Hemet City Council met Nov. 10, 2026. Council heard proclamations, a police department public-safety update, public comments urging preservation of the Girl Scout Little House, and held public hearings on a 96‑unit Montego Bay extension (remanded back to the Planning Commission) and a 245‑acre Rancho Diamante development agreement (approved). The council also authorized a legislative investigation into Peppertree/Golden Harbor and approved a CityDetect camera pilot.

Discussion Points

•Agreement contains community contributions and timing milestones for grading and building permits.
•Applicant requested 3‑year extension citing financing and construction cost pressures.
•Arrow team produced substantial enforcement and outreach numbers but the chief emphasized community engagement ahead of enforcement.
•City attorney proposed subpoenas to compel records from Golden Harbor Estate LLC and voluntary requests to the HOA.
•Little House has historical significance to local Girl Scouts dating to 1922–1943.
•Long history of failed maintenance and safety hazards at Peppertree alleged by residents.
•Need to modernize permitted uses and design standards to accommodate digital‑first vehicle showrooms, dining and EV infrastructure.
•Neighbors raised concerns about proximity of amenities to senior windows, dust, traffic, and inadequate noticing.
•Pilot to run two years with optional third year requiring council appropriation.
•Pilot uses still images, not video; vendor offers automated blurring before city access.
•Potential need for additional access points and circulation improvements to handle vehicle deliveries.
•Priority‑one response times improved to about 4.5 minutes.
•Project needs additional time due to multi‑agency permitting and mitigation purchase.
•Retention period not yet set; staff will bring a records‑retention update to council.
•Speakers proposed forming a nonprofit and requested city assistance locating donors and grant resources.
•Staff advised remand to Planning to reopen conditions and consider administrative adjustment expiration.
•Staff clarified investigation is legislative and separate from code enforcement tracks.
•Staff recommended stakeholder outreach and workshop process; timeline 6–9 months suggested for scoped update.
•Ten‑year crime trends show Hemet below statewide averages; some upticks from improved reporting of retail theft.

Decisions

•Council adopted resolution to commence legislative investigation and authorized subpoenas; unanimous vote.
•Council approved pilot and required future reporting; unanimous vote.
•Council directed staff to proceed; motion passed unanimously.
•Council vacated Planning denial and remanded the extension; vote 4–0.
•Ordinance 2086 adopted; DA approved unanimously.
•Staff will meet with Girl Scout representatives to discuss preservation options.

Directions

•Approve development agreement and find no new CEQA review required.
•Authorize subpoena issuance and voluntary document requests; pursue judicial enforcement if necessary.
•City manager and staff to set a follow‑up meeting with troop representatives.
•Direct staff to draft Auto Mall specific plan amendments and conduct outreach to dealers and the public.
•Implement two‑year pilot; return to council for records retention policy and optional third‑year appropriation.
•Remand EOT 25‑006 to Planning Commission for further review of conditions and administrative adjustment status.

Nov

State of the City 2026

Hemet Mayor Linda Cooper delivered the 2026 State of the City on Nov. 5, highlighting a new city brand, investments in public safety and infrastructure, housing projects and community programs; the council recessed a special meeting for the event at the Hemet Public Library.

Discussion Points

•City branding informed by community input (over 1,000 survey responses)
•Community mural and public art investments
•Comprehensive safety action plan to evaluate collision patterns and roadway conditions
•Fire department acquisitions of four apparatus and paramedic training funded by CalJACK and AMR penalty fees
•Hemet 365 events website launch
•I Love Hemett volunteer initiative and community garden partnership
•Palmville affordable housing partnership and offsite improvements
•Plan to prioritize projects and seek grant funding
•Police department investments in staffing, radar-based drone program and real-time information center expansion
•Priorities: public safety, infrastructure, financial stewardship, workforce and technology
•Signed wildfire protection agreement with CAL FIRE
•Tres Ritos West approvals last December for 292 homes
•Weston Park design and inclusive amenities

Nov

Swearing-in Ceremony for City Manager Ernie Reyna

A swearing-in ceremony at the Hemet Public Library formally installed Ernie Reyna as Hemet city manager. Council members praised Reyna's experience and commitment; the ceremony included an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, brief council remarks, the oath, and a short address by Reyna.

Discussion Points

•Council endorsements of Reyna's background and expectations for his tenure
•Recognition of interim staffing arrangements
•Reyna's stated management style and priorities
•Transition from interim to permanent city manager

Decisions

•Ernie Reyna sworn in as city manager

Oct

City Council Meeting 10/27/26

Hemet City Council met Oct. 27, 2026. Council approved consent items including a literacy grant, adopted several ordinances and appointments, named the new community garden, and spent substantial time debating food‑truck enforcement and industrial/data‑center standards; members also heard multiple public comments about homelessness, police transparency and local businesses.

Discussion Points

•Allegation of denied access to police dash‑cam/body‑cam footage; concern about consistency in public records handling.
•Clarify registration vs. other permitting; voluntary registries discussed to help city outreach and invocation lists.
•Disclosure of applicant’s occupation (real‑estate agent) and family connection to a council candidate; sphere‑of‑influence rules allow nonresidents under limits.
•Minimum membership (11 vs. 9); conduct rules (no smoking/vaping/drinking); enforcement of attendance.
•Overview of contest rules and entry period; council judges entries within city limits; prize amount clarified.
•Project background and timelines; policy requirements for naming living individuals; letters of community support.
•Public testimony described outreach efforts and individual success stories.
•Public urged inclusion of data centers in warehouse ordinance citing water, energy and noise impacts; staff noted different impacts and lack of pending applications.
•Scale of noncompliance (25+ vendors, 10 citations) and enforcement resource limits; legal constraints on anti‑competitive regulation; possible measures (restroom access, permitted locations, progressive fines, permit revocation).

