Monthly Third District Newsletter - July 2023

Dear Third District Resident,  

In June, my colleagues and I approved an $8.6 billion budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year that will increase access to county services and ensure the continuation of vital programs for residents. In the approved budget, $1.8 million was specifically included to improve enforcement of the County’s short-term rental ordinance. The budget provides $825,000 to Code Enforcement to create a 10-person countywide team, four of whom will be dedicated to short term rental ordinance enforcement in Wine Country.

In addition to these priorities, the approved County budget was increased 15.1% over the previous fiscal year and will provide $2.5 billion for Health Services, $2 billion for Public Safety, $1.9 billion for Human Services, and $977 million for Public Works and Community Services. My colleagues and I also approved $2,486,000 in ARPA funding to Riverside County’s Murrieta Innovation Center (MIC), as well as the distribution of $316,900 in Third District Community Improvement Designation (CID) funds to 18 organizations whose work directly benefits residents of the Third District. 

The Riverside County 2023-2024 fiscal year budget went into effect as of July 1, 2023. To read more about the budget, please click here.  

Sincere Regards,

Save the Date: 2023 State of the Third District 

Join us on October 18th, 2023 at Pechanga Resort Casino from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. to learn more about the thriving Third District and how we are “Partnering for Success” with our local, state and federal leaders.

If you would like to attend or sponsor the event, please visit stateofthedistrict2023.eventbrite.com.

Fairview Fire Community Clean up  

On September 5th, 2022, a blaze started near the intersection of Fairview Ave. and Bautista Canyon Rd. in the unincorporated community of East Hemet. Recognized as the Fairview Fire, the blaze would grow to nearly 28,100 acres. Tragically, 13 structures were destroyed, prompting multiple property owners to reach out to the Third District Office in need of assistance.

Working in conjunction with Waste Management Inc. and Riverside County’s Department of Waste Resources, we stepped in and provided six property owners with free delivery and removal of 40-yard roll-off dumpsters. Additionally, our office coordinated volunteers from the Team Rubicon Group to assist property owners with the laborious clean-up operation.  

The Third District Team and I would like to thank the county’s Department of Waste Resources and Emergency Management Department, Waste Management Inc., and Team Rubicon for their partnership in this effort. It is successful partnerships like these that make the Third District Thrive. For more information on Team Rubicon, visit teamrubiconusa.org.

Murrieta State of the City 2023 Address 

Last month, Third District staff and I attended the Murrieta State of the City address presented by Mayor Lisa DeForest at the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort Conference Center. 

It was an honor to celebrate the many ways the City has embodied this year’s theme of “Where We Put Community First” by focusing on creating an engaged, safe, and healthy community through placing safety, innovation, and quality of life at the forefront of all their efforts. 

Annual RSO Strong Awards Ceremony 

The Riverside County Sherriff’s Office recently hosted the annual RSO Strong Awards Ceremony, presented by Sherriff Chad Bianco, to celebrate those who have placed “service above self”. It was a pleasure to see all of the phenomenal work our peace officers have done over the past year, even in the face of danger. 

As public safety continues to be a top priority in Riverside County, we thank those who make a daily sacrifice to protect and serve. Congratulations to all who were acknowledged and awarded! 

Annual Southwest Regional Economic Forecast 

In June, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce's Annual Southwest Regional Economic Forecast, where top regional economic development experts provide an exclusive look at the current and upcoming economic landscape of the region. 

This year, I was proud to highlight how the County continues to leverage ARPA dollars to serve as a catalyst for economic development. More specifically, my colleagues and I recently approved $8 million in ARPA funds to invest in early childhood education through workforce wage enhancements. Additionally, I am currently working to allocate $10 million of Third District ARPA funds to establish an early childhood education center in our French Valley community.

Spend a summer night with the City of Murrieta at their Concerts in the Park series, hosted each Saturday in July at the Town Square Park Amphitheatre from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Concerts are free admission, and there are three more concerts planned this month. Remaining concerts include Toga Party (party favorites) on July 15th, Stairway to Zeppelin on July 22th, and Heartache Tonight (Eagles tribute) on July 29th.

Learn More 

Join the City of Temecula for a movie night under the stars on Friday, July 21st at 6:30 p.m. at the Sports Ranch at Sommers Bend.

