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M O N D AY, S E P T E M B E R 04- S E P T E M B E R 10, 2023
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Fire alongside 60 Freeway in Riverside damages properties, prompts school evacuation; firefighters stop blaze near Perris Valley Airport By City News Service
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cluster of spot fires that began in a transient encampment and burned alongside the Pomona (60) Freeway in Riverside Wednesday damaged at least six properties, displacing one resident, before the fires were stopped. There were no reports of injuries. The original fire was reported at about 2 p.m. along the retaining wall for the westbound 60, facing Stoddard Avenue, according to the Riverside Fire Department. Engine and truck crews from the city and Riverside County Fire Department were sent to the location and encountered flames in three to four spots that had branched out from the principal blaze behind houses and on both sides of the
retaining wall, including the shoulder of the freeway. Firefighters encountered palm trees in flames, as well as fire threatening residences in the 3700 block of Stoddard and the 3700 block of Shamrock Avenue, according to reports from the scene. In at least one instance, a homeowner used a garden hose to try to keep the flames at bay. One home sustained significant damage, displacing the elderly woman residing there with her two pets. Red Cross personnel were summoned to assist her with finding temporary alternate lodgings, according to officials. The extent of damage to the other properties, a few of which may have been outbuildings and garages, was not immediately clear.
The fires were fully contained by 3:55 p.m. The amount of acreage burned was unconfirmed. “The fire has been determined to be human-caused, originating on the freeway side near a homeless encampment,” Battalion Chief Mike Allen said. Riverside Public Utilities implemented a public safety power shutoff after electricity transmission lines collapsed outside several properties, elevating fire threats. The shut-off impacted the area south of Fairmount Boulevard, north of Main Street, east of the freeway and west of Shamrock. The number of properties affected was not provided. The on-ramp from Main Street to the westbound 60 was shut down as a precaution, and two
engine crews positioned themselves on the shoulder of the freeway to battle the flames, snarling westbound traffic. Police closed Stoddard between Main and Fairmount for public safety. Fire reaches edge of elementary school One of the several spot fires that broke out alongside the 60 Freeway spread to an elementary school campus, which was completely evacuated, though no students or staff were injured at the site. The blaze was reported at about 2:20 p.m. near the cafeteria of Fremont Elementary School at 1925 Orange St., according to the Riverside Fire Department. The agency said witnesses called 911 after seeing flames from one of three to See Fire Page 27
A fire that started in a homeless encampment near the 60 Freeway in Riverside destroyed this house. | Photo courtesy of the Riverside Fire Department
Palm Springs International Airport begins 2 construction projects
Riverside councilwoman admits DUI charge, sentenced to probation
By City News Service
By City News Service
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See Airport projects Page 27
See DUI charge Page 28
he Palm Springs International Airport Tuesday announced it will begin two construction projects focused on passenger comfort, local flavors and more retail options. “As Palm Springs International Airport has witnessed tremendous growth over the past two years, it’s vital that our facilities are upgraded to keep pace with our evolving traveler needs,” Executive Director of Aviation Harry Barrett said in a statement. “We are dedicated to providing passengers with not only improved amenities but also an authentic sense of place that captures the essence of the region our airport serves.” The two construction projects, set to complete in 2024, are a renovation of the gate hold rooms in the airport’s Sonny Bono Concourse, and a new era of culinary and retail offerings, according to a statement from PSP. The gate hold room renovations are underway and expected to be complete by early next year while the concessions project is set to begin next month and expected to complete by winter. The first project includes replacement of all flooring, repositioning of new passenger service desks, and updated lighting among other improvements aimed to elevate passenger experience in the rooms, PSP officials said. The second project will include a complete renovation of three existing airport restaurants, an introduction of three additional eateries and two coffee shops.
iverside City Councilwoman Clarissa Perez Cervantes pleaded guilty Wednesday to misdemeanor driving under the influence and was immediately sentenced to three years’ probation. Cervantes entered the plea during her arraignment at the Banning Justice Center for her July arrest. Along with probation, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Sylwia Luttrell ordered the councilwoman to spend 57 days in a sheriff’s work release program, which only requires proof of employment, volunteer work or full-time enrollment in a vocational or other school. The defendant’s attorney Paul Grech did not immediately respond to a request for comment. According to the California Highway Patrol, Cervantes was stopped by an officer while speeding on southbound Interstate 10, near Eighth Street, in the predawn hours of July 1. After the officer detected that she was inebriated, the councilwoman was taken into custody without incident. She was released from the Smith Correctional Facility after posting a $5,000 a short time later. Cervantes had a prior misdemeanor DUI conviction from 2015, according to court records. The one-term councilwoman was elected in 2021 and represents Ward 2. She is vying for