Board of Supervisors - 2026-05-05
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved a change of zone from Manufacturing Service Commercial (MSC) to Commercial (CPS) and a conditional use permit for alcohol sales at an existing gas station/convenience store off Central Avenue in the Lake Elsinore area (District 2). The meeting also featured extensive public comment regarding in-custody deaths at county jails and animal welfare concerns related to a duck hoarding case involving approximately 1,300 birds. The Board directed staff to place the duck sanctuary matter on a future agenda.
Key Decisions (4)
Change of Zone and CUP for Alcohol Sales at Central Avenue Gas Station
Approved Change of Zone No. 240053 from Manufacturing Service Commercial (MSC) to Commercial (CPS) and Conditional Use Permit for Type 21 alcoholic beverage control license (off-sale beer, wine, and distilled spirits) at an existing gas station/convenience store located off Central Avenue in the Lake Elsinore area, Second Supervisorial District. The project was previously approved under Plot Plan 210016. Planning Commission recommended approval by a vote of 4-0.
Consent Calendar Items
Approved remaining consent calendar items after pulling item 3.14 for separate discussion. Items 3.5 continued to May 12, 2026 and item 3.18 continued to June 2, 2026.
Office of Traffic Safety Grant for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
Approved item 3.14, a grant from the state Office of Traffic Safety for pedestrian and bicycle safety education, including e-bike safety education, helmet distribution, and community outreach through schools and community centers. Department of Public Health will partner with law enforcement.
Duck Sanctuary Animal Welfare Matter Referred to Future Agenda
Supervisor Perez requested that issues concerning the recent purchase of over 400 birds by one individual from Riverside County Animal Services be placed on a future agenda or closed session. Multiple public speakers raised concerns about Howard Berkowitz and The Duck Sanctuary, alleging animal hoarding, neglect, and improper placement of 480 surrendered birds.
Zoning Changes (1)
Central Avenue, Lake Elsinore area (Second Supervisorial District)
Not specified
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Economist Dr. Christopher Thornburg advised at the Coachella Business Conference that the top priority for county supervisors should be to build more housing.
Commercial Demand
Dr. Thornburg recommended supporting marketing efforts to position Coachella Valley as a family-friendly destination and expanding UC and CSU campuses in the region.
Housing Demand
Supervisor Washington highlighted three affordable housing ribbon cuttings in recent weeks in Murrieta, Temecula, and Wildomar (Trace Lagos Apartments), indicating active affordable housing development in the Southwest region.
Infrastructure
The Mission Bridge Project connecting Jurupa Valley and Riverside is advancing, with county involvement in the long-overdue infrastructure connection.
Other
The Murrieta Innovation Center (MIC) opened with significant county funding participation, aimed at growing innovation and jobs in the Southwest region.