Decisions

•Appointment approved 4‑0.
•Bylaws adopted by council vote; staff authorized to finalize clarifying language.
•Direction to staff to prepare draft ordinance and memo.
•Ordinance adopted 5‑0; zoning, building, fire and health requirements unchanged.
•Ordinance adopted; council found three named applications may proceed under prior rules.
•Resolution adopted to name the facility Linda Krupa Community Garden.
•Two winners awarded $1,000 each; contest rules to remain as presented.

Directions

•Encourage more participation and ensure applicants follow submission criteria.
•Proceed with appointment; consider future outreach to increase commission participation.
•Proceed with signage, mural and grand‑opening planning; staff to follow naming policy background checks and requirements for living individuals.
•Staff to draft state‑law‑consistent ordinance focused on health, safety and zoning, include progressive penalties and permit‑revocation authority; prepare legal memo on anti‑competitive risk.
•Staff to encourage voluntary registration and work with chamber and local realtors to compile informational lists.
•Staff to make clarifying edits to bylaws as directed.
•Staff to study data centers and develop standards for future planning‑commission and council review (anticipated Q1 2027).

Oct

City Council Meeting 10/13/26

City Council approved a new logistics/warehouse zoning ordinance with cold-storage removed, reviewed fire-safety measures for warehouses, authorized water‑well treatment contract increases, adopted a pavement-management plan, approved unfreezing nine public‑safety positions, and directed staff to negotiate a Weston Park events pilot excluding food trucks.

Discussion Points

•Added cartridge prefiltration of ~$300k and significant well rehabilitation of ~$1.5M.
•Applicant proposed recurrent community events three days/week with vendors and entertainment.
•Council asked about long‑term sustainment and recruitment timelines.
•Multiple local restaurant owners said food trucks have reduced sales and asked the city to prioritize brick‑and‑mortar businesses.
•Network PCI average 63; backlog ~25% of centerline miles needing structural work.
•Outreach and engagement specialist to assist homeless services; six officer positions to improve patrol staffing; annual cost estimated ~ $1.3M.
•Preservation treatments cost far less than full reconstruction; delaying increases costs exponentially.
•Public commenters requested more stakeholder workshops and raised concerns about process, cumulative impacts, water, traffic and jobs.
•Staff presented a comprehensive rewrite to align with AB 98 and SB 415 and to add tiered approval; fire chief highlighted battery / cold storage risks and recommended application fire plans.
•Staff said treatment plant funding is covered by settlement and water rates; no general fund impact.

Decisions

•2025 Pavement Management Plan adopted
•Contract increases and appropriations approved
•No pilot authorization tonight; staff to return with revised proposal
•Ordinance 2084 introduced for first reading; cold storage prohibited in draft for introduction
•Positions unfrozen and recruitment authorized

Directions

•Adopt plan to guide prioritization and pursue funding/grants; re‑run models annually and reevaluate conditions every 3–5 years.
•Introduce ordinance for first reading with removal of cold storage; schedule second reading; prepare Notice of Exemption
•Proceed with contract increases and authorize contingencies; return only for further significant change orders.
•Proceed with recruitment; staff to provide scheduling and budget reporting.
•Staff to renegotiate pilot terms excluding outside food trucks, explore local restaurant participation and permitting/enforcement, and return with ordinance options.

Sep

City Council Meeting 9/22/26

Hemet City Council met Sept. 22, 2026. Council added a last-minute litigation item to closed session, heard proclamations for National Hispanic Heritage Month and Suicide Prevention Month, received the city's FY24-25 audit (clean opinion, single-audit pending), handled consent items, and directed staff to study e-bike regulations and an AI use policy.

Discussion Points

•AI can speed routine work but risks producing incorrect information; vendor disclaimers typically disclaim accuracy.
•City attorney said the case arose after posting and required immediate addition to agenda.
•Concern over Measure Q ballot phrasing (1% vs. "one cent") and potential legal challenge.
•Council framed suicide prevention as a community responsibility and highlighted veteran programs and the 988 lifeline.
•Education, youth engagement, and enforcement (including seizure and parental liability) were discussed.
•Estimated personnel cost for one paramedic unit ~ $500,000/year.
•General fund balance decreased ~ $4.7M; unrestricted fund balance ~86% of expenditures (~10 months).
•Paramedic response times on McWeeny Farms fringe reported as ~8–10 minutes.
•Police described incidents involving high-speed modified e-bikes and pocket gasoline motorcycles.
•Proclamation text highlights Hemet Unified School District mariachi and folklórico programs involvement.
•Public-records requests generated by AI can create discovery-like requests; AI-assisted redaction tools exist but require human review.
•Single-audit still in progress; one appropriations-limit exception corrected.
•Staff recommended a phased, risk-tiered approach and an enterprise-approved architecture to avoid scattered personal-account use.
•Staff to include schools and youth council in analysis.
•Unmodified opinion (clean) awarded; internal control finding for timeliness of reporting and audit adjustments.

