ParkTalk APRIL 2024

RivCoParks

In This Edition CPRS AWARDS PROJECT UPDATES EMPLOYEE/VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT AND MORE!

APRIL 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS CPRS Breakout Session CPRS Award of Exellence

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Safety Update SARB Unit Update

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Page 5 PARK TALK

RivCoParks Project Updates

Natural Resources Management Blog

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Employee / Volunteer Highlight

Special Events Spotlight Shining Stars CEQA Training Wrap-Up

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RivCoParks Honored with Two CPRS Awards of Excellence:

Recognized for Innovation in Marketing & Community Engagement

RivCoParks proudly brought home two prestigious California Parks and Recreation Society - Awards of Excellence. The recognition comes from the esteemed Marketing & Communications Award of Excellence category for the Santa Ana River Bottom Collaborative Website, SARBShare.org, and the Creating Community Award of Excellence category for the Knee High Naturalists program. The Marketing & Communications Award of Excellence celebrates RivCoParks' outstanding achievement in digital outreach and engagement directly working to support homeless outreach, a vital program in California. The Santa Ana River Bottom is home to approximately 200 unsheltered individuals, constituting the largest encampment concentration in Riverside County, facing environmental hazards and vulnerability. Recognizing the complex challenge of homelessness, Supervisor Karen Spiegel spearheaded a multidisciplinary team in early 2020, securing an $11 million award from the State of California. The team's achievements are showcased on the collaborative SARBshare.org platform, emphasizing partnership, success stories, heat maps, and location-speci c resources. SARBshare.org serves as a centralized hub, facilitating swift access to housing, mental health, substance abuse, and other services for outreach. Hosting bi-weekly collaborative meetings promotes constant interaction among stakeholders, improves coordinated outreach response and ensures SARBShare.org content is up-to-date. By consolidating expertise and tools, this collaborative website achieves a lasting impact and creates positive change in Riverside County.

In addition to the accolade in marketing and communications, RivCoParks has been recognized with the Award of Excellence in the Creating Community category for its groundbreaking Knee High Naturalists program. The Knee High Naturalist Program takes an active approach to educating its students by utilizing a lesson plan template with a set structure for every lesson including story time, hikes with intentional observations, crafts, and a rotation of either a STEM activity, a game, or a creature feature. The program is grant funded and is supported by RivCoParks staff, volunteers and numerous County Departments all with the goal of encouraging growth, development, and creativity. Since the program’s inception, Knee High Naturalists has served over 4000 students. The Awards of Excellence signify RivCoParks' ongoing dedication to innovation, collaboration, and community impact. As a leader in environmental stewardship and recreational programming, RivCoParks remains steadfast in its mission to enrich lives, inspire exploration, and preserve natural resources for generations to come.

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CPRS BREAKOUT SESSION

RivCoParks was selected to present at the Connections 2024: CPRS Conference & Expo on the topic of “A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Addressing Homelessness in Wildand Urban Interfaces. ”Our newly appointed President of CPRS and Director, Kyla Brown, along with Chief of Operations Robert Williams and Natural Resources Manager Oscar A. Serrato, provided a presentation on the public safety dangers present in Wildland Urban Interface areas, spec cally concerning rivers and re-prone areas. They de ned what a multi-disciplinary approach entails, how it operates in Riverside County, and what it might resemble in other communities. Attendees learned about the tools necessary to aid in developing a similar partnership within their own communities.

SARB UNIT UPDATE

On Februrary 15, 2024, collaborators for the Santa Ana River Bottom Homeless Solutions. Collaborative came together for an impactful in-person gathering at the charming Crestmore Manor. Our dedicated working group partners provided insightful updates on the great work happening in the Santa Ana River Botom. The working group delved into the Facility and Habitat Management work, Homeless Encampment Response, and Public Safety. A special moment of appreciation as Riverside County Supervisor Karen Spiegel and Housing Workforce Solutions presented recognition awards to individuals and organizations making a signi cant difference in our homeless solutions journey. Thanking them for their unwavering commitment. Together, we’re closing gaps and fostering solutions for a better tommorow. Lets keep the momentum going!

