[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6619354,"mediaKeyId","2836394-13cf97b542591772b8477753c3717f33","parentId",2836394,"title","Resident warns visible drug use and homelessness are harming Hemet—27s image, urges evidence‑based response","audioSeconds",67,"startMs",1544000,"endMs",1611000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2836394-13cf97b542591772b8477753c3717f33&start=1544&end=1611","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2836394-13cf97b542591772b8477753c3717f33/thumbnail_1544000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6619354/Hemet/Riverside-County/California/Resident-warns-visible-drug-use-and-homelessness-are-harming-Hemet27s-image-urges-evidencebased-response","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6619354-e8e196dbed3d03f2551b9f5ae5b52300/orig.mp4?Expires=1770575696&Signature=D8LyPPAljRFdnWEMsZOf2iRGX~sfjOCXDnsOiDiLQ4uf5dq9i35LxaxeGyEfQfW33P1A79bSJOMU0~c~qWWPThA9qNUuaFmGp6ukMXc~J7k-Z~4Njo0ysTIo2Rj~Di0quYKfmKpbTVF6aie9pxHMnEBD-NBT6oHgwaUuL~93h3PaVglu1ErreApq5365ZJ4u-CZihQO~KaEo2Sj90hH2yQvaCZDTxZzV8uxHjiTEjZEZ44BqcaCGYAYntaVGV4sWEN-xCtAWoAKVIKeP8X4pDLr2uJegv2t1T0JFPfWpOHHaC3M8dSxpOgZtKnac58Adv6jNnXOlYzKyFD~6MeWKGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-26T03:34:59Z","article","A resident told the Hemet City Council on Feb. 25 that visible drug use, untreated mental illness and homelessness are damaging the city\u000027s safety reputation and hampering economic prospects, and urged adoption of evidence‑based strategies.

Cassie Stutthorn addressed the council during the general public‑comment period and described multiple recent incidents she said she observed, including a person in apparent drug‑induced psychosis, a fight over stolen goods, and people using drugs in a restaurant bathroom. \"These visible signs of drug use and related disturbances do more than cause immediate concern. They shape how Hemet is perceived,\" Stutthorn said.

Stutthorn recommended the council consider comprehensive, evidence‑based approaches such as housing‑first initiatives, community policing with diversion programs, and employment and reintegration services. \"We can learn from other cities that have successfully tackled similar issues through comprehensive evidence based strategies,\" she said.

Why it matters

Stutthorn tied public safety and visibility of substance‑use related activity to the city\u000027s ability to attract families, businesses and investment. She urged council collaboration with community partners to pursue housing, diversion and supportive services as a path to improve public safety and economic opportunity.

Council response

The mayor thanked the speaker. The council did not take immediate action on the comment during the meeting; however, several later agenda items and council remarks referenced nonprofit funding and outreach to service providers that could relate to the concerns raised.

Ending

Stutthorn concluded by urging the council to \"work with us to make Hemet a safer, more vibrant, and economically thriving community.\"","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 2/25/2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Hemet resident used the public-comment period to describe visible public drug use and its effects on safety, perceptions and economic development, urging the council to pursue comprehensive strategies including housing‑first and diversion programs.","taxTitle","Hemet, Riverside County, California","taxId",4863,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6619356,"Hemet council tables Measure U committee appointments to March 11 to solicit more applicants",473,3857000,4330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2836394-13cf97b542591772b8477753c3717f33&start=3857&end=4330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2836394-13cf97b542591772b8477753c3717f33/thumbnail_3857000.jpg","/articles/6619356/Hemet/Riverside-County/California/Hemet-council-tables-Measure-U-committee-appointments-to-March-11-to-solicit-more-applicants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6619356-84452dfcafccdb5ec32ca57fbfc22bb7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770575696&Signature=gshnEdmiOSMhuEZIqRZQIdIqJCF3mgiYBM5XHCWeaDt8kWVQMOOrfI0l6rrDIxMuVRK0~VKRllTU3BgJCpbJb8raT2~ZOVnNWsPwf9q9c-fPLFaNJbvoZiO9~4aGxh5WU2jF8PwrzukwNldp9Og9Y8B-oXnFrP-zWSRkTPBy00dWcmceSPoBnsrHLQhim2cX5Lf2MKKwv23imtQnkbrBmd68HXZEs~m6Qk52cKSrw2jiTDmDBH8iyBmBIVvCWrVyzyWVbprR197Oz7MTXnaiRuGrWmInYLMkWnfEZ3AGTv6qKE4CJ2pOjLtqHdy57PPOP~H6h1waMFPudWUFDduiMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hemet City Council voted 5–0 on Feb. 25 to table action on Measure U Committee appointments and to solicit additional applications, returning the matter to the March 11 council meeting.

