Riverside County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Riverside County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
El Cerrito Sports Park Transfer to Corona
The county is finally handing the long county-owned sports park over to Corona, which has run it for years — freeing the city to add amenities like pickleball courts without county approval.
Commuter rail station and toll facility landscape maintenance
A $420,000 boost keeps the nine Metrolink stations and toll facilities maintained through December 2026, covering storm cleanup, vandalism repairs, and rising material costs.
Hidden Valley Wildlife Area Bain Fire Remediation
The Board approved $10.2 million to clean up and restore the Hidden Valley Wildlife Area after the Bain Fire, including emergency purchase orders.
2027 General Assembly speaker
The Supporting Foundation ranked Kat Cole first for next year's General Assembly keynote, with the astronaut duo of Massimino and Reisman as backup and Mike Pompeo third.
Youth Summit program and future improvements
The county's youth-led conference lands April 17 at Mead Valley Community Center, covering financial literacy, college life, and career pathways. Commissioners say last year's event was a hit and expect bigger turnout by inviting other youth organizations.
Lake Cahuilla Park Improvements
The county locked in summer pool operations, year-round landscaping and $183,000 in final ARPA upgrades — lighting, shade and accessibility — at the newly renovated Lake Cahuilla park.
Santa Ana River Trail 2, Phase 6 – Package A
A 1.5-mile gap-closing segment of the 110-mile regional trail near the Green River Golf Course is moving toward construction in early 2027, with a construction management contract recommended. The trail serves walkers, cyclists and equestrians.
Passing of Commissioner John Lyon
The commission honored John Lyon, who served 20 years and recently passed away. His alternate, Beth LaRoc, was elected to fill his seat through 2027.
Sidewalk access to Riverside National Cemetery bus stop
New federal funding will pay for concrete sidewalks at the cemetery bus stop, making it safer for veterans and people with disabilities to visit loved ones buried there.
Surplus vehicle donations to community groups
Retired RTA buses, trolleys, and trucks can now be donated to nonprofits, cities, and local agencies — including support vehicles for the first time. Good news for community organizations needing cheap vehicles, though RTA forgoes some auction proceeds.
Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium operations transition
The Storm's underlying stadium contracts expire at the end of 2026. The board approved a bridge: a three-month extension of the interim agreement, then the city takes over operations in 2027 while a new long-term license is negotiated.