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Safety Update

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Safety Measures for Reducing Fires in the Workplace

The safety and well-being of every individual in our organization is important to us. Fires not only pose a threat to life and property but can also severely disrupt operations and cause irreparable damage to our organization. Therefore, it is imperative that we take proactive measures to minimize re risks and enhance our workplace safety protocols.

Jacquelyn Muller, Public Information Specialist

By following key points, we can collectively work together to help reduce the occurrence of fires in our workplace:

1. Good Housekeeping: Maintaining a clean and organized workplace is essential for re

Flammable liquids, gases, and other hazardous materials should be stored in designated areas away from potential ignition sources. Our designated storage areas should be well-ventilated, properly labeled, and equipped with appropriate safety measures such as re-resistant containers and spill containment systems. Electrical res are a common hazard in workplaces. Ensure that all electrical systems, equipment, and wiring are installed and maintained by DMT, IT or the respected maintenance divisions ONLY. Employees should report any signs of electrical malfunctions, such as ickering lights, overheating outlets, or frayed wires. prevention. Cluttered areas, especially those with combustible materials, increase the risk of re. Everyone is encouraged to keep their workspaces tidy and promptly dispose of any waste material, especially ammable substances, or potential electrical hazards.

2. Electrical Safety:

3. Proper storage of Flammable Materials:

4.Emergency Preparedness:

Slow and cautious driving reduces the risk of accidental collisions, protecting your vehicle and those of your colleagues from unnessecary damgage.

RivCoParks strives to foster a workplace culture where safety is prioritized by all employees. Open communication is encouraged regarding safety concerns, near-misses, and potential hazards. By adhering to these safety measures and fostering a culture of vigilance and responsibility, we can signi cantly reduce the risk of res in our work spaces!

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Planning and Development PROJECT UPDATES

PK-ARPA003 SKN Sewer and Water Valves Construction due to begin August 2024.

Jurisdictional Mock-Ups City of Riverside

PK-ARPA004-SKN Entry Repaving Construction due to begin December 2024.

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Santa Ana River Trail CITY OF RIVERSIDE

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PK-ARPA005 RJU Repaving Construction due to begin December 2024.

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DRAFT MAP FOR PLACEMENT ONLY

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CONFIRMATION / IDENTITY

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Trail Rules CPC 602, CO. ORD. 328, 514, 529

NO FIRES

NO HUNTING

NO PAINTBALLS NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES

NO SHOOTING

NO DUMPING

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PK-ARPA008 District IV Feasibility Study Exploring feasibility of potential sites for a new Regional Park. No construction involved. PK-ARPA006 OHV Feasibility Study Exploring feasibility for potential sites for a new OHV Park. No construction involved.

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MILE MARKER

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INFORMATION KIOSK

DECISION

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CONFIRMATION

PAVEMENT MARKERS

Santa Ana River Trail Wayfinding Concept Design 04.12.2024

Historic River Full Sign Family

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PK-7308 Butter eld Trail Stoffer Staging Area In design phase, 75% complete.

PK-8150 Box Springs Signage Program Design phase 80% complete.

PK-ARPA009 SARB Maintenance Construction due to begin August 2024.

PK-9679 MFL Sewer Expansion Project complete March 2024.

PK-ARPA010 SART Way nding Construction to begin June 2024.

PK-9727 Lawler Lodge Reroo ng Bid process to begin May 2024 for a Summer 2024 construction window.

PK-ARPA011/PK-9716 SKN Boat Launch Improvements Design phase 60% complete and nearing 90% by May 2024. Construction to begin November 2024.

PK-9729 RJU Mini Golf & ADA Design phase underway. Construction begins November 2024.

PK-ARPA012 SRP Broadband Upgrade Construction to the conduit path complete.

PK-ARPA013 Lawler ADA Design process 90% complete. Construction to begin September 2024.

PK-9742 Gilman Ranch: Stagecoach Stop Park Construction to begin December 2024.

PK-9750 Trujillo Adobe Preservation Plan In design phase.

PK-ARPA014 Kabian Updates Construction begins October 2024.

