The city is recruiting for a new watchdog position created after voters approved Measure L, though some question whether the appointed role can operate independently.
Melissa Hale, a Deputy Public Defender, has been appointed to the Riverside bench by Governor Gavin Newsom, filling the vacancy left by Judge Elaine Kiefer's retirement.
Follow Our Courts reports on cases, legislation, and courthouse happenings in the Inland Empire at followourcourts.com.
The committee's vote sends both bans to the full City Council, putting Riverside ahead of state lawmakers who failed to pass kratom regulations last year.
