RE-Elect Wes Speake for Corona City Council 2026
46-year Corona resident focused on public safety and fiscally conservative leadership.
Campaign Issues
Public Safety First: Added 15 sworn officers and 9 Community Services Officers; Highest staffing in
Public Safety First: Added 15 sworn officers and 9 Community Services Officers; Highest staffing in
Keeping Corona Safe Through Investment, Innovation, and Support for Our First Responders
Corona's police officers, firefighters, and paramedics are consistently recognized among the best in California. But when I was first elected in 2018, public safety staffing had fallen to levels not seen since before 2000, despite significant population growth and increasing service demands.
Over the past eight years, I've made public safety my top priority.
Strengthening the Corona Police Department
- Added 15 new sworn police officers and 9 Community Services Officers.
- Achieved the highest police staffing levels in Corona's history.
- Ensured officers remain focused on protecting our neighborhoods rather than being pulled into administrative duties.
- Expanded resources to improve response times, proactive policing, and community engagement.
Thanks to the support of Corona voters through Measure X, strong fiscal management, and the outstanding reputation of the Corona Police Department, we achieved full staffing in 2024 and continue to attract high-quality law enforcement professionals.
I am honored to have earned the endorsement of the Corona Police Officers Association in 2018, 2022, and again in 2026, along with the endorsement of the Riverside Sheriffs' Association.
Investing in Fire and Emergency Response
Public safety isn't just about policing. It's also about ensuring our firefighters and paramedics have the staffing, equipment, and facilities they need to serve our community.
- Added new fire personnel and emergency response resources.
- Implemented Low-Acuity Response Units to handle medical calls more efficiently while keeping fire engines and trucks available for critical emergencies.
- Improved emergency readiness and reduced wear and tear on frontline fire apparatus.
- Added three new fire engines and two new fire trucks since 2019.
- Scheduled the renovation or replacement of multiple aging fire stations originally constructed in the 1960s.
Innovative Emergency Medical Care
Corona continues to lead the way in emergency medical response.
- Expanded the deployment of paramedics to medical emergencies throughout the city.
- Implemented innovative programs that are helping save lives.
- Supported advanced emergency medical response capabilities, including life-saving blood transfusion technology in the field.
Improving Efficiency and Readiness
In 2022, the City Council successfully negotiated the elimination of all budgeted overtime positions within the Fire Department.
This initiative:
- Reduced long-term personnel costs.
- Improved employee health and wellness.
- Reduced fatigue-related injuries.
- Enhanced operational readiness.
- Accelerated hiring of full-time firefighters and paramedics.
Backing Those Who Protect Us
Public safety remains one of the most important investments a city can make.
As your Councilmember, Mayor, and Vice Mayor, I have consistently supported the staffing, equipment, facilities, and training needed to keep Corona safe.
I am proud to have earned the endorsement of both the Corona Police Officers Association and the Corona Firefighters Association in 2018, 2022, and again in 2026.
The Bottom Line
Safe neighborhoods don't happen by accident. They require strong leadership, strategic investment, and unwavering support for the men and women who protect our community every day.
That commitment has guided my decisions since day one, and it will continue to be a top priority as we keep Corona one of the safest cities in California.
Fighting for Traffic Relief
Public Safety First: Added 15 sworn officers and 9 Community Services Officers; Highest staffing in
Traffic is one of the biggest challenges facing Corona families, and I've spent years working to deliver practical, common-sense solutions that improve mobility and reduce congestion.
Long before I was elected to the City Council, I was part of the Greater Corona Traffic Alliance, where I worked alongside residents, business leaders, transportation agencies, and elected officials to advocate for innovative solutions to some of the region's worst traffic bottlenecks.
One of those efforts was the auxiliary lane between Green River Road and SR-241, which opened in 2022 and has helped improve traffic flow for hundreds of thousands of drivers traveling through the SR-91 corridor.
Since being elected, I've continued fighting for transportation improvements at the local, regional, county, state, and federal levels because I know how much traffic impacts our quality of life.
Delivering Results
- Helped advocate for the westbound SR-91 auxiliary lane between Green River Road and SR-241, improving traffic flow for commuters entering Orange County.