HIDDEN VALLEY NATURE CENTER

11401 ARLINGTON AVE RIVERSIDE, CA 92505

PK-ARPA016 Hidden Valley Nature Center Modernization Anticipated delivery date for the 100% approved drawings is in mid-April 2024 PK-ARPA015 CAH Master Plan & Amenity Updates Master plan process beginning April 2024. Re-pavement construction of Jefferson road, both day use parking lots, and campground roads to begin August 2024. Construction for amenity upgrades (Lagoon repairs, restroom rehabilitation, new shade structure, playground update, campground equipment eg. picnic tables and re pits) will begin October 2024.

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LIMIT OF WORK

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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE 7111 Indiana Avenue, Suite 300 Riverside, CA 92504 (951) 369-0700 www.cwdg.fun

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EXISTING NATURE CENTER BUILDING

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SEAL:

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Signature

Renewal Date Date 12/31/24 3/22/24

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY PARKS 4600 CRESTMORE ROAD

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NATURE CENTER ENTRY GATEWAY

RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92509

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OWNER:

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN-SPACE DISTRICT 4600 CRESTMORE ROAD JURUPA VALLEY, CA 92509 CONTACT: OSCAR RICARDO

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ACCESSIBILITY MAP DEMOLITION PLAN

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LC-3 - LC-9 LI-1 - LI-2 LC-1 - LC-2 LI-3 - LI-5 LP-1 - LP-2 LD-1 - LD-2 LG-1 - LG-2 LG-3

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS CONSTRUCTION PLAN IRRIGATION DETAILS IRRIGATION PLAN SEPTIC SYSTEM PLAN CIVIL SITE GRADING PLAN

OsRicardo@RIVCO.ORG

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GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER: GEOTEK, INC. 1548 NORTH MAPLE STREET CORONA, CA 92880 PHONE: (951) 710-11160 CONTACT: KYLE MCHARGUE 2305 CHICAGO AVE. RIVERSIDE, CA 92507 PHONE: (951) 680-0440 CONTACT: OCTAVIO PARADA CONSULTANTS: SURVEY: TKE ENGINEERING, INC.

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NATURE CENTER ADA IMPROVEMENTS 11401 ARLINGTON AVENUE RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92505

HIDDEN VALLEY

CWDG CONTACT: ROBERT COLLINGS PROJECT MANAGER PHONE: (951) 369-0700 ROBERT@CWDG.FUN

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JOB NUMBER: DRAWN BY: CHECKED BY:

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PLANTING PLAN PLANTING DETAILS

RLC

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03/22/24

ENTRY DRIVE

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: DESIGN WEST ENGINEERING 412 E. VANDERBILT WAY SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92408 PHONE: (909) 890-3700 CONTACT:ROY MORALES

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ELECTRICAL PLANS AND DETAILS STRUCTURAL NOTES AND DETAILS

EXISTING GRAVEL PARKING LOT APPROX. 54 SPACES

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REVISIONS:

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REFERENCE INFORMATION MAY BE PRESENTED VIA LINE COLOR AND STYLE OR LINEWEIGHT SIZE AND STYLE. CWDG IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PLANS REPRODUCED BY OTHERS OR PLANS PRINTED IN BLACK & WHITE OR MONOCHROME

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VICINITY MAP:

SCOPE OF WORK: CONSTRUCT 1.3 ACRES OF IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN 5 ACRE SITE

SITE PLAN

EVAETINOMIL

DEFERRED SUBMITTALS : AWARDED CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPLY STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS, SHOP DRAWINGS, AND DESIGN DETAILS FOR INDIVIDUAL ITEM PERMITTING FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: PREFABRICATED RESTROOM BUILDING AND PLUMBING 3 SHADE STRUCTURES (OUTDOOR CLASSROOM, ART AREA, AND AMPHITHEATER) ENTRY AREA (ENTRY SIGN / PORTAL)

1"= 40' NORTH

SCOPE OF WORK CONSTRUCT/ INSTALL NEW PREFABRICATED RESTROOM BUILDING (DEFERRED 1

PROJECT SITE

SUBMITTAL/ PER SEPARATE PERMIT) CONSTRUCT NEW SEPTIC SYSTEM CONSTRUCT NEW ACCESSIBLE PARKING (3 SPACES) RENOVATE EXISTING ENTRY AREA CONSTRUCT NEW OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AND SHADE STRUCTURE CONSTRUCT NEW ART AREA AND SHADE STRUCTURE RENOVATE EXISTING AMPHITHEATER ADA IMPROVEMENTS AND CONSTRUCT NEW SHADE STRUCTURE CONSTRUCT SHADE STRUCTURE CONSTRUCT NEW OUTDOOR STAGE AREA AND ACCENT PAVING CONSTRUCT NEW CONCRETE WALKING PATHS CONSTRUCT NEW DG WALKING PATHS

