Riverside artist Rebecca Waring-Crane’s latest project, Article 24, transforms food insecurity data into a powerful visual statement—inviting the community to take part in raising awareness and inspiring change.
The Mission Inn's rotunda showcases elegant ironwork and timeless architecture in the heart of Riverside. (Bob Sirotnik)
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Show Off Riverside's Beauty! We're proud to feature community photos at the top of our newsletters and on social media—capturing the charm and vibrancy of our city. Got a favorite shot of Riverside? Share it with us and help us celebrate the beauty of our community!
Monday Gazette: February 17, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Monday!
In addition to being President's Day, today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day, which encourages us to "get out there and be the light you want to see in the world!" A few weeks ago, Ken wrote about two Riversiders from different political backgrounds who "built a strong relationship based on their love of Riverside." Today would be a great day to strengthen our community by going out of your way to show kindness to someone you don't always agree with.
GOVERNMENT
This Week in City Hall: February 17, 2025
City Council does not meet this week. Riverside's city boards and commissions will discuss a proposal to shift crossing guard program costs to school districts and the strategy to transform the newly named Arlington Village stretch of Magnolia Ave. in Ward 5.
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.
Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee
The Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee (Councilmembers Perry, Conder, and Mill) meets on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 1:00 p.m. to review a proposal to shift crossing guard program costs to Alvord and Riverside Unified School Districts over five years and review RPD's 2024 Racial Identity Profiling Act report analyzing police stop data patterns.
Cultural Heritage Board
The Cultural Heritage Board meets on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 3:30 p.m. to review 4456 Fifth St.'s homeowner's request to keep artificial turf installed in their historic district property's front yard, which conflicts with preservation guidelines requiring natural landscaping, and review design standards for accessory dwelling units that balance housing needs with historic preservation.
Economic Development Committee
The Economic Development Committee (Councilmembers Robillard, Cervantes, and Hemenway) meets on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 3:00 p.m. Ward 5 Councilmember Mill will be taking Robillard's seat this week as the committee reviews a multi-year strategy to transform the newly named "Arlington Village" aiming to restore the area's historic role as a vibrant community hub while addressing current challenges of public safety, vacant properties, and pedestrian accessibility. The committee will also consider the proposal for an exclusive beverage vending partnership that would provide new vending machines and ongoing maintenance at City parks and other City properties.
Commission on Disabilities
The Commission on Disabilities meets on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 5:30 p.m. for a presentation from The Moms Cooperative, an organization that provides support and resources to mothers of children with and without disabilities while working to build a more inclusive community through educational programs and advocacy.
The Cost of Conservation: When Do Alternative Supply Investments Make Sense?
California leads in conservation and alternative energy, but the cost-effectiveness of funding these initiatives while supplies remain sufficient is up for debate.
California's utilities grapple with the timing and cost-effectiveness of conservation programs and alternative supply projects. Ratepayers are questioning whether it's economical to fund these initiatives when resources are plentiful.
Driving the news: Utility bills include fixed charges for system maintenance and commodity costs, which are inflated by conservation and alternative supply programs.
These programs aim to benefit future needs but may not be immediately necessary or cost-effective.
Why it matters: The debate centers on whether to invest in expensive conservation measures and alternative technologies now or wait until they become more economically viable.
Examples include turf removal programs and upgrading lighting fixtures, which currently cost more than supplying the resources they aim to conserve.
The big picture: California has long been a leader in conservation efforts, but the timing of these investments is crucial.
Ratepayers are encouraged to voice their opinions on these issues to their utility providers.
What's next: Utilities must balance long-term benefits with current economic realities when implementing conservation and alternative supply programs.
The decision-making process will impact both current and future utility bills for consumers.
Celebrate Galentine's Day with a Free Wellness Event!
Enjoy free health screenings, informative talks, and raffle prizes on February 19 in a welcoming environment!
A vibrant rainbow arches over the Janet Goeske Center, captured in February 2024, creating a hopeful and uplifting moment above this vital community hub. (Janet Goeske Foundation & Senior Center)
The Janet Goeske Center is hosting a special Galentine's Day celebration on February 19 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm – and it's completely free for everyone! While emphasizing women's health, this inclusive wellness event welcomes both men and women of all ages. Attendees can benefit from free mammograms, informative doctor presentations, and a relaxing wellness lounge where they'll learn about valuable health resources. Throughout the day, visitors will have chances to win exciting raffle prizes. No registration is required to attend, so just drop in! The celebration aims to promote health awareness and community connection in a welcoming environment. Members of our Gazette team will be there too – we'd love to have you stop by our table and say hello!
See something? Say something. Your tips and ideas are what fuel The Raincross Gazette. If you know of something newsworthy happening in our city, please share it with us.