- Championed the auxiliary lane between Cajalco Road and Weirick Road, helping ease congestion through one of Corona's most challenging freeway bottlenecks.
- Supported the permanent elimination of the southbound lane drop at the Cajalco Road on-ramp, improving safety and traffic operations.
- Voted to invest more than $6 million in intelligent traffic technology, using real-time cameras, signal synchronization, and AI-powered systems to improve traffic flow citywide.
- Worked with regional partners to secure funding for the long-awaited Ontario Avenue/I-15 undercrossing improvements, expected to begin construction in the coming years.
- Partnered with Riverside County, RCTC, and transportation agencies to advance the widening of Temescal Canyon Road, a critical improvement for South Corona residents.
- Continue working with Caltrans, RCTC, regional partners, and our state legislative delegation to advance additional auxiliary lanes and operational improvements along Interstate 15.
Advocacy and Persistence
The truth is that traffic relief doesn't happen because someone complains about it.
It happens because people are willing to build partnerships, stay engaged, and keep pushing until projects move from concept to reality.
As a private citizen, I helped push that boulder uphill. As your Councilmember, Mayor, and Vice Mayor, I've continued doing the same work every day.
I'll never stop advocating for common-sense solutions that improve mobility, reduce congestion, and make life better for Corona families.
Looking Ahead
Several major projects are currently moving forward that will continue improving traffic flow for Corona residents:
- Ontario Avenue / I-15 Undercrossing Improvements
- Additional southbound I-15 auxiliary lanes
- Temescal Canyon Road Widening
- Future I-15 corridor improvements
- Regional rail and commuter mobility projects
- Continued smart traffic technology expansion
Why It Matters
The better our freeways work, the fewer commuters cut through our neighborhoods and local streets.
Every minute saved on the freeway means less congestion on city roads, shorter commutes, cleaner air, and more time spent with family instead of sitting in traffic.
That's why I will continue bringing together transportation agencies, elected leaders, and community partners to keep Corona moving forward.
Traffic relief isn't a campaign promise. It's been a lifelong commitment.
Business Focus: Building a Stronger Corona Economy
A strong local economy creates opportunity, reduces commuting, supports small businesses, and improves quality of life for every resident. That's why I've made economic development one of my top priorities.
When I was first elected, Corona's Economic Development Department was significantly understaffed and lacked the resources needed to aggressively compete for jobs, investment, and business attraction. Between 2019 and 2022, I proudly supported expanding the department from a small team into a robust economic development organization and championed two major initiatives: the Economic Development Strategic Plan and the Downtown Revitalization Plan.
Today, those efforts are producing real results.
Our Economic Development team is focused on retaining existing businesses, attracting new employers, supporting entrepreneurship, and enhancing the amenities residents have told us they want.
Live Here. Work Here. Thrive Here.
One of my core goals has always been simple:
Help more Corona residents find great jobs closer to home.
For too long, Corona has been a community where many residents spend hours every day commuting outside the city for work. I believe we can create a future where more people can build careers, support their families, and enjoy a higher quality of life right here in Corona.
That vision is driving our Live Here. Work Here. Thrive Here. initiative.
By attracting employers, supporting local businesses, and growing our tax base, we're creating opportunities for residents to spend less time in traffic and more time with family.
Less commuting. More opportunity. Stronger neighborhoods. A stronger Corona.
Partnering with Businesses to Deliver What Residents Want
Economic development is not just about bringing jobs to Corona. It's also about bringing the amenities residents have asked for.
I've worked closely with property owners, developers, business leaders, and community partners at Shoppes at Dos Lagos, Bedford Marketplace, and throughout District 5 to attract new restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping destinations, and quality employers.
Because of these partnerships, District 5 continues to attract exciting new investments, including:
- New restaurants and dining options.
- Enhanced entertainment opportunities.
- The expansion of destination retail.
- New family-oriented attractions.
- Continued discussions with major retailers and employers seeking a Corona location.
When residents tell us they want more local dining, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife options, I believe we should be actively working to make that happen.
Bringing Jobs and Investment to Corona
Strong relationships matter.
Over the years, I've worked to build partnerships across both the public and private sectors that are helping position Corona for long-term success.
One example is Southern California Edison.
