Riverside County Hires $2.5M Consultant for Animal Services as Director Position Remains Unfilled (Sept 18th update)

Riverside County Animal Services has hired consultant Kristen Hassan for $2.5 million before filling the director role. Hassan, who specializes in animal shelter strategies, signed a 26-month contract to implement a comprehensive plan. Critics question the decision, citing Hassan’s controversial past in El Paso and the county’s budget priorities.