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PROJECT APN: 162-250-004 AND 162-250-006

TITLE SHEET

NOTE: This project shall comply with the 2022 California Building Code, which adopts the 2020 IBC, 2020 UMC, 2020 UPC and the 2017 NEC.

SCALE:

N.T.S.

DIMENSIONS ARE PROVIDED FOR APPROXIMATIONS ONLY. CONSTRUCTION STAKING SHALL BE PERFORMED USING EQUIPMENT CAPABLE OF DECIPHERING AUTOCAD 2010 INFORMATION. CAD FILE IS AVAILABLE FOR STAKING PURPOSES. CONTRACTOR SHALL CONTACT COMMUNITY WORKS DESIGN GROUP FOR ELECTRONIC COPY. OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE (HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS O.R.) TO APPROVE LAYOUT ALIGNMENT OF ALL WALKS/FENCING/PARKING, ETC., UNLESS SPECIFIC LAYOUT DATA IS PROVIDED HEREON BELOW GROUND UTILITY LOCATIONS NOT PROVIDED, CONTRACTOR TO POT HOLE/ LOCATE AS REQUIRED PRIOR TO START ALL APPLICABLE PRODUCTS SHALL COMPLY WITH SCAQMD & CARB REGULATIONS CONTRACTOR SHALL INCLUDE IN BID ALL REQUIRED ENGINEERING, SHOP DRAWINGS, SURVEY, AND THE APPLICATION, SUBMITTAL, AND APPROVAL OF REQUIRED PERMITS. NOTE:

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ARLINGTON AVE

CALIFORNIA AVE

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Know what's below.

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before you dig. Call

Mar 25, 2024 - 3:56pm Brian Espinoza Y:\RivCoParks-Hidden Valley Nature Center ADA\CD's\COVER.dwg

90% CD SUBMITTAL

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NRM

BLOG

Natural Resources Management

Delhi sands-flower loving fly National Resources Management Blog Jonathan Reinig, Natural Resources Manager

Delhi sands- ower loving y (DSF, Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis) is a very large y (up to 1.25 inches long) that many people would mistake for a wasp or bee. It gets its name from both the adults y’s habit of sipping nectar from owers like a humming bird and its obligatory habitat- the Delhi sand dune eco system. The adults only live for about 2 weeks and are only active during the hottest part of the year; mid-Jun to early September, when the ies complete their life cycle culminating in the females laying their eggs in the sand. At this point their life cycle is still not completely known, but by studying closely related species entomologists believe the larval DSF are free living predators of other insects that burrow deep within the sand. After 1-3 years, the larva moves towards the soil surface, pupate for approximately one month, and then emerge from the sand as adults. DSF only live in the Delhi sand dune complex that once spanned 40 miles across what is now Colton, Rialto, Ontario, and Fontana. However, approximately 98% of its habitat was destroyed by agricultural, industrial, and housing developments. The remaining 2% of the ies remaining habitat was further threatened by invasive plants, off-highway vehicles, and the loss of the natural dune ecosystem dynamics which kept the dunes relatively free of vegetation. Because of these factors, the y was emergency listed as a federally endangered species in 1993; making it the only endangered y at the time. Recent estimates put the global population of DSF at less than 500 individuals. A large portion of those individuals inhabit roughly 10 acres of a single Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority reserve who’s management falls under the guise of RivCoParks. After several years of documented decline in population numbers and range reductions at the reserve, RivCoParks began actively managing the habitat at the site to improve its suitability for the species in 2013, and has continued to so annually ever since. DSF’s survival is so closely tied to the open sand dune habitat it occupies, efforts have been focused on returning the reserve to a more natural state. A substantial portion of the site is cleared of nonnative annual vegetation on a yearly basis before the plants set seeds. This further opens the sandy habitat at the site while also giving a competitive advantage to native plant species. With several repeated years of this activity, the site now sees far less nonnative vegetation germinating at it. Parks staff also uses a proprietary harrow towed behind an all-terrain vehicle on a yearly basis to create and maintain a series of “paths” at the site which are completely void of vegetation and which are highly favored by the y. Finally, various efforts have been made at the site to improve its habitat value for the y such as raking up and hauling out dead, thatched, annual vegetation; seeding across the site with native plant species; and transplanting native shrubs to the site. Because of these efforts, as well as other organizations recent efforts to begin managing for the species, the Delhi sands ower-loving y’s outlook has improved tremendously. In the years following the beginning of restoration activities at the reserve the y has seen its most productive years at the site on record (as measured by population estimates), has recolonized areas of the reserve where it had vanished from, and has even been documented reproducing in areas of the reserve where it had never been observed before. After learning about these developments with DSF, a local entomologist put it well, “I used to tell reporters and wildlife of cials that the species would be extinct in less than 50 years. After learning about the work that is now being committed to its survival, I no longer believe that to be the case”