After years of collaboration and relationship building, SCE selected Corona as the location for an expanded training facility operation, bringing hundreds of employees, trainees, hotel stays, restaurant visits, and economic activity into our community each year.
These are the kinds of investments that strengthen local businesses, support sales tax revenues, and create opportunities for Corona residents.
Creating a Business-Friendly Environment
When I meet with business owners, two concerns consistently rise to the top:
Traffic.
Permitting delays.
That's why I've worked aggressively to address both.
In 2021, I initiated the Building and Permitting Ad Hoc Committee to streamline development review, simplify inspections, improve customer service, and reduce processing times.
Our goal is simple:
Shift from a culture of "No" to a culture of "How do we get to Yes?"
Since then, we've:
- Improved transparency in the permitting process.
- Developed online tutorials and process guides.
- Created public-facing performance dashboards.
- Modernized systems and workflows.
- Increased staffing to improve service delivery.
While there is still work to do, we've made meaningful progress toward creating a more responsive and efficient development environment.
Revitalizing Downtown Corona
For decades, residents have talked about realizing Downtown Corona's potential.
Today, we're finally making it happen.
In 2024, the City Council took decisive action by acquiring the long-struggling South Main Mall property and creating a new vision for the site.
Today, that vision is becoming reality as The HUB.
Recent additions include:
- Circle City Tavern
- The Wine Down
- Mundial Coffee
- Additional restaurants and retail tenants
- New entertainment concepts currently under development
Future plans include:
- Additional restaurants
- Entertainment venues
- Live music opportunities
- Family recreation options
- A roller-skating venue
- Expanded gathering spaces
For the first time in decades, Downtown Corona is generating excitement and momentum.
Investing in Corona's Future
As of 2026, Corona's Economic Development team has grown into a dedicated group of professionals focused on:
- Business retention
- Business attraction
- Downtown revitalization
- Workforce development
- Entrepreneurship
- Economic opportunity
This isn't about government picking winners and losers.
It's about creating an environment where businesses can succeed, residents can thrive, and families can spend less time commuting and more time enjoying life in Corona.
The Bottom Line
Economic development isn't just about buildings. It's about people.
It's about helping residents find jobs closer to home.
It's about attracting the restaurants, retailers, entertainment, and amenities our community wants.
It's about supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for future generations.
And it's about making Corona a place where you can truly:
Live Here. Work Here. Thrive Here.
Addressing Homelessness with Compassion, Accountability, and Results
Protecting Open Space, Expanding Trails, and Enhancing Quality of Life
Homelessness is one of the most complex challenges facing California communities today. While many cities have seen homelessness continue to grow, Corona has focused on a balanced approach that combines compassion, accountability, public safety, mental health services, and permanent pathways off the street.
In 2020, I proudly supported the creation of Corona's Homeless Solutions Office and adoption of the City's first comprehensive Homeless Strategic Plan, a data-driven roadmap designed to address homelessness in a meaningful and measurable way.
Rather than relying on temporary fixes, Corona developed a comprehensive strategy built on community engagement, proven best practices, detailed needs assessments, and long-term solutions.
A Comprehensive Plan for Real Results
Corona's Homeless Strategic Plan was built through extensive community outreach and analysis and included:
- A comprehensive needs assessment
- Analysis of the financial impacts of homelessness on the community
- Evaluation of successful programs used throughout California and the nation
- Collaboration with residents, businesses, service providers, law enforcement, and community leaders
The result is a coordinated approach that focuses on both helping people get off the streets and maintaining public safety and quality of life for residents and businesses.
Supporting the H.O.P.E. Team
In 2018, I committed to strengthening Corona's H.O.P.E. Team (Homeless Outreach and Psychological Evaluation Team) because I believed we needed more than enforcement alone.
We needed outreach, mental health support, case management, and housing navigation.
Since then, we have:
- Expanded H.O.P.E. Team operations and staffing.
- Increased partnerships with City Net and Riverside University Health System Behavioral Health.
- Improved coordination between outreach workers, mental health professionals, housing providers, and law enforcement.
- Accelerated placements into shelter, treatment programs, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing.
Creating a Complete Housing Continuum
Lasting solutions require more than a single shelter.
That's why Corona's strategy includes every major housing component necessary to help individuals move from homelessness toward stability and independence.
