The Point: RCTC staff worked closely with Sgt. Licon and thank him for his service

The Riverside County Transportation Commission joins the community in paying tribute to California Highway Patrol Sergeant Steve Licon, who was fatally injured April 7 during a traffic stop along Interstate 15 in Lake Elsinore. The Commission adjourned its April 10 meeting in Licon’s memory.

“RCTC is saddened by the loss of Sgt. Licon of the CHP. Our 91 Express Lanes team worked closely with him and valued his professionalism, good judgment, and sunny nature. We appreciate his years of service and send our profound sympathy to his family and loved ones,” said RCTC Chair Chuck Washington.

Licon served as the main point of contact for RCTC staff members following the opening of the 91 Express Lanes two years ago. He was instrumental in establishing RCTC’s 91 Express Lanes contract with the CHP, managing the contract, and mentoring officers assigned to the express lanes.

He also worked with RCTC and Caltrans to create procedures for planned closures of the express lanes to ensure the safety of staff and contractors on site.

“Sergeant Licon always had a smile and put the safety of staff and the motoring public first. Steve will be missed greatly by RCTC and the toll program,” said Jennifer Crosson, RCTC’s toll program manager.

The Point: Mayor Pettis served as RCTC representative for 20 years  

Riverside County Transportation Commissioner Gregory Pettis, who served as RCTC’s Chair in 2011, passed away on January 15 at age 63. Community members gathered for a celebration of his life on February 1.

Pettis represented the City of Cathedral City and served as a RCTC Commissioner since 1999. At the time of his passing, he was Cathedral City’s Mayor and a member of the City Council since 1994.

“Commissioner Pettis made his mark on the transportation industry,” said Commission Chair Chuck Washington.

“He tirelessly fought for Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service – a project that is now undergoing engineering and environmental studies. He also advocated for funding for the 91 corridor and federal reauthorization bills in Washington, D.C. many times. We will miss his leadership,” Washington said.

Pettis was a fierce advocate for his constituents with a long record of legislative accomplishments including creating a first-time homebuyer program, building Safe Routes to Schools, collaborating with the police department and social services for helping those addicted to drugs, and fostering the public library, City Hall, Fountain of Life, Senior Center, CV Link, Dennis Keat Soccer Fields, and Big League Dreams Sports Park.

He also founded the Healing Field Program at Patriot Park that honors local fallen soldiers, advocated for the LGBT Veterans Memorial at Desert Memorial Park, and raised the first Rainbow Flag at City Hall during Cathedral City LGBT Days.

At RCTC, Commissioner Pettis served on the Budget and Implementation Committee, Eastern Riverside County Programs and Projects Committee, California Association of Councils of Governments, LOSSAN Rail Corridor Authority, Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee, Audit Ad Hoc Committee, Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Study Ad Hoc Committee, and Rail Track Rights Ad Hoc Committee.