Decisions

•Added litigation item to closed session by vote.
•Council provided direction by consensus; no ordinance vote taken.
•Council provided direction by consensus; staff will return with a draft policy.
•Proclamation adopted.
•Proclamation presented and accepted.

Directions

•Add item to closed session; city attorney to handle drafting and communications.
•City staff to review Measure Q ballot language and report back.
•Staff to draft an AI policy with guardrails, approved tools, human-in-the-loop protections, and records-retention guidance.
•Staff to prepare risk-tiered ordinance options and education/enforcement plans; return to council with recommendations.

Sep

(WRCOG) Western Riverside Council of Governments Regular Meeting 9/14/2026 2:00 PM

The Western Riverside Council of Governments Executive Committee met to approve routine consent items, rank candidate speakers for the 2027 General Assembly, review PACE delinquencies (deferring residential foreclosures and authorizing judicial foreclosure for delinquent commercial properties), approve a sole‑source professional services agreement with Best Best & Krieger for PACE legal/administration services, and set several follow-up items including forming an ad hoc to review WRCOG bylaws.

Discussion Points

•Ad hoc committee reviewed video and stakeholder feedback to propose candidates
•Astronaut duo may cost more than budget but could be negotiated
•BBK has long supported PACE including bond counsel and demand letters
•Chair requested volunteers for an ad hoc to review WRCOG bylaws (required every 4 years)
•Commercial receivables were not purchased this year, requiring foreclosure authorization
•Laurie Stone announced AB 2307 and upcoming state of the city events
•Legal framework requires WRCOG to determine delinquencies by Oct. 1 and authorize foreclosure unless deferral conditions met
•Members discussed budget constraints and the benefit of leadership messaging vs entertainment value
•Members questioned sole-source phrasing and responsiveness of the procurement process
•Past RFPs returned BBK as the only responsive/responsible bidder for PACE-specific work
•Residential delinquencies were purchased by FNA enabling deferral
•Supervisor Steele asked to agendize a return to in‑person full board meetings

Decisions

•Committee adopted ranked list: Kat Cole (1), astronaut duo (2), Mike Pompeo (3)
•Committee approved sole‑source agreement with BBK
•Consent calendar approved; ad hoc to be convened; request to agendize remote participation policy accepted
•Motion to authorize foreclosure on delinquent commercial PACE properties and defer residential foreclosures passed unanimously

Directions

•Agendize remote participation policy as requested by Supervisor Steele
•Authorize initiation of judicial foreclosures for commercial PACE delinquencies
•Form ad hoc committee for bylaw review; staff to present proposed schedule
•Proceed with sole‑source contract while maintaining program fee funding structure
•Staff to approach ranked speakers in order and negotiate fees
•Staff to coordinate with counsel and banks and report progress
•Staff to provide procurement documentation and RFP history as needed
•Staff to return with negotiation updates and any budget requests

Sep

City Council Meeting 9/8/26

Hemet City Council adopted a citywide Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, approved an ordinance establishing the Riverside County Stephan's kangaroo rat mitigation-fee schedule, awarded a $100,000 downtown kitchen grant to Dugout Froyo at Nuke Nation, advanced multiple land-use and regulatory items including cannabis permit-term extensions, and directed staff to return with more analysis on sidewalk maintenance and liability.

Discussion Points

•'All other development' fee proposed to increase from $500 to $900 per acre.
•Collision data (Jan 2020–Dec 2024) showed ~2,000 injury collisions; pedestrians accounted for ~26% of fatal/severe collisions.
•Council asked for periodic status reports on awarded grants.
•Council asked for SeeClickFix metrics, claims history and cost estimates, and public outreach before any ordinance changing liability.
•Current single-family fee remains $250/unit; agriculture fee listed at $500/acre though prior materials listed $100—staff clarified $500 reflects actual application.
•Fee is a pass-through collected on behalf of the Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency (RCHCA).
•Grantee has 18 months to complete the project; failure to meet deadlines triggers clawback/lien.
•Historic context showed multiple resolutions; parcels are currently owned by Hemet Unified School District and others.
•Parcel map would consolidate parcels and create a right-of-way; design/construction not included at this time.
•Plan identifies 47 projects across 42 corridors and 5 systemic improvements; prioritization used data + public input.
•Program originally allocated $1M; $900K has been awarded to date; the ad hoc recommended awarding final $100K to Dugout Froyo.
•Public commenters objected to shifting costs to homeowners and asked for prioritized residential repairs and better use of existing funds/technology.
•Renewal process requires proof of active business and payment of regulatory fees; staff can impose compliance conditions.
•Several storefront permittees remained under construction and risked permit expiration on Oct. 23, 2026.
•Staff framed sidewalk liability as a risk that can be mitigated through notice, comparative fault, and funded inspection/repair programs.
•Staff reported early sales-tax figures indicating positive revenue impact from venues already open.
•Staff submitted SS4A grant application for a Mustang/Sanderson corridor project (~$10M).

Decisions

•Direction to staff approved unanimously.
•Direction to staff to research and return with formal proposal and outreach plan.
•Grant award approved unanimously.
•Ordinance 2081 introduced; second reading scheduled.
•Ordinance 2082 (urgency) and Ordinance 2083 (regular) adopted unanimously.
•Resolution 2026-144 adopted unanimously.

