Spiegel Spotlight: News for District 2 - December 2025

County of Riverside California - External sent this bulletin at 12/02/2025 01:01 PM PST

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

Dear Friends and Second District Residents,

Before we shift into December, I want to reflect on the many things that took place in November.

Last month offered significant opportunities to highlight the work taking place across District 2 and throughout Riverside County to strengthen public services, support our residents, and uphold the values that guide our communities. The events and recognitions we participated in were reminders of the responsibilities we share in serving the people who rely on county programs, partnerships, and leadership every day.

We honored our veterans through Operation Green Light and Veterans Day ceremonies, reaffirming the county’s commitment to supporting those who have served. These observances draw attention to the challenges veterans continue to face and reinforce our responsibility to ensure they receive the respect, resources, and recognition they have earned.

At our Board of Supervisors meetings, we recognized retired educators and IHSS caregivers whose work is vital to Riverside County. Retired teachers continue to guide and support young people long after their classroom careers end, and caregivers provide essential assistance that allows older adults and individuals with disabilities to remain safely in their homes. We also paused to acknowledge Kristallnacht, reaffirming our ongoing commitment to stand firmly against antisemitism and discrimination in all forms.

Across District 2, we joined partners and community organizations addressing core needs for families and individuals, including recovery services, child welfare and adoption, and disability support programs. From Fairmount Park’s Recovery Happens event to Adoption Finalization Day at the Historic Courthouse, these gatherings reflect the strength of the safety net that serves our county’s most vulnerable residents.

We continued to prioritize local engagement. Municipal Advisory Council meetings in Temescal Valley and Woodcrest brought residents together with county departments to discuss community priorities and provide direct feedback. In Lake Elsinore, we remained engaged as the city navigates leadership transitions and hears public concerns regarding future development. These conversations help shape how our neighborhoods grow and ensure residents’ voices remain central in that process.

District 2 also saw progress in economic development and community infrastructure. We joined the community in celebrating the opening of the new Lakeland Village Library, facility upgrades at the Elsinore Valley Cemetery District, and expanded health services in Eastvale and Norco. Events such as the Jurupa Valley and Corona State of the City programs underscored continued collaboration between county and city leadership to support public safety, economic stability, and long-term planning.

Throughout the month, we recognized students, volunteers, and organizations whose work continues to strengthen our region, from CNUSD’s Student of the Month program to the Just Serve Awards in Corona, Ability Counts’ annual gala, and community efforts supporting military families. These moments highlight the dedication of residents who give their time and talent to improve others' lives.

As we step into winter, December includes several meaningful observances that remind us of our shared history and our collective responsibility to one another. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7 honors those who lost their lives and the generation that shaped the course of our nation. National Memorial Day for Persons in Homelessness on December 21 calls attention to the individuals who have died without a stable shelter and the urgent need for continued work toward housing and support. Christmas on December 25, Hanukkah from December 14 through December 22, and Kwanzaa from December 26 through January 1 each bring opportunities for reflection, community, and gratitude. And as the year concludes on December 31, New Year’s Eve offers a moment to acknowledge our progress and prepare for the work ahead.

This holiday season, our communities will come together for gatherings and traditions that bring families, neighbors, and local organizations closer. At the end of this newsletter, you will find a list of upcoming holiday events across District 2 to help residents stay informed, connected, and engaged throughout this season.

During these holidays and moments of remembrance, I encourage residents to take time to rest, reconnect with loved ones, and care for their own well-being. This season can be demanding for many families, and making space for reflection and meaningful time together is essential. Your health, safety, and stability remain top priorities, and we hope this season gives you the chance to recharge and look toward the new year with renewed purpose.

As you continue through this newsletter, I encourage you to review the updates and resources included. You will find information on upcoming events, county programs, and services available to residents across District 2 and Riverside County. Staying informed is one of the most effective ways to engage with the work happening in our communities, and we are committed to keeping you connected to the programs and initiatives that support you and your family throughout the year.

Warmly,

District 2 Things to Know

The Board approved $63,000 in District 2 Unincorporated Communities Initiative funds to bring eighteen mobile veterinary clinics to our unincorporated areas. These clinics will offer low-cost spay and neuter services along with basic wellness care in Warm Springs, Lakeland Village, Lake Matthews, Home Gardens, Woodcrest, Temescal Valley, and El Cerrito. This investment expands access to essential animal care issues and supports public safety by reducing pet overpopulation.