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Cindy Munoz Sr. Maintenance Planner and Inspector

Raft rowing

Spring. Hiking becomes alot more scenic

EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHT Skateboarding. Lords of Dogtown.

Fred again.. - jungle

RivCoParks brings forth a variety of elements, allowing the opportunity to understand urban green spaces and exploring my capabilities of problemsolving and genuine passion for the industry.

I lived/visited Alaska and witnessed the aurora borealis three times.

New experiences and travel.

VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT

Shirley Roberts

Camphost

What is your hidden talent? Making jewelry What is your favorite season for outdoor activity? Why? Fall because the weather is changing and getting cooler Who is your favorite singer or band? Favorite song? Chris Tomlin’s Amazing Grace What is your favorite RivCoParks location? Why? Mayflower. I haven’t been to any of the other parks in the county

Describe your favorite vacation/trip you’ve ever taken. Why was it your favorite?

What is your favorite aspect about working for RivCoParks? Friendly atmosphere and getting to meet new people all the time Most of my vacations have been great. I love spending time with my family

What are you passionate about outside of work? Playing games with friends or on my phone

What is your favorite food? Fresh lobster and Mexican food What is your favorite movie? Pretty Woman

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Gaby Adame, Chief-Planning & Development CEQA Training Wrap-Up

CEQA Basics for RivCoParks

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It’s been an incredible kickoff to 2024 for events throughout RivCoParks. We held our 7th annual shing clinics at Rancho Jurupa Park, Lake Cahuilla and Lake Skinner. These clinics attracted an estimated 2000 people in total and continue to be an excellent event for locals and their families to learn how to sh. Speaking of catching a sh?!?! Lake Cahuilla hosted its 3rd Veterans Fishing Derby in partnership with Fourth Districts Supervisor Perez. Close to 1000 anglers woke up early to have a chance to win cool prizes and claim the title of Biggest Fish. In partnership with the Aquarium of the Paci c, Hidden Valley Nature Center hosted another successful event. Wonders of Watershed attracted over 500 community residents that were eager to learn about sea life and other aquatic habitats. With the rst quarter almost wrapped up; we look to have two more successful events. Wild West Festival & Western Art Show at Gilman Historic Ranch and Wagon Museum and Wild ower Show in Idyllwild Nature Center. Our event guide is loaded with events for the remainder of the year, check it out and mark your calendar. RivCoParks SPECIAL EVENTS SPOTLIGHT -Eric Boor Park Facilities Coordinator

Scan the QR Code below:

Pictures from events Veterans Fishing Derby | Fishing Clinics | Duck Daze

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SHINING STARS

Each month employees and volunteers are recognized as Shining Stars for their A.C.T.I.O.N.S. and dedication to the RivCoParks' core values.

DECEMBER

Michael Alferez Fiscal Manager

Volunteer Johnelle Cimino

Volunteer Frank Cimino

JANUARY

Contracts & Grants Analyst Lindsey Drake

Susan Savolainen

Volunteer

FEBRUARY

Park Maintenance Worker John Batterton

Christy Sijen Volunteer

Volunteer Alfredo Macias

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