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🍊 Wednesday Gazette: September 18, 2024

Gazette Staff
6 min read
Let's play a game called Where's Baldo? and try to spot the Gazette's publisher, Justin, in the crowd at last Friday's Poly High School football return to RCC's recently updated Wheelock Field. (Ken Crawford)

Wednesday Gazette: September 18, 2024

Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! Now that fall is back in swing, I'm excited to follow Riverside teams with Ken's sports coverage. As an RCC Tiger and a proud Poly Bear dad, I'm admittedly biased, so I want to hear from other local sports enthusiasts: what local teams are you following this fall that we need to pay attention to? Please reply to this email and let us know.

PS. We're trying some new formatting out in today's newsletter experimenting on ways to improve your experience. If you spot the changes, please hit reply and let me know what you think.

GOVERNMENT

Riverside Launches Emergency Trash Pickup Service

City partners with private haulers to address critical backlog.

City trash cans on a Hawarden Hills curbside. (Ian Crawford)

Riverside is partnering with Athens Trash Services to address a critical backlog in waste collection. The emergency measure aims to expedite service and implement long-term solutions for the city's trash management issues.

Driving the news: The City Council approved an emergency trash pickup service to help residents facing delays in waste collection.

  • Recent heat waves exacerbated the problem, causing truck breakdowns and service interruptions.

Why it matters: Uncollected trash poses public health and safety risks, attracting vermin and impacting street sweeping services.

  • Mayor Patricia Lock-Dawson emphasized the city's responsibility to deliver essential public services.

The details: Athens Services will begin pickup on Thursday, covering routes that city crews would otherwise miss.

  • The company already provides services in some areas not handled by city crews.

What's next: The emergency declaration is likely to remain in place for at least six months, with a potential review at the end of the year.

  • Ten new trucks are expected to arrive by March 2025 to bolster the city's waste management fleet.

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GOVERNMENT

City Council Votes to Repeal Commemorative Flag Policy

Supporters argue for unity under official flags, while opponents warn of diminished visibility for minority groups.

The U.S., California, and Riverside flags hang still outside the City Council chambers as councilmembers voted to end commemorative flag displays on City property.

Riverside City Council votes 5-1 to end its policy allowing commemorative flags at City Hall, reverting to flying only U.S., California, and Riverside flags. The decision comes after an 18-month period of displaying flags representing various groups alongside official flags.

Driving the news: Councilmember Chuck Conder introduced the motion to repeal, arguing that displaying flags for specific groups is divisive rather than unifying.

  • The policy, adopted in May 2023, had allowed flags representing groups like the LGBTQ community and Black History Month.

Why it matters: The repeal has sparked debate about representation and inclusivity in local government.

  • Supporters of the repeal argue it promotes unity, while opponents view it as a setback for marginalized communities.

The opposition: Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes, who initially proposed the commemorative flag policy, strongly opposed its repeal.

  • Cervantes cited personal accounts from residents about the significance of these flags to various community members.

What they're saying: "This decision is not about ignoring or diminishing our city's diversity," said Councilmember Steven Robillard.

  • Councilmember Jim Perry added that the repeal won't prevent opportunities for events or recognition of diverse groups.

What's next: The repeal takes effect immediately, ending Riverside's experiment with flying commemorative flags at City Hall.

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COMMUNITY

Celebrating Excellence: 12th Annual Riverside Neighborhood Awards Dinner

The Riverside Neighborhood Partnership event on September 26 at the Evergreen Masonic Lodge will feature live entertainment and complimentary dinner, honoring those who contribute to community spirit and improve the quality of life in Riverside.

Jeff Kraus presenting an award at last year’s RNP Awards ceremony. (Aram Ayra)

Riverside Neighborhood Partnership's 12th Annual Neighborhood Awards Dinner will be held on September 26th from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Evergreen Masonic Center. This event celebrates Riversiders who foster community engagement and improve the quality of life in our city. It's a chance to recognize individuals and groups who work to make their neighborhoods better.

The ceremony will feature live entertainment and a free dinner for all attendees, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the community to come together and celebrate. Several awards will be presented to honor neighbors for their service, leadership, and kindness. Join us on September 26th from 5:30-8:00 PM at the Evergreen Masonic Lodge for Riverside's 12th Annual Neighborhood Awards Dinner—a night dedicated to celebrating the heart and soul of our city. This event honors those who make Riverside the special place it is. Whether you're attending for the free dinner, live entertainment, or simply to cheer on the neighborhood change-makers, this night is all about community.

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Noteworthy

Public Works is hosting a free e-waste collection and paper shredding event at the City Corporation Yard at 8095 Lincoln Avenue this Saturday from 8 a.m. - noon.

Riveside's first-of-its-kind new college student housing project, a collaboration between RCC and UCR, was featured in an LAist story earlier this month.

David A. Garcia, previously RPU's Assistant General Manager of Water Delivery, has been serving as Interim General Manager since April and has been named the official General Manager of Riverside Public Utilities.

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Gazette Staff

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