City Council will consider a 45-day moratorium on new tobacco retail permits following widespread illegal drug sales at smoke shops and award a $19.7 million contract to renovate the nearly century-old Cesar Chavez Community Center.
This week’s agendas include a Council vote on a 45-day smoke shop moratorium and a $19.7M Chavez Center renovation, plus earthquake prep tips and a water update.
From securing furniture to retrofitting homes and weighing insurance, here’s how Riversiders can prepare for the next big quake—plus an update on California’s latest water bill.
Inspector General implementation begins, rescue team returns from Texas and local food bank warns of federal budget cut impacts.
Friday Gazette: July 25, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! While we take pride in seeking out and telling the stories that reflect the best of Riverside, we try to keep the cheerleading to a minimum. But today, we’re making an exception to thank Harley (lying down) and Riley (sitting)—along with the rest of California Task Force 6—for representing our city so well while assisting with recovery efforts after the central Texas floods earlier this month.
Thank you for your incredible work and for bringing Riverside’s spirit of neighborliness to people in need, wherever they may be. Welcome home.
You can watch the press conference welcoming them home and check out today’s article highlighting their heroic work.
The three-member committee met Tuesday to begin establishing the voter-approved government watchdog position, focusing on recruitment and appointment processes.
Riverside's Inspector General Committee convened its inaugural meeting Tuesday, eight months after voters approved the government watchdog position. The three-member panel, led by Councilmember Steven Robillard, began the process of implementing the oversight role that won 64% support in November 2024.
Driving the meeting: The committee focused on recruitment and appointment procedures for the new Inspector General position.
Why it matters: The Inspector General will have authority to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse within city government, conduct audits, and provide annual reports.
The backstory: Measure L, which created the Inspector General role, originated from recommendations by two consecutive charter review committees starting in 2018.
What's next: The committee's next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, at 1 p.m. in the Art Pick Council Chamber at City Hall.
Go deeper: Some residents continue to raise concerns about the inspector general's independence, as the position serves at the pleasure of the City Council and Mayor.
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Five firefighters, two search dogs spent 15 days assisting with recovery efforts after July 4 flooding.
Five Riverside firefighters and two search dogs completed a 15-day deployment to Kerr County, Texas, assisting in search and recovery operations following devastating July 4 floods. The team, part of California Task Force 6, worked across a 120-mile search area, coordinating with FEMA and local agencies.
Driving the news: The deployment included targeted searches in areas inaccessible to ground crews, primarily conducted from boats due to changed river conditions.
Why it matters: The mission provided closure for families affected by the floods, transitioning from rescue to recovery efforts.
The big picture: California Task Force 6 is one of eight FEMA urban search and rescue task forces in California and one of 28 nationally.
What's next: Riverside continues to serve as the host agency for the multi-jurisdictional team, ready to respond to future disasters requiring specialized rescue capabilities.
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Local food bank warns cuts could affect millions in California, Inland Empire.
Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino (FARSB) warns of "biggest cuts" to nutrition and healthcare programs "in a generation," impacting millions of Californians.
Driving the news: Congress passed a budget reconciliation bill cutting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, sparking concern from food banks already struggling with increased demand.
Why it matters: The legislation comes as food insecurity rises and grocery prices remain high, particularly affecting children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
The impact: FARSB, serving as the primary food source for over 250 local nonprofits in the Inland Empire, distributes more than 3.1 million pounds of food monthly.
What's next: FARSB plans to work with Feeding America and the California Association of Food Banks to support affected residents and calls on lawmakers to strengthen support systems for struggling families.
Go deeper: For more information on advocacy efforts, visit FeedingIE.org/advocacy.
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Meet this week’s featured furry friend from the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center. Dedicated to eliminating pet homelessness, the center provides compassionate care and facilitates adoptions for animals in need of loving homes. Find your new companion and help support their mission of humane care and responsible pet ownership.
Bear is as lovable as he looks. His easygoing nature makes him a natural friend to dogs, cats and kids alike. Whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood, a trip to the park or a ride in the car, Bear is always ready to tag along and make every outing better. True to his name, he’s a cuddly teddy bear with a heart of gold. Bear is currently in foster care; to meet him, please email fostercare@petsadoption.org.
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Little Free Libraries have evolved from pandemic-era book exchanges into permanent neighborhood fixtures, with creative designs ranging from repurposed TV cabinets to elaborate reading rooms like Riverside's Luther Street location that features attached seating space.
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This week’s agendas include a Council vote on a 45-day smoke shop moratorium and a $19.7M Chavez Center renovation, plus earthquake prep tips and a water update.
Canvas Pizza rolls out a new food trailer, meet Neighbor of the Week Ernesto Rodriguez, and a Creative Prompt on dryer lint.
91 Freeway-Adams Street interchange project advances with 2028 construction on the horizon, and Riverside TV delivers network-quality sports coverage to the community.
This week’s sports lineup is packed with action. Plus, the Mission Inn Museum launches its Halloween season with a dinner-and-cemetery tour honoring fallen officers.
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