Budget constraints continue to reduce staffing and response times of the Sheriff’s Department in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. Staffing of 1.2 deputies per 1,000 population and two patrol cars on the Hill at all times was the norm as recently as two years ago. Now, according to Hemet Station Commander Captain Scot Collins,…
A Household Hazardous Waste Collection event is scheduled on Saturday, September 24, in Anza at the Anza Transfer Station, starting at 9 a.m. Another Household Hazardous Waste Collection event is also scheduled on Saturday, September 24 in Pinyon Pines at the Pinyon Flats Transfer Station, starting at 9 a.m. These collections are open to all…
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors adopted its 2011-12 county budget, but the county’s financial problems will continue for several years, according to County Executive Bill Luna. The county’s goal to eliminate a deficit and enact a budget that is funded by current revenues without reliance on reserves was not achieved and that goal will…
Despite Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposals to amend the recently enacted fire prevention fee, neither the State Assembly nor Senate could find a solution that satisfied the Legislature — Republicans and Democrats. Consequently, no amendments were enacted in the Legislature’s final week. However, H.D. Palmer, spokesman for the Department of Finance, said the administration still believes…
A jury found Joseph A. Heredia, 35, of Anza, guilty on three of six filed charges. Heredia was convicted of arson to an inhabited structure or property and two counts of criminal threats. Sentencing for these crimes is scheduled for Oct. 28. The jury found Heredia not guilty of burglary, threatening the victim, witness or…
Jeral Steven Cooley, 30, of Anza, was sentenced to four years in state prison for possession of child pornography (Penal code 311.11(B)). Riverside County prosecutor Cynthia Brewer attempted to invalidate the original plea agreement with Cooley and sought a much stiffer sentence. Although Judge Kelly L. Hansen rejected Brewer’s motion, he issued the higher limit…
Even before regulations implementing the recently enacted state fire fee are implemented, state officials submitted proposed changes to ensure a higher fee. Last week, state officials submitted the changes to the Legislature, which include raising the fee to $175 and setting the minimum fee level at $150. Revenue generated by the law would be eligible…
Hot weather and lower fuel moisture have prompted the San Bernardino National Forest to increase fire restrictions, effective Thursday Sept. 1, 2011. Forest officials took these steps to prevent human-caused fires and raise public awareness as the summer continues to get warmer and drier. Most wildfires on the San Bernardino National Forest are human-caused and…
Even before regulations implementing the recently enacted state fire fee are implemented, State officials submitted proposed changes to ensure a higher fee. Last week. State officials drafted the changes, which include raising the fee to $175 and setting the minimum fee level at $150. Revenue generated by the law would be eligible for fire protection…
The Wallow Fire burned nearly 540,000 acres from late May until its containment on July 21.