The Board also approved $20,000 in Community Improvement Designation funds to support several District 2 organizations that provide youth enrichment, food assistance, and community programming. Funding was awarded to Crystal Roses, the 100 Mile Club, Chabad Jewish Community of Riverside, the Navy League Corona-Riverside Council, the City of Corona, and Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino. These partnerships help strengthen educational opportunities, civic engagement, and services for families across our district. Each of these organizations touches residents directly through programs that build healthier and more connected communities.

RUHS will move forward with the purchase of the Jurupa Valley Community Health Center to bring long-term stability to this essential local medical facility. The nearly 40,000-square-foot clinic has served residents since 2018. Purchasing the site ends the county’s lease and ensures that RUHS can continue to expand services.

A similar purchase was approved for the RUHS Community Health Center in Corona. This 45,204-square-foot clinic has been leased since 2017, and full ownership would give the county control over future improvements and long-term service planning. The purchase also protects local access to primary care, behavioral health support, and specialty services. This investment reflects the county’s commitment to ensuring that District 2 residents have dependable and accessible healthcare.

The Board awarded the contract for the Hostettler Road drainage improvement project in Temescal Valley. Flooding in this area has long created hazards for residents of Horsethief Canyon Ranch, and these upgrades will help prevent roadway closures and unsafe conditions during storms. Construction will require a full sixty-day closure of Hostettler Road, with residential access maintained and detours provided. Once complete, this project will significantly improve safety and reliability for thousands of daily drivers.

The Board approved $15,000 in Community Improvement Designation funds to support additional District 2 programs, including Voices for Children, the UNITY Youth Advocacy Council, the City of Norco, and the Rubidoux High School Choir. These funds support foster youth advocacy, leadership development, local arts, and community-based initiatives. Each organization plays a vital role in expanding youth opportunities and strengthening community pride. These investments help support programs that directly benefit families across multiple District 2 communities.

Countywide Things to Know

The Board approved a new five-year agreement to provide Spanish interpretation at all Board of Supervisors meetings. This service ensures that Spanish-speaking residents have equitable access to public discussions, policy decisions, and county proceedings. It also reflects the county’s ongoing commitment to language access and civic participation. Expanding interpretation services strengthens transparency and makes it easier for more residents to engage in local government.

The First Quarter Budget Report shows that the County of Riverside remains in a stable financial position with projected discretionary revenue of approximately 1.34 billion dollars and general fund reserves estimated at 746 million dollars. Despite this stability, many departments continue to experience high service demand, requiring ongoing monitoring and responsible adjustments. The county continues to balance essential services with long-term fiscal health. This update provides a clear picture of the county’s current financial standing as we move into the subsequent phases of the fiscal year.

The Executive Office received approval to begin a countywide Zero Emission Fleet Transition Plan to comply with state clean fleet regulations. This plan will guide Riverside County's conversion of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to zero-emission technology in the coming years. The work includes a complete evaluation of operations, infrastructure needs, and vehicle replacement timelines. This is the first significant step in preparing the county for future state requirements.

Several key public health programs were renewed or expanded, including initiatives supporting nurse home visiting for first-time mothers, community health worker services for Medi-Cal members, and countywide disease prevention programs for tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, and other reportable conditions. These programs strengthen the county’s capacity to support children, families, and vulnerable populations. Continued funding ensures that residents across all districts have reliable access to critical prevention and health education resources. Together, these programs modernize and reinforce the county’s public health infrastructure.

Festival of Trees Launches Season of Giving in Support of Children’s Health

The RUHS Foundation welcomed community members to this year’s Festival of Trees. Read more...

Riverside County Honors IHSS Caregivers During National Family Caregivers Month

The essential work of In-Home Supportive Services caregivers took center stage as Riverside County hosted a celebration recognizing more than fifty-five thousand caregivers who support older adults and individuals with disabilities. Read more...

Norco Chamber Breakfast Spotlights Local Nonprofits Supporting the Community

The District 2 team attended the Norco Area Chamber’s monthly Business Breakfast Roundtable, where local nonprofits shared updates on how they are addressing community needs. Read more...

District 2 Staff Participate in Community CPR and First Aid Training

One of our District 2 team members completed a community CPR and First Aid course organized for a local pickleball club. Read more...

