What Gov. Browna s emergency declaration means for Cranston fire victims

A CalFire fighter hosed down hot spots on one of the homes on Deer Foot Lane burned in the fast moving Cranston fire in the San Bernardino National Forest in Idyllwild on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. Gov. Jerry Brown's declaration of a state of emergency Thursday, July 26, for Riverside County as the Cranston fire burns in the San Jacinto Mountains brings state resources into play for both fighting the fire and helping during the recovery once it's brought under control.

Communities recognize Memorial Day with special ceremonies

U.S. Marine Corps veteran and bagpiper Joel Daniel performs the "Star-Spangled Banner as the colors are presented by the Murrieta Mesa High School NJROTC during the Murrieta Memorial Day ceremony, May 28. Residents from throughout Southwest Riverside County recognized the Memorial Day holiday at a variety of city events Monday, May 28. Citizens of Menifee gathered at Menifee Veterans Memorial park to enjoy a special ceremony including the presentation of colors, Pledge of Allegiance and keynote speaker Senator Mike Morrel. Throughout the morning there was a flyover, family activities and even funnel cakes.

Inland Assemblyman Chad Mayes remains as GOP leader a ” for now

Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes speaks to Riverside County Republicans at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside in this Aug. 17 file photo. Embattled Inland Assemblyman Chad Mayes will remain GOP caucus leader - at least for now - after a vote to remove him came up short late Monday afternoon, Aug. 21. The motion to vacate the chair - essentially, to fire Mayes - failed by three votes, Mayes spokesman Matt Mahon said.

Colonies trial judge inclined to drop two charges against one defendant

SAN BERNARDINO >> The judge in the Colonies corruption trial on Monday said he was leaning toward dismissing two felony charges against one defendant for allegedly failing to report to the state gifts he received from another defendant in 2007. Judge Michael A. Smith, however, declined to dismiss three felony counts of perjury against defendant and former county Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin, saying prosecutors were allowed to charge Erwin with those crimes under general statutes.

Is there an Oroville-style threat looming in Southern California? Experts say no

The Prado Dam, as seen Monday February 13, 2017, was constructed in the late 1930's into the 40's and sits just northeast of the intersection of the 71 and 91 freeways in Riverside County. While massive, damaged Oroville Dam threatens to disgorge floodwaters, you've got to ask yourself: Do Southern California dams pose a significant threat to people living below them? You can exhale now, the region's water operators said Monday.

Gov. Brown must pick a new Riverside County supervisor to fill the John Benoit vacancy

By law, the governor has the sole authority and discretion to appoint a replacement. Benoit was a Republican state senator in 2009 when then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger picked him to replace Roy Wilson, who died days after resigning from the Board of Supervisors due to his declining health.

Exploding Takata air bag claims 11th victim in U.S.

A 50-year-old woman who died after a car wreck last month in California is the 11th U.S. victim of defective air bag inflators from auto industry supplier Takata. Exploding Takata air bag claims 11th victim in U.S. A 50-year-old woman who died after a car wreck last month in California is the 11th U.S. victim of defective air bag inflators from auto industry supplier Takata.