City staff told the council the Measure U Committee, established by Ordinance No. 1918, consists of seven volunteer members appointed by the council to two‑year terms and is charged with independently reviewing expenditures of Measure U funds. Accounting for the upcoming expirations, staff said six current members — George Clark, George Shaffer, Daligia Silva, Kayla Kane, Tammy Chenault and Mark Collins — had expressed interest in reappointment; Norm Kyres had chosen not to seek reappointment. The clerk reported nine total applicants for the seven openings: six incumbents plus three new applicants, listed in the staff report as Stephanie Ali, Juan Chiquito and Jesse Felix.

Council members discussed whether to proceed with interviews and appointments at the meeting or to postpone to give prospective candidates a final opportunity to submit applications and to improve geographic representation across council districts. One council member noted that two potential applicants had contacted staff since the agenda posting but had not yet filed completed applications.

Formal action

Mayor Pro Tem Kendrick moved to continue the workshop item to the council\u000027s next scheduled meeting on March 11 and direct the city clerk to reach out to interested applicants and solicit additional applications with a Tuesday deadline to allow verification with the registrar of voters; Council member Mills seconded. The council voted by roll call: Council member Krupa — yes; Council member Lodge — yes; Council member Mayles — yes; Mayor Pro Tem Kendrick — yes; Mayor Peterson — yes. The motion passed 5–0.

Why it matters

The committee provides advisory oversight of Measure U expenditures; delaying selection allows more applicants to apply and gives the council a fuller applicant pool before it fills seven volunteer positions for terms from March 11, 2025, to March 11, 2027.

Ending

Staff said no Measure U decisions were pending that would be delayed by a March 11 appointment; the clerk will contact applicants and post an updated staff report for the subsequent meeting.","Council delayed appointing members to the Measure U citizen oversight committee and directed the clerk to solicit additional applications; motion passed 5–0.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6619361,"Hemet delays media‑access policy for disaster areas, to meet with press groups",479,10161000,10640000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2836394-13cf97b542591772b8477753c3717f33&start=10161&end=10640","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2836394-13cf97b542591772b8477753c3717f33/thumbnail_10161000.jpg","/articles/6619361/Hemet/Riverside-County/California/Hemet-delays-mediaaccess-policy-for-disaster-areas-to-meet-with-press-groups","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6619361-e9aa609d7ade13f42cc07c4ed97b64e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770575696&Signature=b80~WqswvALp~PXwRdxpyzTo6mEOCXvMcZPk~u2P5FVKo~n0WBgEDokeDshIcLmjI5NZBkTIj4Vbz-NIwkV3DrUbtp~ajmI0hr4O6cUMRzN6S4VwZ6cX9Idtr1uNK~-Qd6lKCFOU1-n-dc9RHZTgv6SQi64NLe7xTT2RKyNP2k444xDqClpaTGCz-6izAKZDSdv9Tb6AqbmqPvF7gVB7C5Cv0c5I~7Wdz75XmUwho-k-DMQ~MmW4mt3aUYTcbRjzc7ATU7O-6QJRxXsXg4ZvyUCVVIWGiADMb~TbRTpiwfvOS4VqAJ7NmxnuWRLlDBcStOpCWSLGOXIUgBTPT33T8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hemet City Council voted 5–0 on Feb. 25 to continue consideration of a proposed media access policy for disaster areas so staff can consult with local and regional media organizations.

