County's Transportation Department completes final ARPA-funded project
In April 2026, the completion of the Clark Street Sidewalk and Resurfacing Project marked the successful delivery of all 23 projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) totaling $43.7 million for the County of Riverside. Transportation met every ARPA deadline, awarding all contracts by December 2024 and completing construction well ahead of the December 2026 expenditure deadline. This achievement reflects the hard work and collaboration of staff across the department.
On Clark Street, a 1.5‑mile segment between Martin Street and Nandina Avenue was resurfaced and crews added new sidewalk, curb, and gutter along the east side of the roadway. During construction, crews identified drainage conflicts and designed a customized solution using drop inlets and 600 feet of perforated pipe to capture and naturally infiltrate stormwater.
Thanks to the efforts of staff countywide, ARPA funding delivered significant community improvements and strengthened infrastructure across Riverside County.
A surveyor’s legacy: Ernie Pintor’s final hand‑drawn map marks the end of an era
At 91 years old, Ernie Pintor has dedicated his life to surveying - first with the Transportation Department, and later running his own surveying business. For decades, Ernie helped shape the communities we live in, mapping the land one careful measurement at a time.
Recently, he turned in his final survey to TLMA - a hand drawn map. A rare sight today in a field now dominated by digital tools. His work reminds us of the craftsmanship, precision, and human touch that shaped the foundation of our modern systems.
Some careers leave a mark. Ernie Pintor’s left lines across Riverside County.
County and city leaders unite to break ground on Mission Boulevard Bridge Project
The Transportation Department officially broke ground on the Mission Boulevard Bridge Project on April 29, marking a major step forward in enhancing safety, mobility, and community connectivity along one of the region’s most heavily traveled corridors.
First District Supervisor Jose Medina and Second District Supervisor Karen Spiegel along with TLMA Agency Director Rania Odenbaugh, Riverside Mayor Pro Tem Steven Robillard, and Jurupa Valley Mayor Brian Berkson spoke during the event and highlighted the project’s importance for local residents, businesses, and long‑term regional planning.
The new bridge will offer meaningful improvements that directly enhance everyday travel, including a protected path for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians connecting them to the Santa Ana River Trail, a raised center median designed to prevent vehicles from drifting into oncoming traffic, and new shoulders that give motorists a safe place to pull over during emergencies.
The groundbreaking marks the beginning of a multi‑phase effort that reflects the Transportation's commitment to investing in infrastructure that strengthens neighborhoods and supports future development.
Construction is now underway, with updates to be shared as the project progresses.
Project TEAM students bring real‑world skills to Code Enforcement
Project TEAM students stopped by Riverside County Code Enforcement and showed off the real‑world skills they’re building in Riverside USD’s Adult Transition Program.
This program supports young adults ages 18-22 as they gear up for post‑secondary life through vocational training and independent living skills. They’re leveling up through Project Grille, where they plan budgets, earn food‑handler certifications, and sharpen their kitchen skills — plus PT Café, where they learn barista basics. Today they helped serve Code Enforcement with total professionalism, and we’re excited for the future when our fully permitted kitchen will let them serve meals made right in the classroom.
Code Enforcement helps keep 2026 festival season safe and compliant
During the 2026 festival season, Riverside County Code Enforcement played a key role in supporting safe and compliant events across the Coachella Valley.
Code Enforcement Officers on duty conducted 53 event inspections, responded to 19 noise-related calls for service, and performed additional patrols in festival-impacted communities. Enforcement efforts also resulted in 54 Short-Term Rental operational requirement citations and multiple actions addressing vendor, parking, and zoning violations.
Through proactive compliance monitoring and coordination with partner agencies, the team helped ensure festival operations remained safe, organized, and responsive to the needs of both residents and visitors.
Safety by design: How ALUC protects Riverside County
Riverside County’s Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) plays a vital role in protecting communities while supporting responsible growth around local airports.
ALUC establishes safety zones, land‑use compatibility guidelines, and data‑driven development standards to reduce risk in areas where aircraft operate. This planning has real‑world impact. For example, when an aircraft went down near March Air Reserve Base, it crashed into a warehouse rather than a high‑occupancy building — an outcome shaped by long‑standing ALUC land‑use designations designed to keep people safe.