Corona State of the City Highlights Investments and Community Priorities

The District 2 team joined the Corona State of the City event, where city leadership outlined key projects and continued efforts to support residents, businesses, and public safety. Read more...

Lake Elsinore City Council Addresses Key Issues at Recent Meeting

The District 2 team attended the latest Lake Elsinore City Council meeting, where leaders addressed several vital topics affecting the community. Read more...

District 2 Youth Deliver Artwork for MilVet Care Packages

The District 2 team joined MilVet and community volunteers for a care package assembly event supporting deployed service members. Read more...

Ability Counts Annual Gala Highlights Inclusion and Opportunity

Ability Counts Inc. hosted its annual gala charity dinner at the Circle City Center, bringing together community members dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through employment and support programs. Read more...

Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center Celebrates Six Decades of Community Impact

The District 2 team joined the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center and the Jurupa Area Recreation and Park District to celebrate a partnership that has been 61 years in the making. Read more...

Nurture, Outreach, Resiliency, and Advocacy (NORA) Hosts Annual Gala Celebrating Community Leaders Supporting Survivors

The NORA Annual Dinner and Auction Gala brought together advocates committed to supporting survivors of interpersonal violence. Read more...

American Legion Post 328 Commemorates Naval and Marine Corps Heritage

The Supervisor joined American Legion Post 328 in Norco to honor the 250th birthdays of the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. Read more...

CNUSD Student of the Month Ceremony Celebrates Local Achievement

The District 2 team attended the CNUSD Student of the Month ceremony, where outstanding students were honored for academic achievement, character, and leadership. Read more...

Polaris Awards Honor First Five Riverside County for Excellence in Public Engagement

The Polaris Awards recognized First Five Riverside County for its drowning prevention media advisory held at the Corona-Norco Family YMCA, Auburndale Pool. Read more...

Jurupa Valley State of the City Highlights Progress and Community Partnership

The District 2 team attended the Jurupa Valley State of the City, where Mayor Brian Berkson provided updates on key projects and the city’s direction for the coming years. Read more...

EVER Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Opens in Norco

The District 2 team joined the Norco Area Chamber in welcoming EVER Medical Aesthetics and Wellness at its ribbon-cutting event. Read more...

Municipal Advisory Councils Bring Residents and County Departments Together

The District 2 team hosted both the Temescal Valley and Woodcrest Municipal Advisory Council meetings, creating opportunities for direct dialogue between residents, community leaders, and county departments. Read more...

Eastvale Preserve Dialysis Celebrates Re-Grand Opening

Eastvale marked the re-grand opening of Eastvale Preserve Dialysis, newly relocated from its former Norco location. Read more...

Elsinore Valley Cemetery District Unveils New Administrative Building

The District 2 team joined the Elsinore Valley Cemetery District to celebrate the opening of its new Administrative Building, a facility designed to strengthen service to families with care and dignity. Read more...

District 2 Honors Veterans Through Ceremonies Across the Region

Veterans Day ceremonies across District 2 offered powerful reminders of the meaning of service. Read more...

Lake Elsinore Glow Walk Lights Up the Community

The levee trail in Lake Elsinore glowed brightly as families and residents gathered for the city’s annual Glow Walk. Read more...

Spirit of Norco Monument Ceremony Honors Local Contributors

The Norco community gathered to celebrate this year’s honorees at the Spirit of Norco Monument, a ceremony that reflects the legacy of Kathy Azevedo. Read more...

Lakeland Village Celebrates Grand Opening of New Library

Lakeland Village marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its new library. Read more...

Lake Elsinore Craft Fair and Chili Cookoff Brings Fall Spirit to the Community

Lake Elsinore embraced its fall spirit as the Elsinore Women’s Club hosted its annual Craft Fair and Chili Cookoff. Read more...

NDR Therapeutic Riding Marks Fifteen Years of Service

The District 2 team joined the Norco community to celebrate NDR Therapeutic Riding’s 15th anniversary, recognizing the organization’s impact on individuals with disabilities through equine-assisted services. Read more...

Just Serve Awards Night Spotlights Community Leaders in Corona

The 2025 Just Serve Awards Night delivered a compelling reminder of how individual commitment can shape an entire community. Read more...

Celebrating Culture and Community at Norco’s Día de los Muertos Festival

Our District 2 staff joined the City of Norco earlier this month for its annual Día de los Muertos celebration, where community spirit was on full display. Read more...

