King High Lacrosse is headed to the CIF-SS Division 3 Championship this Saturday, May 17. (L Todd Nelson Photography)
Friday Gazette: May 16, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! Congratulations to the Martin Luther King Boys’ Lacrosse team! They’ll be playing for the CIF Southern Section Division 3 Championship title this weekend against Agoura High at Fred Kelly Stadium in Orange. Let’s get the win for Riverside!
Of course, you can all get the win without breaking a sweat at the Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social at Heritage House, 8193 Magnolia Avenue, on Sunday, May 18, from 12–4 p.m. The event is free and includes live music, activities, and yes—free ice cream.
City Council Sets Hearing for Budget Amendments Amid Economic Concerns
City faces $2.5 million drop in sales tax revenue, pulls $7.65 million from reserves.
City Council unanimously voted to schedule a June 17 public hearing on proposed adjustments to the fiscal 2025-2026 biennial budget. The changes come as officials report a $7.65 million shortfall due to lower tax revenues and unexpected expenditures.
Driving the news: City Manager Mike Futrell emphasized that the budget changes reflect an adaptation to economic uncertainties rather than a municipal crisis.
The shortfall is attributed to lower sales tax, property tax revenues, and property tax transfer fees, as well as unforeseen expenses.
Why it matters: The proposed adjustments would impact the general fund, Measure Z revenue, and reduce park improvements.
The amendment draws $7.65 million from reserve funds to help cover expenses while maintaining $210.68 million in general fund reserves.
The big picture: Budget Director Sergio Aguilar identified federal tariffs, immigration policies, and other federal actions as potential disruptors to the budget.
He recommends the city prepare for unexpected financial challenges.
What's next: The public hearing on June 17 will allow community input on the proposed budget amendments before adoption.
Unity Basketball Tournament Celebrates Decade of Community Building
Riverside Police, NAACP mark 10-year milestone of program bridging youth and law enforcement.
Participants in the Unity Basketball Tournament at Bordwell Park. (Ken Crawford)
The annual Unity Basketball Tournament celebrated a decade of fostering connections between local youth and police officers through sport and dialogue at Bordwell Park in Riverside.
Driving the news: The free community event features mixed teams of officers and students competing in basketball games, alongside resource booths and engagement opportunities.
The initiative began under former Police Chief Sergio Diaz during a period of heightened tensions between police and communities nationwide.
Why it matters: The program has expanded to include "Breaking Bread" dialogue sessions, where participants discuss concerns in comfortable settings.
Sharron Lewis-Campbell, first vice president of the Riverside NAACP, initiated the program to address youth fears of police officers.
The impact: The program continues to yield positive results, with some participants expressing interest in law enforcement careers.
Lewis-Campbell recalls a ninth grader saying, "Police officers are cool. I'm thinking about becoming one, one day."
What's next: Current Police Chief Larry Gonzalez maintains the program, which has become a model other cities have expressed interest in replicating.
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.
Carrot is a 7-year-old, 21-pound bundle of affection and personality. He’s sweet, sassy, and has a special way of making everyone feel like his favorite person. Whether he’s giving nose kisses, tapping your arm for attention, or running to greet you at the door, Carrot knows how to make a house feel like home. He’s easy to care for, good with dogs of all sizes, and more than ready to find his forever family. Carrot has been waiting over three months to meet them—and in the meantime, he’s enjoying a cozy break from the shelter. Interested in meeting him? Email fostercare@petsadoption.org to schedule a visit.
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.