City Attorney Steven Graham Pacifico presented the draft policy, saying the city lacked a written procedure in such incidents and that state law and constitutional principles guide what access the city may permit. \"This policy... attempts to balance the city's legal obligations under statutory law with its constitutional principles including the first amendment,\" Graham Pacifico said, describing concerns about safety, evidence preservation and instances when an incident may be an active crime scene.

The draft would create a credentialing and staging process for media access during active disasters, provide for a media staging area, and include a mechanism for a media pool when site access must be limited. The staff memo also proposes recognizing credentials issued by other public agencies to ease credentialing burdens on out‑of‑market reporters.

Why it matters: The policy targets moments when a disaster (for example a wildfire or large structure fire) poses immediate health or safety risk or when an investigation is active; the city seeks a narrowly tailored time, place and manner restriction rather than a broad limit on reporting.

Council concern and outreach

Council members voiced concern about uncredentialed individuals entering disaster zones, spreading inaccurate information on social platforms, or creating hazards for first responders. Members noted the city had experienced misleading reporting during recent fires and acknowledged the changing media environment, including freelance and social-media journalists.

Several written communications were received by councilmembers from media organizations, including the Los Angeles Press Club, urging protections for press access; council members asked staff to contact those groups before returning the item for a vote.

Formal action

A motion to continue the item to a date uncertain so the city attorney could meet with the Los Angeles Press Club and other media groups passed by unanimous roll call: Council member Grama — yes; Council member Lodge — yes; Council member Veil — yes; Mayor Pro Tem Kendrick — yes; Mayor Peterson — yes.

Next steps

City Attorney Graham Pacifico recommended continued discussion and outreach, including accepting credentials from other public agencies and refining language on credentials being visible, pool procedures, and staging areas. The item will return to council after staff meets with media stakeholders.

Ending

Council framed the discussion as balancing press freedom with responder and public safety during active incidents; staff will report back following consultations with media organizations and other agencies.","The council continued consideration of a draft media access policy after the city attorney presented a safety‑focused credentialing proposal and members requested discussions with press organizations.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6619366,"Hemet council approves $1.4 million plan for 2025 CDBG allocations; narrows public-service pool",1602,8480000,10082000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2836394-13cf97b542591772b8477753c3717f33&start=8480&end=10082","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2836394-13cf97b542591772b8477753c3717f33/thumbnail_8480000.jpg","/articles/6619366/Hemet/Riverside-County/California/Hemet-council-approves-14-million-plan-for-2025-CDBG-allocations-narrows-public-service-pool","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6619366-9ff19704fc7b6cb4fb8e68f5482f3c34/orig.mp4?Expires=1770575696&Signature=hipTQhcDszUIpANnCC46pRxDQ6eDMln0xOzAMWtoDiu0IiKSYUCJLIfxv0QQMwpI9FSDOVsA7oS60Y3UuEHwG8IRvbvf1JPDpzjug8rY~DiahwzxaUMYSoTrK1xupLjXg993KSkrHeLamwuhcrgbZyKZKwAlv07gRWg3WCEeOIr5vGxpacd6uNx-8GEbuvcKg6k7ZCBTep69FJTGh81DWT9K0FQdQYDwupnbAR97V9iZGxcfcwPjsSPE~hOspurV663w-GGxm8cahcO2wBMjqQDokj~LdEtZvaGH8P2XQ3qcTp2yxgXr6yms5iln2GGJKvLvXz0jXegKLjCdeGt9aQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hemet City Council voted 5–0 on Feb. 25 to approve staff-recommended allocations for the 2025 program year of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, using an estimated HUD allocation and a sizable carryover from prior years.

Accounting Manager Kalina Beasley, the staff presenter, told the council the city is using an assumed HUD allocation of $885,000 for program year 2025 and has $544,700 in rollover funds, giving roughly $1.4 million available for next year’s projects. \"For this year, we have we received 26 applications for the next program year, 2025, which starts 07/01/2025,\" Beasley said during the presentation.