The Commission oversees planning efforts around 15 airports across Riverside County, ensuring development remains both safe and compatible with aviation activity.
Learn more about ALUC and its work at rcaluc.org.
Mecca celebrates new park and greening project
Transportation Department Director Dennis Acuna speaks at the Mecca Park ribbon cutting.
A brand‑new chapter of community space opened in the heart of Mecca. Riverside County completed a vibrant new park and greening project, and residents gathered to celebrate its official debut on May 20.
The ribbon‑cutting event brought families together for an evening filled with snacks, games, face painting, and plenty of community pride. Director of Transportation Dennis Acuna and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez shared how the project came to life and what it means for Mecca’s future.
One of the standout features of the project is its long‑term commitment to sustainability. All trees and greenery throughout the park will be maintained by the County at no cost to nearby property owners. As these trees mature, they’ll provide much‑needed shade, a welcome benefit during Mecca’s warm seasons.
The new Mecca Park is now officially open, and the community is invited to come explore, relax, and enjoy this thoughtfully designed public space.
Public workshop held on proposed March ARB/IPA Compatibility Plan update
The Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission held a public workshop in May for property owners in areas affected by the proposed 2026 update to the March Air Reserve Base/Inland Port Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. The workshop provided an overview of the proposed changes and gave community members an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback about how the update may affect future land use around the base.
The updated plan incorporates new Air Force studies and current aircraft activity to help ensure long‑term safety and noise protection for surrounding neighborhoods. It also refines where certain types of development, such as housing, taller buildings, and other noise‑sensitive uses, are appropriate based on updated flight paths, noise conditions, and military operations. In addition, the amendments introduce clearer guidelines for solar‑glare prevention, warehouse intensity, and security buffers along the base perimeter, while maintaining previously approved project exceptions.
Airport apron project updates: Hemet-Ryan and French Valley
Top row: Hemet-Ryan apron before, during and after. Bottom row: French Valley apron during and after
At Hemet-Ryan Airport, crews are wrapping up Phase 2 of the apron project, bringing the overall project close to completion. These upgrades enhance safety, pavement conditions, and long‑term operational reliability for airport users.
At French Valley Airport (F70), work has just begun on Phase 2 of an 11‑phase apron reconstruction and improvement program. Construction will continue through late September, with phased scheduling designed to keep the airport operational while major pavement and infrastructure upgrades move forward.
Introducing WaitWell: Building & Safety’s new appointment and customer service platform
Building & Safety has implemented WaitWell, a comprehensive appointment scheduling and customer service management platform designed to enhance operational efficiency and elevate the customer experience.
With WaitWell, customers can conveniently schedule appointments through mobile devices, web access, or the dedicated application interface. The system provides our Counter Services team with a streamlined and user‑friendly way to manage customer interactions, benefiting our customers.
WaitWell is fully customizable to meet the department’s specific operational needs and offers valuable tools for tracking real-time data, monitoring service timeframes, and improving overall scheduling efficiency.
Code Enforcement participates in Read Across America and Career Day
On March 20, Code Enforcement Officers Claudio Tagle and Gabrielle Velasquez took part in Westside Elementary’s Read Across America and Career Day. They read to students from Transitional Kindergarten through 6th grade and provided an overview of careers in Code Enforcement, highlighting the role the department plays in maintaining safe and healthy communities.
The officers engaged with a diverse group of students, including many bilingual learners, creating a meaningful and interactive experience. Positive feedback from both students and staff, along with the curiosity and enthusiasm shown by the students, made the event a rewarding opportunity to connect with the next generation.
Joint outreach effort connects individuals with services and resolves property concerns
Code Enforcement's Combustible Materials Task Force (CMTF) recently partnered with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) to conduct outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness on private property.
Working together, team members connected individuals with available services and resources, resulting in one person accepting emergency housing assistance.
Following outreach efforts, property owners voluntarily cleaned both affected properties, helping resolve community concerns related to the encampments.
This collaborative effort demonstrates the County’s commitment to combining compassionate outreach with proactive public safety and neighborhood preservation initiatives.
