Riverside Independent_10/27/2025

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 02, 2025

NO. 247

VOL. 11,

County crews remove encampments; board OKs $800K for youth housing

SB County warns of possible halt to food aid amid federal shutdown

By Joe Taglieri

By Staff

joet@beaconmedianews.com

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he ongoing federal government shutdown prompted San Bernardino County officials Wednesday to warn that food assistance may not be available next month. Funding for CalFresh benefits is currently secured through October, and currently CalWORKs and Medi-Cal benefits are not expected to be impacted, according to the county. If the shutdown continues, however, funding delays may occur. The county Transitional Assistance Department is preparing to assist residents and keep the community informed. “The Transitional Assistance Department understands how essential CalFresh

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an Bernardino County workers cleared severaldozen encampments Wednesday in Bloomington and Fontana, officials announced. The one-day cleanup and outreach effort by multiple county agencies resulted in 37 encampment sites addressed, 58 individuals contacted, 16 service referrals made, one vehicle towed, one arrest and about 8.25 tons of debris and waste materials removed, according to a county statement. Officials said the operation aimed to address public health and safety concerns while offering compassionate outreach to county residents experiencing homelessness. Sheriff’s deputies accompanied county workers from the Code Enforcement, Public Works and Homeless Services agencies in Bloomington and unincorporated areas adjacent to Fontana. “We are addressing homelessness and creating safe, healthy spaces for everyone,” Board of Supervisors Chairman and 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Rowe said in a statement. “By combining enforcement with outreach, we ensure that every resident, housed or unhoused, is treated with dignity and respect.” The encampment clearing and outreach work was a response to numerous reports from community members regarding unsafe conditions and environmental health concerns connected with local encampments, officials said. “Homelessness is not an issue any one city or agency can solve alone — it requires a regional, united effort,” 5th District Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., who represents Bloomington, said in a statement. “Together, we’re taking meaningful steps to provide compassionate outreach and restore safety in

benefits are for families and individuals across San Bernardino County,” TAD Director James LoCurto said in a statement. “We remain committed to providing clear, up-to-date information and assisting our residents throughout this period of uncertainty.” If benefits will not be available, impacted county residents will receive a notification letter later this month, officials said. “Receiving this notification does not mean a case is closed or that eligibility has ended,” according to the county. “Participants are encouraged to continue meeting all mandatory reporting requirements, including submitting SAR 7 Eligi-

See Food aid Page 28 Code Enforcement officers, Office of Homeless Services workers and a sheriff’s deputy meet county residents living in an encampment Wednesday in an unincorporated area near Fontana. | Photo courtesy of San Bernardino County

our communities.” District 2 Supervisor Jess Armendarez, who represents Fontana, noted the county’s “holistic approach” to addressing homelessness. “We’ve taken a holistic approach to homelessness by addressing both immediate needs and root causes,” Armendarez said in a statement. He listed county initiatives including Citylink’s wraparound service facility and food warehouse, The PATH’s conversion of a motel into a resource and care center to provide housing for families experiencing or at risk of homelessness and support for drug and alcohol treatment programs at Cedar House. “We’ve created hundreds of new beds and resources that give people a path off the streets,” Armendarez added.

“Tackling homelessness isn’t just about shelter, it’s about stopping the bleeding by providing housing, treatment, and hope for a better future.” The BloomingtonFontana operation Wednesday included enforcement of county ordinances and state laws prohibiting camping in certain public places. Officials said the operation’s goal also extended beyond law enforcement by connecting individuals with supportive services and restoring safety and sanitary conditions to public areas. “Our focus is public safety and compassionate outreach,” Code Enforcement Chief Ignacio Nunez, whose department led the operation, said in a statement. “We are See Encampments Page 27

committed to maintaining healthy, safe neighborhoods while ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness are given opportunities to connect with supportive services and housing resources.” Office of Homeless Services Chief Marcus Dillard said county officials “understand the challenges people in these encampments face. Our mission is to provide them with real options and support. Every engagement is an opportunity to help someone take a step towards rebuilding their lives,” he said in a statement. Sheriff’s officials emphasized the operation’s public safety component. Some encampments were associated

Feds to monitor polling places in Riverside County By City News Service

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he U.S. Department of Justice plans to monitor polling sites in five California counties — including Riverside — during the Nov. 4 election in which voters will decide whether to approve a temporary statewide redistricting aimed at adding more Democrat representation in Congress. Monitors will also be stationed in Los Angeles, Orange, Fresno and Kern counties. The DOJ will also monitor polling places in Passaic County, New Jersey. “Transparency at the See Elections Page 28

polls translates into faith in the electoral process, and this Department of Justice is committed to upholding the highest standards of election integrity,” U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. “We will commit the resources necessary to ensure the American people get the fair, free, and transparent elections they deserve.” DOJ officials said the monitoring effort is designed “to ensure transparency, ballot security and compliance with federal law.”


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