a past board member of the Elsinore Valley Cemetery District and has been active in other groups within the area. She has been a member of the Lake Elsinore Historical Society and was recently honored by the Elsinore Women’s Club, the oldest organization in Lake Elsinore, for her 50 years as a member of the group. She also organized the Unity in the Community Parades. Jeanie is devoted to the community and works diligently to preserve and document its history. She is truly a well-loved citizen of Lake Elsinore.

Riverside County Professional Firefighters Benevolent Fund

The Riverside County Professional Firefighters Benevolent Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the firefighters and cooperators of Riverside County, one of California’s largest counties. This benevolent fund aims to assist these courageous men and women during times of need while supporting nonprofit organizations affiliated with the fire service, such as cancer research and burn institutes. Governed by a board of directors, the fund partners with District VI of Riverside County, a 501(c)(4) organization, to extend support to initiatives like diabetes and cancer research, RAGNAR events, and more. The fund collaborates with financial organizations to help members meet their broader financial needs, ensuring support for the firefighting community. To learn more please visit https://www.rcpfbf.com/.

Riverside County Emergency Management Department

The Riverside County Emergency Management Department (EMD), established in May 2015, is dedicated to safeguarding the community through an innovative, all-hazards approach to emergency management. By addressing the four key phases—mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery—EMD works in a unified manner to support Riverside County Operational Area stakeholders. Their mission is to enhance the safety and security of the entire community, leading efforts to mitigate risks, prepare for challenges, and respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters. Learn more...

Riverside County Fire Department

The Riverside County Fire Department is committed to protecting lives, property, and the environment through excellence in fire protection, emergency response, and community risk reduction. Partnering with CAL FIRE, the department delivers comprehensive fire and emergency services across Riverside County, including firefighting, rescue operations, hazardous materials response, and disaster preparedness. Learn more...

Riverside County Department of Social Services (DPSS)

The Riverside County Department of Social Services (DPSS) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and families by providing essential services and resources. DPSS supports the community through various programs, including child and adult protective services, employment and self-sufficiency initiatives, and access to vital public assistance programs such as food and housing support. Learn more...

NOW RECRUITING: Boards, Committees & Commissions

Interested in getting involved with local Boards, Committees & Commissions within the Second District?

Now accepting applications for:

Behavioral Health Commission
Children and Families Advisory Committee
Fair Board
El Sobrante Landfill Citizen Oversight Committee
Temescal Valley Municipal Advisory Council
Lakeland Village Community Advisory Council

For more information, please visit https://rivcodistrict2.org/boards-committees-commissions

Board of Supervisors Meetings:

February 4 - 9:30 a.m. at 4080 Lemon St., 1st Floor, Riverside, CA 92501. Learn more...
February 11 - NO MEETING
February 18 - NO MEETING
February 25 - 9:30 a.m. at 4080 Lemon St., 1st Floor, Riverside, CA 92501. Learn more...

Municipal/Community Advisory Council Meetings:

Temescal Valley MAC - February 19 at 6:30 p.m. at The Clubhouse at Horsethief at 13289 Mountain Rd., Temescal Valley, CA 92883. Learn more...
Woodcrest MAC - NO MEETING. Learn more...
Lakeland Village CAC - February 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lakeland Village Community Center at 16275 Grand Ave., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530. Learn more...