The featured movie will be “Monsters University”, beginning at dusk. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, and come early to get the perfect seat and enjoy one of the many activities before the show begins.

Learn More 

Wildomar Coffee
with the City 

Grab a cup of joe with City of Wildomar staff and leadership on Wednesday, July 19th at 8:30 a.m. at The Hive Bar & Grill. 

Held on the third Wednesday of every month, join City staff in a casual setting to connect with city leaders, get updates, and ask questions. This is a free event hosted by the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber. No RSVP required.

Learn More 

Winchester
Campfire Crafts 

Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District is hosting a Rooted Campfire Crafts event on Monday, July 24th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Francis-Domenigoni Community Center. 

Ages 3 - 17 are welcome to participate in this event, or at one of the many free events held by Valley-Wide this summer.

Learn More 

Anza Founders’ Days Celebration 

Join the Hamilton Museum and Ranch Foundation for the Anza Founders’ Day Celebration on Saturday, July 29th at the Hamilton Museum. 

The event begins with an Old Time County Fair and will feature a craft fair, quilt show, food and craft contests, and more. Continue the celebration at a BBQ at 5 p.m., followed by the barn dance from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Learn More 

National Night Out - Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Community Action Partnership: Cooling Centers

As temperatures begin to rise, the Riverside County Community Action Partnership is coordinating 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 cooling center near you, please click here.

Riverside County Nonprofit Assistance Fund 

The Riverside County Nonprofit Roundtable is now accepting applications for the Riverside County Nonprofit Assistance Fund (RCNAF), which recently allocated a total of $14.5 million for direct, programmatic, and technical assistance grants. The program offers grant and technical assistance opportunities to build on the County’s efforts to strengthen, expand and support the local nonprofit sector. The deadline to submit an application is Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 6 p.m.

For more information and to apply, click here.

SoCal Edison: Earn Bill Credits for Conserving Energy 

After record-breaking rainfall earlier this year, temperatures are heating up and Southern California Edison (SCE) wants to help customers conserve energy. Two popular programs offered are the Summer Discount Plan and the Smart Energy Program. 

Summer Discount Plan: Allows customers to earn up to $180 in bill credits when they sign up and take part from June 1 to Oct. 1. Upon enrollment, SCE installs a remote-controlled device on or near your air-conditioning unit, which allows SCE to power off or cycle on and off the customer's air conditioner during high demand energy events.

Smart Energy Program: This program allows customers to receive up to $115 in bill credits, including a one-time $75 bill credit just for enrolling. When an energy event is identified by SCE, the customer receives a notification that their smart thermostat will be up to four degrees temporarily adjusted for one to four hours.  

Customers can only be enrolled in one program at a time. For more information on either of these programs, please click here.

Boards, Committees and Commission Vacancies 

Riverside County has numerous boards, committees and commissions comprised of appointed members of the public, who act in an advisory capacity to the Supervisor, in addition to acting as the Supervisor’s representatives to other members of the public. For more information and to apply, click here.

Current Vacancies:

• County Service Area 149 Temecula Wine Country Advisory Council
• Solid Waste Management Advisory Council 
• Winchester/Homeland Municipal Advisory Council 
• First 5 Riverside County Children and Families Advisory Committee 
• In-Home Supportive Services Advisory Committee 
• Flood Control Commission
• Planning Commission
• Fair Board (National Date Festival) 
• Anza Valley Municipal Advisory Council 
• Advisory Council on Aging
  
  

Board of Supervisors Meetings:

• July 18, 2023 | Board of Supervisors | 9:30 a.m. | County Administrative Center
• August 1, 2023 | Board of Supervisors | 9:30 a.m. | County Administrative Center
• August 29, 2023 | Board of Supervisors | 9:30 a.m. | County Administrative Center
  
  

Municipal Advisory Council Meetings: 

• July 13, 2023 | Winchester-Homeland Municipal Advisory Council | 6:30 p.m. | Francis Domenigoni Community Center
• July 19, 2023 | Anza Municipal Advisory Council | 5:30 p.m. | Anza Community Hall
• August 10, 2023 | Winchester-Homeland Municipal Advisory Council | 6:30 p.m. | Francis Domenigoni Community Center