Biker shooting in Corona raises concerns about ‘American Heat’ rally
Investigators still searching for answers about Saturday night’s fatal shooting between the feuding Hell’s Angels and Mongols motorcycle clubs in Corona.
The shooting happened the same day the rival clubs held separate rallies in Riverside County.
Our valley, no stranger to biker groups and events, is gearing up for the “American Heat” biker rally just weeks away, but this weekend’s incident has Palm Springs police on high alert.
“We hope police will be able to secure everything like they have in the past,” said Joy Meredith, President of the Palm Spring’s Merchant’s Association.
“Our patrol staffing and resources will be increased to make sure the event is safe,” said Sgt. Harvey Reed of the Palm Springs Police.
In July, the Mongols made the Hilton Palm Springs their home for a weekend, and the hotel says the group was not only problem-free but friendly and great tippers.
“They were very well behaved, they respect our product and bring in their own crew to clean everything,” said Aftab Dad, general manager of the Palm Springs Hilton.
Members of the Mongols are expected to return for American heat. Greg LaRiviere, owner of the popular biker hangout Palm Canyon Roadhouse, said it’s one of the club’s sanctioned events. But he says Hell’s Angels aren’t likely to appear.
“Those clubs have some differences they tend not to come to the same events to avoid clashes,” LaRiviere said.
The American Heat rally has been coming to Palm Springs for nearly two decades and LaRiviere hopes the incident in Corona won’t negatively impact the popular event.
“The majority of people are like you and me that like to ride and get away for the weekend. I think that it will have no affect on the weekend out here,” he said.
