California State Budget: Investing in Riverside

Riverside will soon benefit from an infusion of 300 million dollars for projects from the record breaking 300-billion-dollar 2022-23 state budget. Inland lawmakers bring home state budget funds designated to improve a local historic site, park, and educational institutions in Riverside.

Citrus State Park – $30 million

The joint efforts of Assembly Member Sabrina Cervantes and State Senator Richard Roth helped to bring awareness to the story that needed to be told. Rick Engineering, a planning and engineering design firm, prepared a preliminary plan of wanted improvements. To tell the stories of the migrants and immigrants who helped to build the citrus industry, several buildings including a Worker’s Camp Bunkhouse, a Citrus Packing House and the Grower’s Residence will be constructed allowing for an inter-active experience at the park.

Trujillo Adobe- $10.4 million

On August 5th, State Assembly Member Jose Medina presented Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District and Spanish Town Heritage Foundation with a 5.4-million-dollar check, one of two checks from the State budget for the preservation of the Trujillo Adobe. “It is so important that the history of the Trujillo Adobe and the Mexican Spanish settlement of Riverside be shared,” said Medina during the August 5th live stream presentation. The funding will go to helping preserve the structure while also expanding the site to include a museum that will offer a way for the public to take in the history of the Trujillo Adobe.

University of California Riverside- $201 million

In order to raise awareness on the lack of classroom space, Medina hosted a press conference in June outside of a movie theater that UCR has leased as a classroom space for over 25 years. This example of underfunding was just one of the examples Medina put forward to push for funds to help the “unjust funding” UCR has received over the years. The new funds will go towards campus expansion and climate initiatives.

César Chávez Community Center- $25 million

The city owned Spanish Colonial-era building is over 100 years old and has had very little renovations done. Once a junior high it is now being used by the Riverside Arts Academy to host over ten free classes and programs to the children of the community. The funds are going to pay for planning and upgrades such as a wi-fi hub and buying a ceramic kiln. The center will stay open during most of the renovations.

California School for the Deaf Riverside- $43.1 million

In last year’s historic season, the California School for the Deaf Riverside’s football team made it to the CIF Southern Section Championship gaining widespread recognition. The news reached Roth and he shared the story with Senator Laird and the Governor. Pushing for funds to update the outdoor sports fields which haven’t been updated in nearly 70 years. The run-down fields include dim-lighting due to portable gas lights and limited seating due to portable bleachers. The funds will replace the football, track, softball and baseball fields and add a stand-alone soccer field.

California Court of Appeal- $1.5 million

The Fourth District, Division Two will be receiving the funds. Serving Riverside County and city respectfully.