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Thursday, October 09-October 15, 2025
VOL. 9, 11,
NO. 244
State law advances Glen Helen Park land exchange
Riverside County board authorizes cash advance to Idyllwild Fire District
By Joe Taglieri
By City News Service
joet@beaconmedianews.com
T
he Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved a $400,000 loan to the cash-strapped Idyllwild Fire Protection District to cover personnel and other expenses that cannot be deferred until the state distributes the district's share of Riverside County property tax revenue. In a 5-0 vote without comment, the board authorized allocation of the funding, as it has done at the district's request for more than a decade. According to county Executive Office documents, the $400,000 is roughly 85% of what the district is expecting to receive when the state disburses property tax receipts in January. "The Idyllwild Fire Protection District reports limited funds and revenues are available for the payment of expenditures ... through Dec. 31, 2025," according to a statement posted to the board's agenda. "The district's request for the advancement may contribute toward the district's ability to See Fire District Page 27
Riverside County board OKs new policy on agencies' deployment of drones
Glen Helen Regional Park. | Photo courtesy of San Bernardino County
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ov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill into law that enables San Bernardino County to sell off more than 4 acres of Glen Helen Regional Park for a proposed mixed-use development, officials announced Tuesday. Assembly Bill 385 addresses restrictions on the parkland purchased decades ago with state grant funds, according to the county. State law requires the county to get legislative approval to repurpose or exchange the land parcels. The new law authorizes the county to dispose of the restricted land and replace it with parkland of equal or greater size and recreational value.
Located near the junction of the 15 and 215 freeways, the 4.2-acre property is across Glen Helen Parkway from the majority of the park that features 1,340 acres of recreational areas with two lakes for fishing, a swim complex, picnic areas, a 65,000 seat amphitheater and a raceway, according to legislative documents. Those 4.2 acres, part of which contains a building currently not in public use, connect to a larger site for a proposed hotel, shopping center, fitness center, restaurants and other features. Assemblyman James Ramos, D-San Bernardino, authored the legislation. “My bill grants state authorization for the county
to move forward with a major project to enhance the region’s quality of life and boost the local economy,” Ramos said in a statement. “The proposed multiuse project will bring new amenities, including expanded recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. This is an important local-state collaboration that I welcome.” County Board of Supervisors Chairman Dawn Rowe emphasized officials' focus on making sure the replacement property benefits residents. “Glen Helen Regional Park is a cherished destination, but some of its acreage
is isolated from the rest of the park by steep terrain and a major arterial road,” Rowe said in a statement. “With AB 385, San Bernardino County can provide new, accessible parkland in underserved areas while advancing a mixed-use development that brings jobs and economic vitality to the region. This is a win-win for our residents.” Officials noted that AB 385 creates a balance between economic investment and the preservation of open space. The replacement property will expand recreational opportunities for families, ensuring that future generations can enjoy
See Glen Helen Park Page 27
By City News Service
T
he Board of Supervisors on Tuesday directed Riverside County agencies to establish individually tailored policies related to the deployment and use of unmanned aerial systems, generally known as "drones," to ensure compliance with federal regulations and safety parameters. The Executive Office sought and got the board's 5-0 approval of the new policy, A-76, which establishes the need for agencies to craft guidelines for use of drones, night or day. "I'm in support of this," Rancho Mirage resident Brad Anderson told the board ahead of its vote. "The public needs to know who is flying, where they're flying and why they're flying these drones." The county Sheriff's Department has utilized the remotecontrolled aerial vehicles for years, but other agencies are integrating them into their operations, too. "Although many county departments currently use these systems successfully, it is prudent to communicate See Drones Page 27