Riverside has its own cryptid legend—the chupacabra. While skeptics point to mangy coyotes, eyewitnesses claim something larger and more menacing lurks in the shadows.
A damaged light pole base in Riverside shows exposed wiring and evidence of copper theft during an April 2022 incident at Fairmount Park, where 17 light poles were vandalized. (Courtesy Riverside Police Department)
City Council unanimously approved a new ordinance Tuesday, March 11, aimed at curbing rampant copper wire and scrap metal theft that has cost the city and local businesses millions in damages and repairs.
The ordinance adds Chapter 5.85 to the Riverside Municipal Code and establishes strict regulations for junk dealers and scrap metal recyclers operating within city limits.
"Our businesses and the city itself has seen an increase in theft of our copper wire and other copper piping and other scrap materials," Councilmember Sean Mill said. "It's costing millions both for private industry and for the city itself." Mill spearheaded the initiative.
Public Safety Concerns
Mill emphasized the public safety concerns stemming from these thefts, noting a recent incident. "All the lights along Magnolia Avenue were out from Harrison to Jackson and it was completely pitch black," he said. "It made it unsafe for everyone in the community."
Councilmember Philip Falcone noted the widespread impact of these thefts on city infrastructure, mentioning several areas with outages including Van Buren Boulevard and multiple parks.
New Requirements
The new regulations require junk dealers and scrap metal recyclers to obtain multiple permits, including a city business tax certificate and a state business license from the Department of Justice.
Deputy City Attorney Jacob Castrejon presented the ordinance to the council and explained it addresses "operating, reporting and licensing requirements for junk and scrap metal businesses, the permit application process, application denials, permit revocations and penalties for violations."
According to the staff report, key provisions of the ordinance include:
Prohibiting these businesses from operating between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Banning acquisition of scrap metal from individuals under 18 years old
Limiting cash payments to $10 for scrap metal transactions
Requiring businesses to use checks or paper drafts for larger amounts – creating a paper trail for authorities
"What's been happening is these folks steal scrap, then quickly cash it in at scrapyards," Mill explained. "The fact now that they can only get $10 in cash will probably limit this activity."
Record-Keeping Requirements
The ordinance also requires businesses to collect extensive information from sellers, including: a valid driver's license, address, fingerprint, and vehicle license plate number of any vehicle used to transport the materials.
Junk dealers must submit daily reports to the Riverside Police Department detailing all transactions from the previous 24 hours and immediately notify police of any sales or purchases of items typically used only by government agencies or utilities.
Council Support and Business Impact
Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes expressed support for the approach, saying, "This does feel like getting better to the source" rather than simply penalizing individual thieves.
"I don't agree and I don't think it's good at all that we see folks going to these measures," Cervantes said. "We are living in a time where this issue has escalated significantly."
Businesses that violate the ordinance face escalating penalties: $1,000 for a first offense, $2,000 for a second offense and at least $4,000 for third and subsequent offenses.
Mill said approximately two businesses within Riverside's jurisdictional boundaries will be directly affected by the new regulations.
Industry Response
Jonathan Jaffee, who manages a recycling center in Riverside, expressed skepticism about the ordinance's effectiveness in a March 3 interview with the Riverside Record.
"Sure, you can do all of these things, but how about enforcing this three-day hold policy," Jaffee told the publication, referring to California's existing code that requires a three-day hold on payments over $20.
Jaffee suggested most thieves either sell stolen copper in neighboring cities or gradually sell small amounts over time. He advocated for city collaboration with businesses to identify stolen materials rather than adding restrictions.
Mill acknowledged the ordinance isn't perfect but expressed hope it will discourage metal theft in Riverside and inspire neighboring communities to adopt similar measures.
Castrejon said the ordinance contributes to community trust by ensuring junk dealers operate lawfully, promotes equity by holding all businesses to the same standards, and enhances the city's preparedness for the future.
City Council will consider an ordinance to an ordinance to deter copper wire theft, review progress on State-mandated housing goals, and consider increasing construction fees to reduce so they are paid for by users of the services.
City Council will review $55 million in 2024 grant funding while the Transportation Board considers restricting Sixth and Market traffic to right turns only.
