Kim in her bountiful summer garden, sharing her expertise. Be sure to check out her articles for Riverside-specific gardening tips. (David Fouts)
Monday Gazette: April 14, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Monday!
Today is National Gardening Day and I want to give a special shout out to one of my favorite local businesses in town: Kitchen Gardens By Kim. I'm biased, because Kim was my wife's roommate at Cal Baptist, and when it comes to successfully growing food in your own backyard, there's no one better to set you up and coach you along.
A review of outdoor lighting and "live performance" noise regulations and the nomination of the Trujillo Adobe for the National Register of Historic Places are all on this week's agendas.
Welcome to our weekly digest on public meetings and agenda items worthy of your Welcome to our weekly digest on public meetings and agenda items worthy of your attention in the next week. This guide is part of our mission to provide everyday Riversiders like you with the information to speak up on the issues you care about.
City Council
City Council will meet in closed and open sessions on Tuesday, Apr. 15, in an afternoon session at 1:00 p.m. (agenda).
The only on the agenda for public discussion was added last Friday and would require five affirmative votes to temporarily set aside the City's Sunshine Ordinance's 12-day agenda posting requirement. If affirmed, a discussion about vacant land located on the southeast corner of Streeter Avenue and Sierra Street will be added to the Closed Session discussion where Council meets privately on matters where confidentiality is necessary.
Land Use Committee
The Land Use Committee (Councilmembers Mill, Falcone, and Cervantes) meets on Monday, Apr. 14, at 9:00 a.m. (agenda) for a workshop to review existing outdoor lighting standards that regulate brightness levels, light types, and light pollution to consider if there are any needed updates to policies.
Board of Library Trustees
The Board of Library Trustees meets on Monday, Apr. 14, at 5:00 p.m. (agenda) for regular business.
Board of Public Utilities
The Board of Public Utilities on Monday, Apr. 14, at 6:30 p.m. (agenda) to review key governance documents and receive an update on a major water infrastructure project that was completed ahead of schedule.
Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee
The Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee (Councilmembers Perry, Conder, and Mill) meets on Wednesday, Apr. 16, at 1:00 p.m. (agenda) to consider adding a formal definition of "live performance" to the city's Municipal Code that would help enforcement officers better regulate noise from entertainment activities that can be heard more than 25 feet from property lines.
The Economic Development Committee (Councilmembers Robillard, Cervantes, and Hemenway) meets on Thursday, Apr. 17, at 3:00 p.m. (agenda) to review the City's branding initiatives that promote Riverside as a cultural and economic destination through various advertising partnerships, district development, and strategic positioning for upcoming global events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 and LA Olympics.
Annual fundraiser at Fairmount Park supports local animal shelter with family-friendly activities.
More than 1,500 pets and their people are expected to attend the Mary S. Roberts Walk with the Animals. (Sit Stay Smile Pet Photos)
Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center's 33rd Annual Walk with the Animals fundraiser is set for Saturday, April 26, at Fairmount Park in Riverside. The event, presented by DCH Subaru of Riverside, aims to raise funds for homeless animal care and community programs.
Driving the news: The walk, starting at 10 a.m., typically attracts over 1,500 pet lovers from the Inland Empire.
Registration costs $40 for adults and $30 for students, including a T-shirt and pancake breakfast.
Why it matters: Funds raised support the center's mission of providing animal sheltering, pet adoptions, and low-cost veterinary services.
The details: The event features a vendor village, children's area, dog activity zone, pet contests, and raffle prizes.
Participants who raise $250 or more receive special incentives.
Background: Founded in 1897, Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center offers various animal welfare services at its Riverside location.
What's next: Registration is available online at petsadoption.org or on-site starting at 9 a.m. on the day of the event.
Miller Percussion Clinches First Place at WGASC Semi-Finals
Local middle school team to host showcase before championship competition.
The Miller MIddle School Indoor Percussion team will shooting for the stars at State Championships. (Courtesy of Susan Olsen)
Frank Augustus Miller Middle School's Indoor Percussion ensemble clinched first place at the Winter Guard Association of Southern California (WGASC) semi-finals with their "Space Mission" show. The 21-member team now prepares for the WGASC Championships on April 26.
Driving the news: The ensemble's success highlights the dedication of young musicians who balance rigorous practice schedules with their academic responsibilities.
Students rehearse 5-8 hours weekly after school, with competition days often lasting 10 hours.
Why it matters: The win showcases the talent and hard work of local students, bringing pride to the school and community.
Director Susan Olsen emphasizes the significant commitment required from students since September.
What's next: A free showcase at Miller Middle School on April 15 at 6 p.m. will feature performances from Miller, Arlington High School, and Martin Luther King High School teams.
The event offers the community a chance to support these young performers before their championship appearance.
The bottom line: The ensemble's achievement demonstrates the value of arts education and extracurricular activities in fostering student success and community engagement.
Democrat Christopher Shoults announced his candidacy for California's vacant Assembly District 63 seat against Republican Natasha Johnson in a district that includes southern portions of Riverside, following Republican Bill Essayli's resignation to become U.S. attorney for the Central District of California.
Pierce Street Jazz returns with acclaimed saxophonist Michael Zilber performing at La Sierra University's Troesh Conference Center on April 24 at 7 p.m., offering free admission to this alumni weekend kickoff event.
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