Report: Over 200 citations issued countywide for fireworks violations
Riverside County board revises countywide shortterm rental regulations
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State funds highway encampment removals in 3 more SoCal cities
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Riverside council appoints Thomas Hatch as interim city manager By Joe Taglieri
By Joe Taglieri
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an Bernardino, Ontario and San Diego have joined a state program that reimburses cities for the costs of removing homeless encampments along or near highways, officials announced Tuesday. Encampment Delegated Maintenance Agreements provide state funding to offset the cost for municipal agencies that work with the California Department of Transportation to remove roadside dwellings. Under the agreements, city or county crews can clear out encampments on the "state right-of-way" as long as they comply with policies and reporting rules that aim to "ensure eligible reimbursable costs are used effectively and transparently," according to the governor's office. “Our partnerships must continue delivering results — helping keep roadways clean and addressing the very real issues of homelessness in our state," Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. "By pairing historic state investments with local-level coordination, we are helping communities across California create safer, healthier places for everyone." Caltrans has signed similar agreements with the San Francisco County and city as well as the cities of Claremont, Commerce, Fresno, Paramount, Riverside, Santa Ana, Santa Fe Springs, San Jose and Santa Monica. “Caltrans understands the vital importance of local partnerships as we
joet@civicnewsgroup.com
joet@civicnewsgroup.com
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An encampment lines the sound wall near a local freeway. | Photo courtesy of San Bernardino County
remain fully committed to our role of providing a safe transportation system for all Californians,” Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy said in a statement. “These latest agreements combine the department’s best practices with regional expertise to deliver safer outcomes for people experiencing homelessness and the traveling public.” Advocates for compassionate policies to address homelessness have criticized encampment bans and removals, which have increased since Newsom's 2024 executive order that paved the legal path for municipal and Caltrans cleanup operations. Members of the Inland Region Housing Justice Coalition said the San Bernardino County encampment ban last year "fails to address the real crisis. Our region’s lack of affordable housing and supportive services. Criminalizing homelessness only deepens
poverty and makes it harder for people to get back on their feet.” According to the governor's office, encampments that threaten public health and safety remain the top priority in cleanup operations. Tasks involved in removing encampments include litter and debris collection, vegetation management and graffiti abatement. Since July 2021, Caltrans has removed nearly 26,500 encampments along the state right-of-way and collected approximately 457,000 cubic yards of litter and debris, officials reported. State officials did not immediately respond to requests for dollar amounts of the agreements with San Bernardino, Ontario and San Diego. Riverside's two-year pilot agreement allows the city to remove encampments on State Route 91, State Route 60 and Inter-
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state 60 and bill Caltrans as much as $50,000 per quarter for the work totaling up to $400,000, officials reported. “Keeping San Bernardino clean, safe, and welcoming takes strong partnerships and a shared commitment to our community,” Mayor Helen Tran said in a statement. “This agreement with Caltrans strengthens our ability to address encampments and remove debris along our freeways while ensuring outreach teams continue connecting individuals with shelter, supportive services and pathways toward long-term stability. Together, we're improving public safety, protecting our environment and enhancing the quality of life for everyone who calls San Bernardino home.” Ontario Public Works Executive Director Tito Haes said the new agreement will allow the city’s departments of Public Works, Police and
See Encampment removals Page 27
he Riverside City Council on Tuesday appointed longtime municipal executive Thomas R. Hatch as interim city manager, overseeing the operations of one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in Southern California. The Council unanimously approved a resolution appointing Hatch and authorizing an employment agreement totaling roughly $187,000 in total compensation, according to a city staff report. Hatch's term begins Friday, and he will remain in the interim position until a
permanent city manager is hired. Officials said the appointment represents the second phase of the city's leadership transition. Immediately following the departure of previous City Manager Mike Futrell, who announced his resignation June 17 and officially departed July 5, the council asked Assistant City Manager Edward Enriquez to temporarily serve in the role. Officials then hired an independent firm to recruit and place an experienced interim manager "to guide
See City manager Page 13
IE legislators secure state funding for more local judges By Staff
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tate lawmakers have secured funding to begin adding judges to California’s most underresourced courts, including those in the Inland Empire, San Bernardino County announced last week. The Inland Empire Legislative Caucus announced the 2026-27 state budget provides $44 million to support the phased implementation of 13 new superior court judgeships and $100 million for related court facilities. County officials said the funding follows years See Local judges Page 27
of bipartisan advocacy by the IE legislative delegation, local governments, the Judicial Council, which governs the state court system, and regional court officials to address a shortage of judges that has led to higher caseloads and longer wait times for area residents needing to access the courts. Earlier this year, the Inland Empire Caucus spearheaded a bipartisan budget request urging the State Legislature to fund judgeships that the Judicial Council identified as the