Directions

•Adopt urgency and regular ordinances to avoid permit expirations; direct staff to audit operations and report on tax compliance.
•Award $100,000; staff to provide status report on previous grantees at a future meeting.
•Consult planning/infrastructure commission and conduct public outreach prior to ordinance action.
•Introduce ordinance and return for second reading and possible adoption on Sept. 22.
•Proceed to adopt CSAP and pursue grant funding for prioritized projects; provide updates on grant results and implementation timeline.
•Proceed with tentative parcel map and recording; coordinate with the school district.
•Staff to report back in January 2027 with data on claims, SeeClickFix performance, repair cost estimates, and proposed funding models (CFD/exemptions/comparative fault).

Sep

Riverside County Transportation Commission General Regular Meeting 9/9/2026 9:30 AM

The Riverside County Transportation Commission met on Sept. 9, 2026. Commissioners approved a second emergency 0.25 Metrolink operating fund (Amendment 2) to cover service through December, adopted a new name for the SR‑79 realignment (San Jacinto Valley Expressway), reviewed major I‑15 corridor projects and received legislative and staff updates.

Discussion Points

•Commission adopted a new partner-agency project delivery policy to set consistent standards for RCTC to take on project delivery.
•Commissioners asked staff to confirm that final name will not include the word 'project.'
•Federal continuing resolution extends transportation funding through Dec. 11, affecting reauthorization timing.
•Hemet requested modeling that assumes the remainder of the expressway is not constructed to understand interim impacts.
•Member agency subsidy targets and different county assumptions contributed to the funding gap.
•Metrolink reported a projected FY27 deficit of roughly $35M driven by revenue declines and increased costs.
•Panel emphasized regional significance and ties to Mount San Jacinto.
•Public outreach produced 3,072 votes; San Jacinto Valley Expressway received 1,002 votes (33%).
•RCTC expects $25M from the zero-emission transit capital program (SB125) over two years.
•Some projects are developer-funded or are being coordinated with developers; others are in early planning and lack funding.
•Staff confirmed the requested modeling will be performed.
•Staff reported early interest from two cities and will use the new policy to guide negotiations.
•Staff reported optimistic progress on Metrolink budget discussions with member agencies.
•Staff reviewed a long list of I‑15 corridor projects, described status and target years, and noted funding gaps for many projects.
•State spending plan provided $95M for TRSIP and $48M for LCTOP (below authorization levels but higher than June budget projections).
•The I‑15 ELP Southern Extension is in progressive design‑build and targeting a 2030 opening.
•Unique F125 locomotive mechanical issues have forced service reductions and affected reliability.

Decisions

•Adopt partner agency project delivery policy; continue Metrolink negotiations.
•Adopt 'San Jacinto Valley Expressway' as the new name for the SR‑79 realignment project.
•Approve Amendment 2 (interim funding) to support operations through December.
•No formal vote; staff agreed to perform additional modeling.
•Receive and file legislative update.
•Receive and file the I‑15 corridor project development update.

Directions

•Adopt the name and coordinate next steps with County and affected jurisdictions.
•Chair and executive director authorized to execute Amendment 2 and contingency funding.
•Staff to continue engagement with the Legislature and Congress and to monitor Cap-and-Invest revenues and allocations.
•Staff to continue Metrolink budget negotiations and return with a full FY27 budget for commission action.
•Staff to continue negotiations with Metrolink and member agencies and return with a full-year budget recommendation.
•Staff to develop interim-condition modeling for Simpson Road (Segment 3) and share results with Hemet city staff.
•Staff to distribute the slide presentation to commissioners and member jurisdictions for local outreach.
•Staff to implement policy, engage with requesting cities and report progress.

Sep

Airport Land Use Commission Regular Meeting 9/8/2026 9:30 AM

Airport Land Use Commission considered five development proposals affecting airport influence areas in Riverside County, approved staff recommendations of consistency for all items, received an update on the March Air Reserve Base compatibility plan, and presented a certificate to Simon Hausman.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners clarified terminology re: repair facility.
•Commissioners requested staff correction from 2014 to 2026 ALUCP in the recommendation.
•Commissioners thanked Hausman for 22 years of service and his work on the March plan update.
•Commission voted without public comment.
•Director listed determinations and case numbers.
•Director Paul Ruhl linked a recent cargo-plane overshoot incident to local planning issues and advised caution on Heacock Street widening in Moreno Valley.
•Final draft received and being proofread; notice of determination filed with county clerk and state; 30-day period pending.
•No public commentary followed.
•No public testimony was provided.
•Staff and commissioners noted the difficulty and resources needed to update ALUCPs.
•Staff presented a zone-by-zone intensity analysis for a split C2/D site and found the C2 portion consistent with C2 criteria.
•Staff presented multiple intensity-calculation methods and an applicant-provided occupancy survey; staff recommended conditions including noise attenuation and FAA conditions.
•Staff presented occupancy and parking methods and recommended consistency with C2 criteria.
•Staff reported intensity calculations consistent with Zone C2 criteria and no FAA review required.
•Staff used building-code and parking-code occupancy methods and recommended lot-by-lot analysis; commissioners requested the record cite the 2026 ALUCP rather than 2014.
•There was no public testimony; commissioners moved directly to a motion to find the project consistent.

Decisions

•Certificate presented and photo taken.
•Commission found project consistent subject to conditions; motion passed unanimously.
•Commission found the applications consistent with the 2026 plan and approved the staff recommendation unanimously.
•Consistency finding approved unanimously.
•Finding of consistency approved unanimously.
•Motion to find plot plan consistent passed unanimously.
•Proceed with posting and distribution; public notification timeline to follow.
•Report accepted.