These efforts include:
- Emergency Shelter through the Harrison HOPE Center.
- Transitional Housing programs that provide short-term stability and supportive services.
- Permanent Supportive Housing, including Casa Dorada, which serves elderly and disabled residents experiencing homelessness.
This comprehensive approach provides real alternatives to living on the street while giving law enforcement the tools needed to address illegal camping, trespassing, and quality-of-life concerns throughout the city.
Balancing Compassion and Accountability
I believe we can care about people experiencing homelessness while also protecting our neighborhoods, parks, businesses, and public spaces.
Those goals are not mutually exclusive.
By creating shelter beds, housing opportunities, treatment resources, and outreach programs, Corona has strengthened its ability to enforce anti-camping and public safety laws while ensuring individuals have access to services and support.
Continuing the Work
While progress has been made, homelessness remains one of the defining challenges facing California communities.
I remain committed to:
- Homeless with documented ties to Corona ONLY
- Expanding effective outreach programs.
- Strengthening mental health and behavioral health partnerships.
- Supporting housing solutions that help people transition off the streets.
- Protecting public spaces and neighborhoods.
- Holding service providers accountable for results.
- Ensuring Corona continues pursuing practical, data-driven solutions.
Real Solutions. Real Accountability. Real Progress.
Homelessness cannot be solved with slogans or wishful thinking.
It requires collaboration, persistence, compassion, and accountability.
That's the approach we've taken in Corona, and it's the approach I'll continue fighting for as we work to protect our community while helping those in need find a pathway home.
🔗 Learn more about Corona's homelessness programs and initiatives:
The Road Home - City of Corona
Protecting Open Space, Expanding Trails, and Enhancing Quality of Life
Protecting Open Space, Expanding Trails, and Enhancing Quality of Life
Protecting Open Space, Expanding Trails, and Enhancing Quality of Life
One of the reasons families choose Corona is our exceptional quality of life. From our parks and trails to our open spaces and community events, we've worked hard to preserve what makes Corona special while investing in the amenities residents deserve.
Over the past eight years, I have prioritized investments that improve everyday life for Corona residents, protect our natural landscapes, connect our neighborhoods, and create places where families can gather, play, and make memories.
Protecting Corona's Open Space
In 2020, the City Council approved the acquisition of 292 acres along Skyline Drive and Skyline Trail, including land that was previously planned for future residential development.
By preserving this property, we permanently protected one of Corona's most treasured natural areas from development while expanding opportunities for hiking, recreation, wildlife habitat, and scenic views for future generations.
Not every piece of land needs to be developed. Some places deserve to remain open, natural, and accessible for everyone to enjoy.
Planning for the Future
In 2021, we adopted both the Parks & Recreation Master Plan and the Trails Master Plan, creating a long-term vision for investing in Corona's outdoor amenities.
These plans provide a roadmap for:
- Improving existing parks and recreational facilities.
- Expanding and connecting our trail network.
- Increasing access to open space and recreation.
- Identifying future park improvements.
- Preserving important recreational corridors and natural areas.
- Creating a healthier and more connected community.
Together, these plans ensure that our investments are thoughtful, strategic, and responsive to the needs of Corona residents.
Investing in Our Parks
Great parks don't happen by accident. They require consistent investment and long-term planning.
Over the past several years, we've made significant improvements throughout Corona's park system, including:
- Replacing playgrounds at Lincoln, Sheridan, Santana, Mountain Gate, Tehachapi, Cresta Verde, and other neighborhood parks.
- Adding the popular Victoria Park Splash Pad, inspired by Corona's rich road-racing history.
- Reopening Griffin Park and adding a new dog park for residents and their pets.
- Installing new park amenities including seating, picnic areas, signage, shade structures, parking lot improvements, and upgraded equipment.
- Adding shade over sports facilities and gathering areas, with additional improvements planned.
- Committing millions of dollars in future park investments across our nearly 40 parks citywide.
Our goal is simple:
Every neighborhood deserves safe, attractive, and well-maintained parks that bring families together.
Building a Better Trail Network
Corona's trail system is one of our most valuable recreational assets.
Our Trails Master Plan formalized a vision for a connected network of hiking, biking, equestrian, and walking trails that link neighborhoods, parks, schools, open spaces, and recreational destinations.
