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County Proclaims Local Emergency Following North Shore Power Outage

14 September 2021

RIVERSIDE – The Riverside County Board of Supervisors today proclaimed a local emergency following the August 30 thunderstorm that toppled 33 of Imperial Irrigation District’s power poles in the North Shore area, cutting power off to over 660 residents for four days.

County Proclaims Local Emergency Following North Shore Power Outage

RIVERSIDE – The Riverside County Board of Supervisors today proclaimed a local emergency following the August 30 thunderstorm that toppled 33 of Imperial Irrigation District’s power poles in the North Shore area, cutting power off to over 660 residents for four days.

The Supervisors’ action at the first Board meeting since the natural disaster was made in support of Imperial Irrigation District in its request for state emergency funding.

During the meeting, the Riverside County Emergency Management Department gave a presentation outlining the efforts of county departments, Imperial Irrigation District, and many partners to assist North Shore residents during the weeklong power outage:

The Riverside County Transportation Department cleared roads of mud and green debris.The Coachella Valley Water District lent a generator to Imperial Irrigation District to open the North Shore Beach & Yacht Club Community Center as a cooling center, operated by the Desert Recreation District, with expanded hours.Imperial Irrigation District provided ice and water to residents.2-1-1 assisted with 375 phone calls to provide information on resources during the power outage.The Salvation Army provided meals three times a day.Riverside County paid for meals from local restaurants, providing three meals a day.An emergency shelter was opened at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Events Center, provided by the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians. American Red Cross provided cots and staffed the shelter, with the assistance of the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services.Catholic Charities and FIND Food Bank held food distribution events, Sept. 1 and Sept. 4, respectively.Imperial Irrigation District funded hotel vouchers, in a program coordinated by the Riverside County Housing, Homelessness Prevention and Workforce Solutions Department.The American Red Cross provided water, snacks and hand sanitizer at the North Shore Community Park.The Riverside County Office on Aging made deliveries of food boxes to senior citizens and vulnerable residents.The Riverside County Department of Animal Services assisted with any pets needing sheltering.Team Rubicon, a nonprofit volunteer organization, assisted with removal of roof debris and fallen trees on private property and with tarping roofs.The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department increased patrols for community safety.The Riverside County Information Technology, Riverside County Purchasing Department, and CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department provided logistical support to the Riverside County Emergency Management Department.

In total, 449 individuals were temporarily housed in hotel rooms, and 6,000 meals, 114 tarps, 1,800 cases of water, 3,000 bags of ice, 960 flashlights and 648 cans of cat food were provided. The Regional Access Project Foundation and Desert Healthcare District each provided $25,000 for food gift cards and the Galilee Center supported the effort with $18,000 in funding, for a total of $68,000 in aid that was donated for grocery store gift cards.

“Riverside County quickly mobilized a large response to support Imperial Irrigation District and the community of North Shore through this natural disaster and loss of electricity during very high temperatures,” said Supervisor Perez. “These incredible community partners stepped up in a degree we have never seen before. We were able to provide many services and assistance to the residents of North Shore through their efforts and donations.”

Imperial Irrigation District restored power to all the remaining homes without power on Sept. 3.

Riverside County is continuing to assist residents whose roofs were damaged.

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Supervisor V. Manuel Perez represents the eastern two-thirds of Riverside County on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Stretching from Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs, south to the Salton Sea and east to Blythe and the Colorado River, the 4th District is the largest geographical district in the county.

Supervisor Perez’s office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.