Directions

•Incorporate FAA OES conditions and 48-hour basin drawdown provisions into project conditions.
•Post and distribute final adopted plan after proofreading; staff to continue outreach to affected jurisdictions.
•Record finding of consistency and update minutes.
•Staff to amend recommendation language to reference the 2026 ALUCP on the record and in written minutes.
•Staff to correct recommendation citation in the record and minutes.

Sep

Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission Regular Meeting 9/3/2026 8:00 AM

Special meeting of the Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) on Sept. 3, 2026 to consider the municipal service review and sphere of influence update for the Pinion Pines County Water District; commissioners adopted staff'recommended Option 3 to amend the district's SOI and encourage consolidation talks with Desert Water Agency after staff reported infrastructure, transparency and budget shortfalls and residents testified both for and against outside takeover.

Discussion Points

•Audited net position ~ $37,000 (22-23); unrestricted cash ~ $33,000; current budgeting shows deficit spending.
•Commission emphasized that Option 3 is encouraging discussions and not a forced takeover.
•Engineering estimates suggest immediate repairs cost a few million; total overhaul estimates up to $20,000,000.
•Motion language included amendment to determinations to identify disadvantaged-community status.
•Options presented: (1) no change; (2) amend SOI to remove overlap; (3) amend SOI and encourage DWA discussions (staff preferred).
•Resident allegations of deceptive finances, withheld water quality reporting and intimidation at public meetings.
•Residents expressed a range of views: concerns about management and meeting behavior; appreciation for water quality; fears about outside agencies.
•Staff report documented repeated customer complaints, infrastructure maintenance issues, transparency gaps and near-zero reserves; SOI overlapped Desert Water Agency.
•Staff reported withheld engineering reports and included videos in the MSR packet; staff advised including findings in formal determinations.
•Vote recorded via roll-call responses; staff to proceed with amendments and outreach.

Decisions

•Commission approved Option 3 as amended to include disadvantaged-community language; motion passed on roll-call voice vote.
•Option 3 adopted as amended.

Directions

•Explore disadvantaged-community determination to improve grant eligibility; staff to coordinate grant and technical discussions with DWA and state agencies.
•Staff and the supervisor\u0002s office to hold outreach and technical discussions; residents encouraged to engage in elections and governance.
•Staff to amend determinations to include disadvantaged-community language and incorporate into final resolutions; staff to pursue outreach and discussions with DWA and the 4th District supervisor\u0002s office.
•Staff to finalize and post resolutions; arrange outreach and coordination with DWA and county offices.
•Staff to include findings on withheld information and public-comment procedures in final resolutions and pursue clarification of statutory compliance.

Sep

Riverside County Planning Commission Regular Meeting 9/2/2026 9:00 AM

Planning Commission held public hearings on a proposed Winchester self‑storage and RV storage facility and reviewed the County'026 Climate Action Plan update; both items were recommended to the Board of Supervisors. The commission also discussed upcoming housing initiatives in the director39s report.

Discussion Points

•Board initiated a pro‑housing designation to increase grant competitiveness for affordable housing; staff will complete the application and do outreach.
•CAP baseline updated to 2022 and state targets for 2030/2045 are modeled.
•Commissioners questioned access changes to Winchester and Elmhurst and the role of Caltrans (Kevin Singh).
•Consent item approved. 3.1 and 3.2 recommended to Board of Supervisors.
•Consultant noted on‑road vehicles account for ~43.4% of county emissions; CAP measures aim to exceed basic targets.
•Director recapped adoption of ag worker housing changes and ADU/SB9 actions by Board.
•Staff described project scope including seven buildings totaling ~113,915 sq ft and 165 RV spaces (Cynthia Burgos).
•Staff prepared an EIR addendum and replaced a legacy screening table with a consistency checklist for project review.
•Vice Chair Clack requested additional façade articulation and metal canopy features for Buildings A/B.

Decisions

•Commission approvals were recommendations to the Board.
•No formal action; report and direction to continue outreach.
•Planning Commission recommended adoption by Board of Supervisors.
•Planning Commission recommended approval to the Board of Supervisors with the added architectural enhancement condition.

Directions

•Applicant to work with staff on façade enhancements prior to Board hearing; staff to add condition requiring elevation review before building permit issuance.
•Forward CAP update and EIR addendum to Board of Supervisors; staff to continue outreach and technical refinements.
•Staff to continue outreach and hold a Planning Commission workshop on the pro‑housing designation.
•Transmit recommendations to Board of Supervisors.

Sep

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Regular Meeting 9/1/2026 9:30 AM

Riverside County Board of Supervisors met Sept. 1, 2026. Supervisors heard presentations on National Preparedness Month, approved a sheriff's Axon body-worn camera contract and several ordinances, initiated a contested general-plan amendment for a San Jacinto Valley site after a long public hearing, and heard public comments about elections and agricultural crime.

