A Scanner Darkly
A prompt to encourage your practice of creativity this week from Riversider and local author Larry Burns.
Government
357 articles
Land Use Committee Cancels Meeting After Failing Quorum, Delays Smoke Shop Policy Review
The City Council's Land Use Committee failed to achieve quorum Monday, extending the wait for regulatory changes aimed at smoke shops linked to illegal drug activity.
This Week in City Hall: November 10, 2025
City Council does not meet this week. Other agendas include a review of smoke shop regulations after police seized illegal products at 13 locations and a pilot program connecting Deaf residents to sign language interpreters via QR codes.
Cannabis Businesses Drop Ethics Complaints Against Four Councilmembers
Attorney admits sworn declaration incorrectly identified Perry at Chamber event, undermining Brown Act allegations.
Mayor Lock Dawson Chairs California Big City Mayors at Historic San Francisco Summit
Coalition Pushes for Sustained State Support on Homelessness, Housing.
City Bets $190K on Downtown Valet as Restaurants Say Parking Hurts Business
Six-month pilot starting January charges $20-30 at nine locations; success hinges on businesses promoting service to service to break even.
City Council Approves $100,000 Emergency Food Program Amid Federal Shutdown
Council fast-tracks funding to Salvation Army within days of SNAP benefits lapsing, targeting 500-700 households with immediate food assistance.
This Week in City Hall: November 3, 2025
City Council will consider reallocating $100,000 for emergency food assistance due to federal shutdown impacts, review a Downtown valet parking pilot, and consider partnership with a South Korean EV company seeking to open in Riverside.
PFAS Settlement Buys RPU Ratepayers One-Year Reprieve on Water Treatment Surcharge
First payment from $39 million settlement will help offset $97 million in treatment costs required by 2031 federal PFAS regulations.
Riverside's Plan to Reconnect Residents With Their River
Council reviewed feasibility study for River District transformation Tuesday, but questions remain about how the ambitious vision will be funded.
This Week in City Hall: October 27, 2025
City Council will review a River District feasibility study for Santa Ana River improvements and PFAS water treatment upgrades requiring customer surcharges starting at $1-4 monthly in 2026.
Inside Riverside's Immigration Enforcement Transparency Debate
Councilmembers explain their votes on immigration enforcement transparency—including why some who supported banning protest masks now object to masked federal agents.
Smoke Shop Permit Freeze Extended as City Tackles Illegal Sales
Unanimous vote allows 10-month study period after police seized nearly 80,000 illegal tobacco products from 13 smoke shops this year.