Lake Elsinore's Dia De Los Muertos Celebration

The District 2 team joined the Lake Elsinore community for this year’s Día de los Muertos celebration in Historic Downtown Main Street, which served as a powerful reminder of how tradition, art, and culture bring people together across generations. Read more...

A Day of Joy and New Beginnings for Riverside County Families

Supervisor Spiegel had the privilege of joining the Department of Public Social Services for the 17th Annual Riverside County Adoption Finalization Day at the Historic Courthouse, where the joy in the room was impossible to miss. Read more...

A Day Filled with Resiliency and Healing

Supervisor Spiegel's office joined RUHS Behavioral Health at Fairmount Park for Recovery Happens 2025, a day centered on healing, resilience, and the people who made recovery possible in Riverside County. Read more...

Riverside County Takes a Moment to Remember History

The Board paused to recognize Kristallnacht, a moment in history that underscores what happens when hatred goes unchecked and human dignity is ignored. Read more...

County Recognizes November as National Caregivers Month

Riverside County recognized National Caregivers Month with a Proclamation presentation to the Riverside County IHSS Public Authority and United Domestic Workers. Read more...

Supervisor Spiegel Hosts Operation Green Light for 4th Year in a Row

The community came together in a powerful way for the Operation Green Light Ceremony for Veterans. Read more...

Board of Supervisors Recognize Retired Teachers During Board Meeting

At the November 6 Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Spiegel and her colleagues recognized Retired Teachers Week and presented a Proclamation to the California Retired Teachers Association. Read more...

RUHS Foundation

RUHS Foundation has been strengthening Riverside County’s public health system since 1989, when it was created to support the vital work of RUHS Medical Center. What began with a focus on protecting vulnerable children has grown into a broad mission that backs the entire RUHS network, including the Medical Center, Behavioral Health, Public Health, and 14 community clinics. Through partnerships with donors and community stakeholders, the Foundation helps ensure that our county’s 2.35 million residents have access to high-quality care, critical services, and the safety net resources they rely on. Learn more...

Leila Johnson - City of Jurupa Valley

Leila (Lee) Johnson has been a cherished member of the Eddie D. Smith Senior Center for more than a decade. As the instructor of the ceramics class, she brings not only her expertise but also a deep and heartfelt dedication to both the center and her craft. Over the past 10 years, Lee has volunteered more than 3,000 hours, a testament to her unwavering commitment to our community.

Lee spends countless hours preparing molds at home and ensuring everything is ready for her students. Despite any language barriers, she has created an incredibly inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels welcome. Her cheerful, easygoing nature has helped her class flourish, growing steadily in both size and spirit.

At 94, Lee continues to inspire us all with her boundless energy, positivity, and passion for ceramics. Her classroom is always a warm, inviting space — free of stress and full of creativity.

A proud resident of Jurupa Valley since 1988, Lee extends her generosity and service far beyond the senior center. She volunteers at the Glen Avon Library on the first Thursday of every month and has also served for eight years as a dedicated member of the Riverside County Citizen Patrol, helping keep the community safe.

Lee’s talents don’t stop there. She is also an excellent gardener and was a member of the California Rare Fruit Growers group. Her love for nurturing both plants and people shines through in everything she does. Leila is truly a remarkable, active, and selfless role model in our community.

Leila’s passion for teaching, community service, and nurturing others has left a lasting imprint on Jurupa Valley and beyond. The Senior Legacy Awards are proud to honor her as a shining example of what it means to live a life of purpose and service.

NOW RECRUITING: Boards, Committees & Commissions

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

Now accepting applications for:

Children and Families Advisory Committee
Flood Control Commission

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

Board of Supervisors Meetings:

December 2 - NO MEETING
December 9 - 9:30 a.m. at 4080 Lemon St., 1st Floor, Riverside, CA 92501. Learn more...
December 16 - 9:30 a.m. at 4080 Lemon St., 1st Floor, Riverside, CA 92501. Learn more...
December 23 - NO MEETING
December 30 - NO MEETING

Municipal/Community Advisory Council Meetings:

Temescal Valley MAC - NO MEETING. Learn more...
Woodcrest MAC - NO MEETING. Learn more...
Lakeland Village CAC - Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Lakeland Village Community Center at 16275 Grand Ave., Lake Elsinore, 92530. Learn more...