Discussion Points

•Applicant rep said heights would remain consistent with surrounding properties and committed to outreach.
•Chair and other supervisors expressed concerns about loss of local control under SB 9; staff responded that changes stem from state law.
•No public speakers; board adopted the amendments.
•No public speakers on either item.
•Sheriff described technical improvements and cost savings.
•Staff described appraised sale prices, project unit counts, and funding commitments.
•Staff described the proposed foundational land-use change and constraints; residents strongly opposed the change citing loss of rural/agricultural character and traffic concerns.
•Staff explained updates to ADU/JADU standards and SB 9 processes.
•Staff presented National Preparedness Month events and resources.
•Staff said updates align county authority with state statutes and market conditions.
•Supervisors asked questions and expressed support.
•Supervisors asked whether cameras are replacements or net-new and about translation features.

Decisions

•Board adopted amended ordinances 5-0.
•Board adopted ordinance updates 5-0.
•Board approved both resolutions 5-0.
•Board approved the contract 5-0.
•Board voted to initiate the foundation-component change (5-0).

Directions

•County procurement to finalize contract and coordinate deployment.
•Initiate GPA and require applicant to proceed with full project submittal and community outreach.
•Publish guidance materials, checklists and conduct outreach.

Aug

Special City Council Meeting 8/31/26

The city council convened a special closed-session meeting on 2026-08-31, held no public comment, and announced that a report of the closed session will be presented at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Discussion Points

•Chair directed council to proceed to closed session for deliberations.
•Chair opened meeting and confirmed roll call.
•City Clerk reported no registered public speakers.

Decisions

•Proceed to closed session (deliberations); no public vote recorded in transcript).

Directions

•Chair stated report of closed session will be provided at the beginning of the next regularly scheduled meeting.
•Council recessed to closed session for deliberations.

Aug

Riverside County Planning Department - Directors Hearing Regular Meeting 8/31/2026 1:30 PM

Riverside County planning hearing on Aug. 31, 2026 approved three land-use items: a children’s activity center in Corona (plot plan 23,007), an 85-foot disguised wireless facility (plot plan wireless 240012) on a church property, and a two‑lot tentative parcel map (TPM 38973). Staff recommended approval for each item; the hearing officer adopted staff recommendations after brief public comment and applicant consent to conditions.

Discussion Points

•Staff described project scope (building size, hours, parking, landscaping) and CEQA exemptions; director sought clarification on session programming and public notice.
•Staff described site, zoning and landscaping; director asked about carrier and colocatability; staff confirmed Verizon as anchor tenant and co‑locatability design.
•Staff presentations for each item, limited questioning from the hearing officer, and no recorded public opposition.
•Staff summarized parcel sizes, access and zoning; staff confirmed noticing to 33 property owners and no comments received as of the hearing.

Decisions

•Hearing officer approved plot plan 23,007 based on staff findings and applicant acceptance of conditions.
•Hearing officer approved plot plan wireless 240,012 subject to staff conditions.
•Hearing officer approved TPM 38973.
•Three items approved as described.

Directions

•Applicant/agent agreed to conditions; staff to finalize permit and notification materials.
•Applicant to comply with conditions of approval and advisory notification document; staff to finalize approvals and follow up.
•Applicant to follow conditions of approval; staff to proceed with final permit and map recordation process.
•Staff to finalize permit and recording steps; applicants to comply with conditions.

Aug

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Regular Meeting 8/25/2026 9:30 AM

Riverside County Board of Supervisors met to take routine votes, hear public comment on short-term rentals and bridge projects, review a proposed community workforce agreement, and approve applications and land-use amendments including a $27.5 million TCC grant application and a 148-unit French Valley housing project.

Discussion Points

•Applicant committed to adding screening in rear yards; board tentatively approved entitlements with conditions.
•Board approved the consent calendar; no immediate commitment in the transcript to compile the requested audit was recorded.
•Board asked staff to return with more detailed implementation language if the grant is awarded.
•Board concluded public hearing and approved renewal; staff will follow-up on mapping and enforcement concerns.
•CEO explained that the sheriff requested $250M more; roughly $125M for new initiatives and $125M to maintain staffing; board added about $25M.
•Commenters asked for transparent engineering justification showing rehabilitation is infeasible before irreversible changes are approved.
•Community members and staff described proposed projects including solar readiness upgrades, transportation improvements and a community resilience center for Mecca and North Shore.
•Multiple residents and experts said scour—not overall structural deficiency—was the bridge's issue and urged repair rather than demolition and road realignment.
•Multiple residents recounted recurring parties, trespass, trash, and a shooting associated with a short-term rental in a residential neighborhood.
•Nonunion contractors urged inclusion of all state-approved apprentices to avoid restricting opportunities.
•Project proposes converting commercial land to medium-high/high-density residential for 148 units and expanding Fieldview Park by ~0.85 acres.
•Public commenter demanded publishing a comprehensive list of vendors, LLCs, nonprofits, purchase-card holders and payment amounts on the county website and alleged prior refusal to provide such information.
•Public commenter said rising sheriff costs threaten public safety and called for transparent numbers.
•Public concerns included parking, access, and buffering of two-story homes; staff cited a traffic study and required frontage improvements including a traffic signal.
•Residents raised concerns about the district map, inclusion of certain parcels, and alleged illegal lodging/businesses listed in the assessment list.
•Speakers urged use of enforcement tools including suspension or revocation of problem STR certificates and requested more code-enforcement staffing.
•Speakers warned the proposed realignment would increase posted speeds and create dangerous conditions for private driveways and local users.
•Staff explained the district funds marketing via assessments on participating lodging businesses and estimated annual revenue of about $750,000.
•Supervisor Perez pressed staff to ensure that communities beyond Mecca and North Shore are included in planning.
•Supervisors affirmed intent to avoid layoffs and to coordinate just-in-time funding strategies.
•Supervisors emphasized the item was a required second reading and moved forward with approval while noting enforcement remains a priority.
•Supervisors requested a cost and inclusion analysis and asked the executive office to return with recommended language and a framework.
•Union representatives defended CWAs as tools for local hire, minority and apprenticeship pathways and disputed cost claims.