The council-approved plan follows federal CDBG rules and the local ad hoc committee’s recommendations. Under HUD rules cited by staff, up to 20% of the current-year allocation may be used for administration and up to 15% for public services; the remainder may be used for housing, public facilities or economic development. Beasley outlined the staff calculation that up to about $177,000 could be used for administration and up to about $132,700 for public services from the estimated allocation.

Why it matters: CDBG funding targets projects that principally benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Council discussion focused on how to distribute limited public-service dollars among a large number of nonprofit requests, how to use rollover funds for housing and capital projects, and how the city could use general-fund nonprofit-grant dollars to fill urgent gaps.

Council debate and staff clarifications

Beasley said the rollover balance is unusually large this year because several prior projects were canceled or returned to the holding account after HUD audits and project changes. She described the largest single proposed use of rollover funds as the Senior and ADA Home Rehabilitation program administered by the Community Development Department. That program was recommended for roughly $570,000, which Beasley said would fund about 57 applicants at an average of $10,000 per household, reducing a multi‑year waiting list.

Councilmember Veil asked whether the Valley Community Pantry could receive an additional $9,400 after it had not applied; Veil said the pantry serves seniors and veterans and that the amount would be meaningful to that group. The city manager replied that the council previously appropriated $100,000 in general‑fund nonprofit grant money, and that the city could, with council direction, consider using general-fund dollars to support community organizations outside the CDBG public-service cap. \"With your direction we can allocate general fund dollars toward additional needs within the community,\" the city manager said.

Councilmember Krupa asked for clearer line-item descriptions for organizations that the council was less familiar with; staff said they would add detail to the staff report. Councilmember Kendrick confirmed she did not participate in the review of the Bill Gray Park accessibility project because it is near her home and noted the process had prioritized youth programs and increased senior home repair funding.

Public comment tied to item

Sharon Morris of Voices for Children, the Riverside County CASA program, addressed the council during the item and thanked the city for CDBG funding that supports court-appointed special advocate volunteers. \"It costs Voices for Children $2,000 to support a CASA volunteer for a year,\" Morris said, and she noted that 76 children from Hemet had been served this fiscal year and 41 were on a waitlist.

Formal action

Councilmember Mayles moved to approve the CDBG allocations as recommended by staff and the ad hoc committee; Council member Krupa seconded. The council voted by roll call: Council member Krupa — yes; Council member Lodge — yes; Council member Mayles — yes; Mayor Pro Tem Kendrick — yes; Mayor Peterson — yes. The motion passed 5–0.

What was approved and next steps

The approved plan funds 14 public-service awards split to prioritize youth programming and organizations with fewer other funding sources, funds multiple economic-development and housing projects (including the Senior/ADA rehabilitation program and small-business facade/entrepreneurship grants), and covers the administration and Fair Housing obligations. Staff noted the HUD allocation is not final; the city will reallocate if HUD’s eventual formula differs from the estimate and will bring the annual action plan back for public comment ahead of a May 15 HUD deadline.

Ending

Councilmembers asked staff to add more detail about specific nonprofit activities in the staff report before the April 22 meeting when the consolidated plan and action plan will be considered for final submission to HUD. The council also asked staff to return options for using the city’s separate general‑fund nonprofit grant appropriation to address urgent, small-dollar needs such as the Valley Community Pantry or additional library security if the council so directs.","The Hemet City Council approved allocations for the 2025 Community Development Block Grant program, using an estimated HUD allocation and about $544,700 in carryover to fund housing, economic development and nonprofit public services, while noting limits on the public‑services category.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident warns visible drug use and homelessness are harming Hemet—27s image, urges evidence‑based response

Hemet council tables Measure U committee appointments to March 11 to solicit more applicants

Hemet delays media‑access policy for disaster areas, to meet with press groups

Hemet council approves $1.4 million plan for 2025 CDBG allocations; narrows public-service pool