Riverside County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Riverside County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Zero-emission bus fleet transition
RTA is replacing four aging natural gas dispensers at its Riverside and Hemet bus yards with dual-hose units that can fuel big buses and smaller shuttles back-to-back. This matters for keeping the fleet running efficiently when new medium-duty service starts in July.
2026 Climate Action Plan Update
The county's updated climate plan sets a 2022 emissions baseline and targets cutting greenhouse gases 49% by 2030 and 87% by 2045. It also gives developers a new consistency checklist to use in environmental review, replacing the old 100-point scoring system.
Bark Beetle Emergency Renewal — Idyllwild and Pine Cove
The local emergency declaration for the bark beetle infestation and Golden Spotted Oak Borer find was renewed, keeping tree-kill response efforts active in the mountain communities.
2026 Wildfires on Conserved Lands
Seven fires burned roughly 9,200 acres of RCA and MSHCP conserved lands in 2026, including big hits at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area and Norton Younglove Reserve. A prescribed burn done in June acted as a fuel break during the Shore Fire — proof proactive work pays off. Staff are repairing dozer lines and fences and watching for invasive plants in burn scars.
Acquisition of Ziony property
The RCA bought about 170 acres in the Sage area for $850,000, permanently protecting habitat that connects to the regional conservation reserve system. This land helps complete proposed Habitat Core 6 and supports species like the golden eagle and mountain quail.