Riverside County Supervisors Address Pet Adoption Campaign and Public Safety Concerns

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on August 26, 2025, at 9:30 AM, addressing various agenda items and public concerns. The meeting commenced with a light-hearted moment featuring a pet adoption initiative, where a blind shepherd mix named Castro was introduced. The board highlighted ongoing fee-waived adoptions across all county shelters, encouraging community members to consider adopting pets.

Following the pet presentation, the meeting proceeded with a prayer led by Supervisor Washington, emphasizing unity and respect among board members and the public. The Clerk of the Board provided updates, noting no changes to the agenda and announcing public comments on several items.

The first significant agenda item discussed was the appointment of standby supervisors for the First District. A member of the public raised questions regarding the role and compensation of standby supervisors, prompting legal counsel to clarify that these individuals serve temporarily in emergencies without pay, as outlined in government code section 8638.

Subsequent discussions focused on audit reports concerning various county departments. Public speaker Roy Bleckert expressed concerns about the timely termination of access for terminated employees, particularly in relation to public safety. He urged the board to prioritize these issues, citing potential risks associated with unauthorized access.

The board also reviewed audit findings related to the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) and housing compliance. Bleckert criticized the effectiveness of current housing programs, arguing that government involvement often exacerbates issues rather than alleviating them. He called for more accountability and faster implementation of audit recommendations.

Veronica Langworthy, another public speaker, commended the auditor controller's office for their reports but raised alarms about the lack of contingency plans for election management. She emphasized the need for secure procedures to ensure fair and transparent elections, particularly in light of recent audit findings regarding badge access and election system vulnerabilities.

The board members acknowledged the concerns raised by the public, with Supervisor Washington agreeing on the urgency of implementing audit recommendations. The meeting concluded with a vote on several agenda items, all of which were approved unanimously.

Overall, the meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to improve county operations and address public safety and election integrity concerns, with a clear call for more efficient responses to audit findings and community feedback.