Businesses and residents in Jurupa Valley have been facing severe power outages for over a week, causing major disruptions. Many shops along Mission Boulevard near Pedley are relying on generators, while some have been forced to shut down. The outages have not only affected businesses but have also made daily life difficult for residents.
Shops and Residents Affected by the Power Outages
Several businesses, including a laundromat, grocery store, and ice cream parlor, have been left without power. While some are managing to stay open using generators, others have had no choice but to close their doors. This has resulted in financial losses and inconvenience for both shop owners and customers.
Residents are also struggling due to the ongoing outages. Hannah Acuna, a local resident, shared her experience:
“We lost power last week for eight days, and today, we lost power again in the morning. We lost all of our food. The food in the refrigerator went bad, and our grocery money went to fast food.”
Why Are These Power Outages Happening?
Southern California Edison (SCE) has explained that the outages are a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. Strong winds can pick up debris, which may come into contact with power lines and poles, increasing the risk of fires and other hazards. Gabriela Ornelas from SCE stated:
“When we see strong winds, the hazard is for items to get picked up by the winds and come into contact with power lines and poles. That’s why we de-energize our infrastructure in certain areas.”
How Long Will the Outages Last?
According to SCE, strong winds and red flag warnings are expected to continue until Friday. This means residents and businesses will likely face more interruptions in their power supply until conditions improve.
Assistance for Those Affected
There is some relief for affected residents. Riverside County customers who purchased food using CalFresh benefits and lost it due to the power outage may be eligible for a replacement. Those who qualify should check with local authorities for more details on how to claim their benefits.
The ongoing power outages in Jurupa Valley have made life difficult for both businesses and residents. While these outages are necessary for public safety, they have led to financial losses and daily struggles. With red flag warnings still in effect, more power interruptions are expected.
However, affected residents can seek assistance through CalFresh benefits if they qualify. As the community waits for normal power services to resume, many are hoping for a quick resolution to this challenging situation.
