In 1964, the Banning Area office opened with a lieutenant commander. The original office was located at 1735 East Ramsey Street in the city of Banning. A few years later, the squad moved to 60 North Highland Springs Avenue. In 1996, the Banning Area office moved to its present location at 195 Highland Springs Avenue in the city of Beaumont. At that time, the Banning Area office officially changed its name to the San Gorgonio Pass Area office - commonly referred to as "San G." The San Gorgonio Pass Area is a command within Border Division and is staffed with a captain (commander), one lieutenant, five sergeants and 42 officers. The San Gorgonio Pass Area also employs a dedicated civilian and Senior Volunteer support staff that perform a vital role in office and automotive operations. The Area's Explorer Program offers a unique and challenging opportunity to young men and women to become an integral part of the Department's operations, and experience what a career in law enforcement would be like. Successful completion of the Explorer Program can open many doors and present many opportunities for the youth of tomorrow, especially for an Explorer who is planning to make the CHP a career.
The San Gorgonio Pass Area has traffic management responsibilities for more than 860 square miles of Riverside County and encompasses the communities of Banning, Beaumont, Cabazon, Hemet, San Jacinto and Winchester. The San Gorgonio Pass Area also has three Resident Post officers who serve the mountain communities of Aguanga, Anza and Idyllwild. The San Gorgonio Pass Area is in a unique geographical location to experience both extreme desert heat and freezing temperatures with ice and snow. The summer brings a constant danger of fire in the San Jacinto Mountains and in the hills adjacent to several area roadways. Winter brings icy, hazardous roadways which require chains and enhanced driving skills.
We are proud of our organization, our uniformed staff, civilian employees and explorers. Our goal is to keep you safe on the road, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and throughout the year. Help us by doing your part: driving the posted speed limit, taking extra care during inclement weather and at night, and by courteous, defensive driving.