Decisions

•Board approved motion to request staff analysis and return with framework (unanimous).
•Board approved the motion to apply for the grant (unanimous).
•Consent calendar approved unanimously; public request for transparency remained a public-comment record item.
•Contract extension approved unanimously.
•No final board action recorded on replacement; staff committed to follow-up with more information.
•Resolution adopted unanimously.
•Second reading approved unanimously; no immediate emergency suspension announced in the hearing.
•Tentative approvals passed unanimously; final conditions to be satisfied before recordation.

Directions

•Applicant to work with staff on screening details and CC&R language to enforce on-site parking.
•Approve the Moreno Valley law-enforcement contract extension.
•Board approved second reading of the ordinance and will monitor implementation.
•Board did not adopt a CWA at this meeting; staff to return with analysis.
•County executive office and sheriff's department to coordinate on budget strategies and updates.
•Executive office and county counsel to prepare an evaluation within ~90 days covering costs, bid impacts, apprenticeship inclusivity and district effects.
•Finalize environmental addendum and tract map per standard planning process.
•If awarded, staff to return with an implementation plan and proposed allocations.
•Renew the district and direct staff to respond to resident objections and clarify the assessment list where warranted.
•Speakers asked staff and TLMA to provide a clear engineering analysis contrasting rehabilitation versus replacement and to explain why demolition/realignment is necessary if that is the case.
•Staff authorized to file state TCC application for $27,500,000.
•Staff directed to examine enforcement capacity and investigate named certificates.

Aug

Riverside County Transportation Commission B&I Regular Meeting 8/24/2026 9:30 AM

Riverside County Transportation Commission met August 24 for its budget implementation meeting. Commissioners received a legislative update, approved short-term Metrolink funding amendments amid a 20% service reduction and reliability problems, and authorized FY26-27 state-of-good-repair allocations.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners pressed on fare strategies, parking and access at stations, and focusing service on core peak commuters.
•Multiple agenda items approved by roll call; Metrolink funding is time-sensitive due to service reduction.
•Sheldon described mechanical failures in F-125 locomotives and service reduction impacts.
•Staff described the need to preserve or restore state funding for tier 3 transit programs and summarized legislative activity impacting TRSIP, LCTOP and zero-emission transit capital funding.
•Staff summarized SGR program mechanics and funding estimates from the SCO; RCTC's discretionary share and PUC codebase were cited.

Decisions

•Approved resolution 26020 and allocated $5,179,576 to county transit operators.
•Approved short-term funding amendment not to exceed $8,000,000 for three months.
•Consent calendar approved; Metrolink amendment approved; SGR allocations approved.

Directions

•Authorize Executive Director to submit documents and approve SRTP adjustments.
•Staff to execute MOU amendments and notify partner agencies; executive director authorized to use contingency if needed.
•Staff to implement amendments and submit state grant forms.
•Staff to monitor proposals and potential inclusion before Aug. 31 deadline and continue advocacy.

Aug

Riverside County Transportation Commission P&P Regular Meeting 8/24/2026 1:30 PM

Riverside County Transportation Commission Western Riverside programs and projects committee received a traffic study finding for SR 79 Segment 3 saying terminating the segment at Simpson Road would not materially increase Simpson Road traffic, adopted a partner-agency project implementation policy (Resolution 26-019), approved a $510,000 amendment for Accenture on the I-15 Smart Freeway pilot, and renamed the SR 79 realignment project to San Jacinto Valley Expressway.

Discussion Points

•Amendment requested due to extended construction coordination and additional services required to maintain project progress.
•Consultant explained methods (Streetlight, regional model, HCM) and presented 2025 and 2045 scenarios with and without Segment 3.
•Hemet representative challenged the 2% origin–destination estimate and cited LOS D–E on Simpson Road.
•Monitoring will use Streams software and a system operator; staff will report KPIs including ramp queue backups.
•Panel recommended the name again citing regional identity and references to Mount San Jacinto.
•Phase 2 outreach received 3,072 votes, with San Jacinto Valley Expressway receiving 1,002 votes (33%).
•Policy formalizes project assessment, cooperative agreements, total installed cost framework, and reimbursement provisions to keep projects cost neutral to RCTC.
•Staff concluded projected volumes do not meet the county mitigation threshold and no Simpson Road improvements are required as part of Segment 3.
•Staff worked with legal counsel and incorporated commissioner workshop feedback.

Decisions

•Amendment No. 4 approved unanimously; funding drawn from existing CMAQ allocation and contract savings, project remains within overall budget.
•Committee received and filed the traffic study; no mitigation requirement or construction funding commitment was adopted at this meeting.
•Committee recommended adoption of Resolution 26-019 and authorized staff to implement the Partner Agency Project Implementation Policy.
•Committee unanimously recommended the chosen name to the commission.

Directions

•Staff to collect ~4 months of operation data, compare to baseline, and present performance to the commission and public.
•Staff to finalize and share SR 79 innovative financing and feasibility study late 2026 or early 2027.
•Staff to forward recommendation to commission and continue coordinating with counties on implementation if adopted.
•Staff to implement the policy and return future requested partner projects to commission separately with TIC and reimbursement details.

