Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Riverside County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in public safety
Homeless encampments at former Mountain View Country Club golf course
A Corona-area resident says more than 15 encampments have taken over the abandoned golf course near his neighborhood — with fires, thefts, and people bathing in residents' spigots — and the sheriff says it can't patrol the area. He's also asking the county to help push a stalled 309-home development through state regulators.
Election integrity and ballot chain-of-custody disputes
Speakers pressed the Board on ballots counted versus cast, destroyed Prop 50 ballots, and missing chain-of-custody records, and asked for a June primary recount. Chair Spiegel's office and Supervisors Washington and Medina defended the Registrar.
Sheriff Department Oversight Ad Hoc Committee
Residents are split on whether the county should create independent oversight of Sheriff Chad Bianco's department. Supporters say accountability and elections aren't the same thing; opponents, including Norco's mayor pro tem, say voters already hold the sheriff accountable.
Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness
Public Health, First 5, and DPSS teamed up on a safe-sleep awareness campaign after an alarming rise in sleep-related infant deaths, urging parents to keep babies on firm surfaces and out of adult beds.
Domestic Violence Awareness and Services
The Board proclaimed Domestic Violence Awareness Month, hearing that local law enforcement received over 7,200 domestic violence calls in 2022 and that only about a third of incidents are ever reported.
Flock License Plate Reader Surveillance
Idyllwild and other residents say the automatic license plate reader cameras track their movements without warrants and asked the Board to cancel contracts and ban ALPRs in unincorporated areas. The Sheriff's Department holds contracts for the system.
Oasis Mobile Home Park Conditions
A nonprofit CEO reported animals suffering and new residents moving into vacated unsafe lots despite a 2023 county–tribe MOU. Supervisor Perez explained the county lacks jurisdiction over the sovereign tribal land.
Behavioral Health Crisis Services Expansion
District 5 cited county data showing youth 25 and under account for roughly half of about 14,000 non-fatal self-harm injuries over three years. Its mental health committee is responding with a donation drive, a tote-bag art event, and partnerships with nonprofits.
Gavilan Hills ATV Invasion
A resident described an Instagram-organized gathering of 60+ ATVs that drove through private properties, terrorized neighbors and livestock, and said sheriff's deputies failed to respond despite repeated calls.
County Transparency and Public Records Practices
Former County Counsel attorney Kimberly Sefiane asked the board to refer the county's public records processes for independent oversight, citing delayed, circular and incomplete productions across multiple 2026 requests and past grand jury findings.
Solar glare management near March Air Reserve Base runways
Solar carports near an active military runway can create glare for pilots. The Air Force reviewed the glare study and the project must use anti-reflective coatings or textured glass to cut reflections.
Wild burro attacks in Reche Canyon
Residents reported 15 coordinated attacks on wild burros, including a donkey found beheaded the morning of the meeting, and asked the county for law enforcement help in the Badlands area.
Election integrity and Registrar of Voters transparency
A team of residents claims over 45,000 more ballots were counted in the Prop 50 election than can be reconciled with ballots cast, and wants the Registrar to answer for it. Chair Spiegel scheduled a special public meeting February 10 at 1:30 p.m. for a full explanation before all five supervisors.
Food truck encroachments and right-of-way safety at Marshall and Ellis
Jane Turner said a food truck at Ellis and Marshall repeatedly violates the county's 2025 vending ordinance, creating pedestrian and traffic hazards, and asked code enforcement to act and designate the area no-parking/no-vending.