The plan helps us:
- Expand trail connectivity.
- Preserve public access.
- Improve signage and wayfinding.
- Protect recreational corridors from future encroachment.
- Increase accessibility for residents of all ages and abilities.
As someone who values outdoor recreation, I believe our trail system is one of Corona's greatest assets and a key part of what makes our city unique.
Growing Corona's Urban Forest
Trees provide shade, improve air quality, reduce heat, beautify neighborhoods, and enhance property values.
That's why I proudly supported Corona's Urban Forest Initiative and long-term goal of planting thousands of additional trees throughout our community.
Our efforts focus on:
- Filling vacant tree wells.
- Expanding tree canopy in neighborhoods and parks.
- Increasing shade along streets and public spaces.
- Improving environmental sustainability and neighborhood aesthetics.
Bringing Our Community Together
Quality of life is about more than infrastructure.
It's also about creating opportunities for neighbors to connect and celebrate what makes Corona special.
That's why we've continued investing in community events that bring residents together throughout the year.
Our expanded events calendar includes:
- The annual Fourth of July Parade and Celebration.
- Summer Concert Series events in our parks.
- Community clean-up days and volunteer opportunities.
- Cultural celebrations and family events.
- The growing Corona Music and Arts Festival.
- Holiday events and seasonal activities throughout the city.
These events strengthen community pride, support local businesses, and remind us that Corona is more than just a place to live—it's a community.
Looking Forward
The work isn't finished.
Over the coming years, we will continue investing in:
- Park improvements and modernization.
- Trail expansion and connectivity.
- Open space preservation.
- Urban forestry initiatives.
- Recreation opportunities for all ages.
- Community events and neighborhood engagement.
Because protecting Corona's quality of life isn't just about maintaining what we have.
It's about building a community where families can thrive, neighbors can connect, and future generations can enjoy the same opportunities that make Corona such a special place to call home.
Infrastructure Before Development
Protecting Open Space, Expanding Trails, and Enhancing Quality of Life
Protecting Open Space, Expanding Trails, and Enhancing Quality of Life
**Development isn’t the problem—Development without the right infrastructure is. When we approve housing that’s too dense for existing roads or lacks adequate parking, we set up both current and future residents to fail.
Unfortunately, the State of California is mandating that Corona plan for over 9,000 new housing units, with more than half designated as affordable or low-income. I pledge to use every tool available to prevent poorly planned projects from being built in Corona.
Any new residential development must:
- Fit the character of the neighborhood
- Support nearby commercial areas
- Provide a clear benefit to the city and its residents
I will continue to hold developers to a community-first standard—ensuring proper traffic flow, adequate parking, and thoughtful design. Residents come first, always.
Smart Growth That Supports Jobs and Revenue
I proudly support commercial, office, and industrial development that helps retain jobs in Corona, gets our residents off the freeways, and strengthens our local tax base.
That’s why I’ve backed:
- Bedford Marketplace retail development
- Revitalization of Dos Lagos
- Downtown Revitalization
- New Class A office space at Dos Lagos
- Over 1.7 million square feet of new industrial development, bringing high-quality jobs to our city
Infrastructure Investments That Matter
We’re not just talking about infrastructure—we’re building it.
- Redundant Power for The Crossings and Dos Lagos: I championed a redundant power solution, that almost completely cured the dozens of power outages that threatened the livelihood of businesses and made living in this area not just frustrating but dangerous. I bought SCE and Corona DWP to the table to blaze a path for this project and with the approval of my colleagues, the new line was energized just 13months later.
- AI-Powered Traffic Signal Project: I voted to fund over $6 million in smart traffic systems that use artificial intelligence to improve traffic flow citywide. will be fully integrated by 2026
- Hundreds of lane miles repaved: We’ve invested in major street resurfacing and paving projects across Corona to improve safety, reduce wear and tear, and support future growth.
- Expanded road capacity: From widening Ontario Avenue under the I-15 to planning improvements along Temescal Canyon Road, we’re making sure our roads can handle the future.
Smart development starts with smart infrastructure. I’ll continue fighting to ensure Corona grows responsibly—with the roads, services, and resources to support it.