Riverside City Councilwoman Clarissa Cervantes, who was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence earlier this month, has made the decision to enter an alcohol recovery program, as reported by the Riverside Enterprise.
“The events of (July 1) highlight a personal failing that I must address immediately,” she stated in a text message to the newspaper on Saturday. “I am currently in the process of entering an alcohol recovery program. This is a deeply painful moment for myself and my family. We will need time and privacy to heal and for me to work on personal growth.
“I will face this challenge head-on and without excuses. I am dedicated to improvement and will work diligently to regain the trust placed in me.”
Cervantes, who is 32 years old, was arrested by the California Highway Patrol at 1:23 a.m. on July 1 at the intersection of Eighth Street and Interstate 10 in Banning, according to jail records.
She was booked at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility and released on the same day after posting $5,000 bail.
“Last night, I made an irresponsible decision that I deeply regret,” Cervantes expressed in a statement provided to the Southern California News Group following her arrest. “I take full responsibility and want to apologize to my family, my community, and the district residents I represent.”
An August 30 court date has been scheduled.
On May 9, Cervantes filed a petition in Riverside Superior Court to have a 2015 misdemeanor DUI conviction dismissed, which stemmed from an arrest in Moreno Valley.
In that case, she was arrested by the CHP at 2:20 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2014, on the eastbound San Gabriel River (60) Freeway at the Frederick Street off-ramp in Moreno Valley. This location was approximately a mile from the apartment she listed as her home address on the citation, as reported by media sources.
Cervantes pleaded guilty and admitted to a sentencing enhancement stating that her blood alcohol level was 0.15 or greater. She was sentenced to three years probation, 10 days of electronic monitoring, and required to complete a three-month first-time DUI offender’s class. Additionally, she was fined $2,541.
Judge Timothy J. Hollenhorst granted her request for dismissal on May 19.
Cervantes has served as the Ward 2 representative on the Riverside City Council since 2021. Ward 2 encompasses the UC Riverside campus and Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park.
She is currently a candidate for the 58th District seat in the state Assembly.
On her campaign website, Cervantes describes herself as “a mom, businesswoman, and long-time community leader who currently represents Ward 2 on the Riverside City Council.” The website further highlights her distinction as the first woman to represent Ward 2 and the second Latina and second LGBTQ individual to be elected to the Riverside City Council.
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