Aug

Riverside County Planning Commission Regular Meeting 8/19/2026 9:00 AM

Riverside County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit and tentative parcel map for a new tire repair shop in Blythe and opened scoping for an EIR on the proposed Crescent Garden Cemetery after public comments urging thorough study of water, geology and mental‑health impacts.

Discussion Points

•Applicant confirmed acceptance of conditions and presence of a second floor/mezzanine.
•Approval of TPM 37,988 and CUP No. 200And30000And4.
•Continuation of item 3.1 to Sept. 23.
•County counsel clarified scoping is limited to CEQA analysis and mitigation; commissioners asked to ensure prior comments are incorporated into the EIR.
•EIR scoping opened for Crescent Garden Cemetery with public comments incorporated into scope.
•Planning director outlined timeline for 7th cycle housing element and the need to reassess RHNA inventory.
•Residents raised mental‑health and compatibility concerns related to proximity of burial activities to homes.
•Save Our Lakes pressed for comprehensive hydrology and stormwater analysis because the site drains to Canyon Lake, an impaired water body.
•Staff outlined site details (85 acres, ~46.4 developed, ~38.6 preserved) and prior MND history with 92 comments and a petition.
•Staff presented parcel sizes, site design, parking and circulation; commissioners asked about traffic, off‑site improvements, and building elevations.
•Staff will form working groups with CBOs, advocates and developers and will pursue a pro‑housing designation.

Decisions

•Approval of tentative parcel map 37,988 and CUP No. 200And30000And4 as recommended by staff.
•Continue item 3.1 to Sept. 23; approve item 3.2; initiate EIR scoping for Crescent Garden Cemetery.
•County determined an EIR is appropriate and opened NOP scoping; no project approval or denial occurred.
•No project decision; scoping only.
•Start of formal 7th cycle housing element update; decision to pursue pro‑housing designation.

Directions

•Complete ministerial follow ups for approved TPM/CUP; prepare draft EIR for Crescent Garden Cemetery incorporating CEQA‑relevant public comments.
•Incorporate CEQA‑relevant comments into draft EIR; revisit hydrology and geotechnical studies as part of the EIR scope.
•Incorporate CEQA‑relevant concerns from prior MND and today's scoping into the draft EIR; prepare additional technical studies (geotechnical, hydrology, traffic) as needed.
•Initiate outreach and inventory work starting September; form working groups for desert and western communities.
•No additional direction recorded beyond standard condition compliance.

Aug

City Council Meeting 8/11/26

The Hemet City Council met Aug. 11, 2026; the council appointed 11 members to a youth council and administered oaths, adopted an update to its flood regulations (Ordinance 2080), deferred a utility/repaving ordinance for more stakeholder work, denied a firefighters MOU for renegotiation, approved a Cal Fire wildland protection agreement and directed staff to pursue grants to acquire Mesa Grande as conserved open space. Several consent items including a water truck and opioid-settlement-funded wellness program for police were approved. A proposed $50,547 holiday-decorations purchase was rejected.

Discussion Points

•2022 allotment of $95,000 must be encumbered this fiscal year.
•Ad hoc committee recommended 11 appointees.
•City attorney clarified the obligation to not contract out fire suppression services means entering a contract, not studying options.
•Council concern about 'me‑too' clause, minimum staffing increases, overtime drivers and drafting errors.
•Council members raised concerns about the city's $4M general‑fund deficit and prioritizing funds.
•Grant options include Outdoor Legacy Partnership (up to $15M, 50% match), Land & Water Conservation Fund, regional trails and stewardship endowments.
•No public speakers appeared on the item.
•Property roughly 460 acres; appraised ≈$16.23M; seller willing to sell for $8M; appraisal spread could serve as grant match.
•Proposed package cost $50,547 excluding installation and potential labor/traffic control costs.
•Public commenters and the California Land Conservancy offered support and possible endowments or stewardship help.
•Public concerns that MOU gives too much control and fiscal exposure.
•Public speakers urged greater community involvement and noted some charitable holiday activities have insufficient donations for gifts.
•Recruitment yielded 34 applications; 29 interviews were held.
•Settlement funds are restricted to education, recovery and wellness.
•Staff said the code had last been updated in 1994 and FEMA model ordinance adds new definitions and elevation requirements.
•Staff sought to use funds for a wellness room, mental health services, gym facility and program longevity.
•Youth Council term aligned with school year through 6/30/2027.

Decisions

•Council approved appointments and administered oaths.
•Council approved the use of funds 5‑0.
•Council directed staff to pursue grants; motion carried 4‑1 with 1 abstention.
•Council voted to deny the purchase and confirmed no vendor order had been placed.
•Council voted unanimously to introduce Ordinance 2080.
•Motion to deny passed; item returned for renegotiation.

Directions

•Authorize staff to pursue grant applications and return with maintenance and stewardship cost estimates.
•Deny the purchase and pursue community partnerships to bolster downtown and park holiday activities.
•Encumber funds and proceed with program expansion.
•First youth council meeting scheduled for 5PM at Hemet Library next Monday.
•If awarded, council will evaluate fiscal impacts before acceptance.
•Introduce ordinance by title and waive full reading.
•Return MOU to parties for renegotiation and provide a clean draft and fiscal analysis.

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