Monthly Third District Update

Park Passes and Chromebooks Available at Your Local County Library  

Visit any Riverside County library to pick up a California State Park Pass for free access to over 200 parks, lakes, beaches, and monuments in the State Park system. Passes are available at each location, including the library connect mobile resource vans, and can be borrowed for up to two weeks. Funded by a collaboration between the California State Parks and the California State Library, we hope to remove the economic barriers families and individuals face to access the great outdoors. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3MEceu3. 

While you’re at the library, consider checking out a Chromebook. The Riverside County Library System recently announced a new program that allows patrons to borrow browser-only laptops for up to three weeks to help with job hunting, schoolwork, streaming, and much more. Ask your library for details and availability. 

FUNdraiser for Assistance League of Temecula Valley 

Help fundraise for Assistance League of Temecula Valley by using code ALTV when purchasing tickets to the June 22, 2022, Lake Elsinore Storm Baseball Game. Proceeds will be used to support Assistance League’s many philanthropic programs that support local Southwest Riverside communities. Visit http://stormbaseball.com to purchase your tickets today. To learn more about Assistance League’s programs and services, click here. 

Medi-Cal Coverage Expansion 

Did you know Medi-Cal coverage expanded on May 1, 2022, to include eligible individuals that are 50 years and older regardless of citizenship status? The expansion is expected to provide coverage to an additional 185,000 Californians, including at least 10,000 residents in Riverside County.

In 2019, California became the first state to extend Medi-Cal coverage to all eligible undocumented young adults up to the age of 26 and with this expansion, the state has the most inclusive health coverage for low-income persons in the country. To apply, visit www.benefitscal.com or call 877-410-8827. 

Supervisor Seeks Applicants for Vacancies on Third District Boards, Committees and Commissions 

Are you a dedicated individual interested in serving your community? Riverside County has numerous boards, committees and commissions comprised of appointed members of the public. These appointees serve in an advisory capacity and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Washington is invariably seeking residents to represent the Third District who are willing to work hard to better their community. To view a complete list of vacant positions, visit: https://bit.ly/3ulcchU. 

Scams Target Senior Population, Part 14 

Taken from “CARE: When Trust is a Weapon,” by the County of Riverside Department of Public Social Services  

As the population of older adults in Riverside County increases, we see more and more scammers trying to trick the elderly community. This article is part fourteen of a series on fraud that targets older adults. This week’s article focuses on text message scams. 

Phishing is a fraudulent practice of sending scam emails. Scammers use phishing emails or text messages to trick someone into disclosing personal information, such as account numbers or social security numbers. Phony text messages also often try to get you to click on a link by offering you free gifts or prizes. Clicking on the link can install malware on your phone which collects data from your phone that is sold to others. 

Never send any private information in a text message and never reply to a message asking you for such information. Criminals may include the name of a legitimate company to lure you into thinking the text message is genuine. Call the company directly to inquire if the message is legitimate. Companies don’t normally ask for a password or account number through text. 

Never share your cell number on social media sites. Your cell phone number can be as valuable as your social security number in the wrong hands. Phony text messages can allow scammers to access your personal information including your email accounts. 

Place your cell number on the National Do Not Call Registry. Customers of AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon can report spam text messages by forwarding the message to 7726 (SPAM). You can also make a report with the FTC at www.ftc.gov for any unsolicited text messages you receive. 

Riverside County COVID-19 Update 

As of Tuesday, May 10, 2022, Riverside County’s COVID-19 case rate per 100,000 residents is 10.2, and our positivity rate is 5.1 percent. In Riverside County, 6.5 percent are partially vaccinated (152,416 residents), 62.4 percent have completed the primary series (1,453,782 residents), and 32.7 percent (687,622 residents) have received their additional/booster dose.

Help keep our community safe by getting your COVID-19 vaccines. To make an appointment, call 211 or visit www.ruhealth.org/covid-19-vaccine. You can also schedule an appointment at a community health center by calling 800-945-6171. If you are unable to leave your home for medical reasons, you can be vaccinated from the comfort of your home by calling 833-422-4255 or visiting myturn.ca.gov. If you recently tested positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms, you may be eligible for monoclonal antibody treatment. For more information, please call the RUHS Medical Center at 951-486-6520.   

Daily updates on the county’s COVID-19 cases are posted at www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus, on Facebook at @countyriversidedepartmentofpublichealth, and on Twitter at @RivCoDoc. For state updates, visit www.cdph.ca.gov, and for national updates, visit www.cdc.gov.