A light-hearted start to Building & Safety Month
If you watch the video above, you'll see our team having a little fun to kick off Building & Safety Month, a lighthearted moment that reminded us how much personality and teamwork shape the work we do.
Each year, Building & Safety Month highlights the importance of safe, well‑constructed communities. Our team works year‑round to ensure homes, businesses, and public spaces across Riverside County meet the highest standards for safety, resilience, and sustainability.
From plan checks and inspections to code compliance and public education, these efforts help protect lives, strengthen neighborhoods, and support responsible development.
We appreciate our residents, builders, and partners who work with us to keep our communities safe.
ADU/Additional Residential Accommodations ordinance update
Enabling development of small-scale housing supports the goal of providing more housing choices for Riverside County’s communities. To implement Housing Element programs and State law requirements, Planning Department is updating the Additional Residential Accommodations (ARA) article in Ordinance No. 348 to streamline housing development standards and facilitate easier implementation by staff and the public.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a driver of this ordinance update. In Riverside County, ADUs are a popular housing option that’s faster and cheaper to build compared to traditional single-family dwellings. What makes Riverside County unique is that we allow several additional residential housing types, including ADUs, Junior ADUs, SB 9 Units, Second Units, Guest Quarters, Ranchets, and Multiple Owner Group Units. We go beyond the state minimum to encourage a wider range of housing options. This ordinance update will modernize and streamline our ADU laws to increase housing supply and diversity in unincorporated areas.
We anticipate taking the ordinance update to Planning Commission in Summer 2026, with a Board of Supervisors hearing projected for Fall 2026.
Welcome to our new Planning Commissioners
Daryl Terrell and Ariel Savage
District 5 – Daryl Terrell
Daryl Terrell was appointed Planning Commissioner for District 5 on April 14, 2026. A Moreno Valley resident for more than 38 years, Terrell has spent over three decades engaged in community advocacy, consistently speaking up for quality-of-life issues and thoughtful neighborhood growth. He holds both an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science from Riverside Community College, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UC Riverside.
Terrell previously served on the City of Moreno Valley Planning Commission, where he emphasized balanced development and strong representation for residents. With more than 15 years working in Moreno Valley at Lowe’s and three years with Stater Bros., he brings a grounded understanding of the daily experiences of local families. He believes effective planning should reflect community needs, support responsible growth, and ensure no neighborhood is left behind. In his spare time, he enjoys reading history and science fiction.
District 1 – Ariel Savage
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors appointed Ariel Savage as the new District 1 Planning Commissioner on July 1, 2025. Savage is the Director of Development & External Affairs at TruEvolution, a nonprofit focused on community-based housing development and health access in the Inland Empire. A lifelong resident of District 1 and graduate of John W. North High School, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and is currently pursuing an MBA at UCLA.
Savage serves on the Board of Directors of the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California, contributes to the policy committee for Blue Zones Project Riverside, participates in the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Unity Council, and is a Co-Principal Investigator for the Southern California HIV/AIDS Policy Research Center. Her background also includes work in arts education and small business support. She brings a strong commitment to smart, sustainable, and community-centered planning. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, practicing yoga, and walking her dog, Nabi.
Agricultural Employee Housing update
Providing safe housing for agricultural workers is an important part of supporting Riverside County’s agricultural communities. To implement Housing Element programs and State law requirements, Planning Department is updating Ordinance No. 348 to introduce a new streamlined, ministerial process for three types of agriculture employee housing:
Small Employee Housing
- Housing for six or fewer employees, typically in a single-family residence
Polanco Parks
- Dormitory-style housing for up to 36 beds or 12 units
- Includes mobile homes, manufactured homes, or RV-style units in agriculture zones
Agricultural Employee Housing
- Up to 36 individual units, not dorm style
- Limited to properties with General Plan land use designation of Agriculture
- Precluded in areas where development is restricted due to environmental constraints
- Requires a certified operator and long-term affordability
Riverside County Planning Commission recommended approval of the project on May 6th. The project will move forward to Board of Supervisors hearings, which is anticipated in Summer 2026.
To learn more about the ordinance update, visit this link.
Transportation Department Performance Measures
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