Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Traffic light control box near Bandini and Magnolia. (Ken Crawford)

Friday Gazette: October 11, 2024

Driving home in my new neighborhood, I noticed a woman painting a base coat on a traffic light control box. It dawned on me that I’d never paid attention enough to know it was there. I knew the box existed and surely had seen it while driving and walking around. I have seen other boxes painted in other places around Riverside, but this box never caught my eye.

I drove by the box several times over the next couple of days and realized how conspicuous it was with its new paint job. Several of these boxes are now painted, and I’m starting to realize how much I appreciate them now that they are painted. It adds a bit of art and whimsy to my drive around town. Now, I look for other boxes at stoplights to see if they have also been painted.

I’d like to thank the artist/s who created these paintings and recognize the effort invested in making something so ordinary into something beautiful. It is something small, to be sure, but the impact of even a little extra spot of beauty should be praised. Keep it up. I see what you’re doing.

GOVERNMENT

Proposed Protest Ordinance Struck Down in 5-2 Council Vote

Police chief argues for safety measures, but council members cite constitutional concerns and potential for discrimination.

This week City Council voted 5-2 against a proposal to prohibit items that could be used as weapons during protests, including face coverings. The decision came after concerns about potential infringement on constitutional rights and discretionary enforcement.

Driving the news: The City Attorney and Police Department proposed changes to a city protest ordinance, citing alignment with similar policies adopted by universities to curb violent campus protests.

  • Police Chief Larry Gonzalez argued the regulation would only target disruptive groups and ensure safe demonstrations.

Why it matters: The proposal sparked debate about balancing public safety with First Amendment rights, particularly as election season approaches.

  • 87 people opposed the ordinance, citing concerns about targeting specific groups and infringing on religious and medical freedoms.

The bottom line: Councilmembers expressed worries about government overreach and potential legal challenges, ultimately rejecting the proposal.

  • At least one U.S. municipality, Nassau County in New York, has adopted a similar policy, which was recently upheld by a federal court.

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SPORTS

Sports Shorts: La Sierra University Basketball Looks to Make Impact in Upcoming

Returning twin SDSU Transfers Triston and Tyler Broughton bring big stage experience to Golden Eagles hoops

Twin Transfers from SDSU Triston and Tyler Broughton. (Jared Gonzalez)

La Sierra University Basketball

La Sierra University Athletics sometimes gets lost in the mix. Sharing the city with two competitive Division 1 programs (UC Riverside and California Baptist) makes it hard for the NAIA Golden Eagles to find their share of the spotlight.

SDSU transfer, twins Triston and Tyler Broughton, intend to change that this season. Triston averaged 12.9 points per game, and Tyler averaged 9.1 in limited games last season. They look to make a big impact this year in the CalPac Conference. College Basketball is only a couple weeks away. Check out Golden Eagles Basketball on the La Sierra University Website.

CBU Lancers Podcast

Did you know you can keep up with the latest CBU athletics news on the Lancers Athletic Podcast? Hosted by Fox Sports host Pep Fernandez and Brett Rozen, a voice familiar to many of you who listen to or watch CBU live sports broadcasts. Check out the latest episodes.

High School Football Schedule

Thursday, October 10

  • ML King @ Corona, 7PM
  • Notre Dame @ Fontana, 7PM

Friday, October 11

  • Riverside Poly @ Rancho Christian, 7PM
  • Ramona @ Norte Vista, 7PM
  • North @ Paloma Valley, 7PM
  • Arlington @ Valley View, 7PM
  • La Sierra @ Jurupa Valley, 7PM

Saturday, October 12:

  • CSD Riverside Vs. Texas School for the Deaf, Saturday, 2PM

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HOUSING

September 2024 Housing Market Update: Market Heats Up as Interest Rates Cool Down

Windermere Tower Properties provides insights into last month’s housing market.

15707 Golden Spur Court sold at $990,000 by Sparks Realty Partners at Windermere Tower Properties.

The Riverside real estate market is buzzing with activity as September 2024 brings shifts for both buyers and sellers. A recent Federal Reserve rate cut to 5.99% — the lowest in two years — is injecting new energy into an already robust market.

Driving the news: Increased housing inventory is giving buyers more options, while sellers still maintain an advantage in most neighborhoods.

  • The average home sold for $692,908 in September, with properties spending an average of 34 days on the market.

Why it matters: The rate cut boosts buyers' purchasing power, potentially stabilizing prices and maintaining high demand for sellers.

  • Experts predict an uptick in market activity as buyers rush to capitalize on lower rates.

The big picture: Despite more inventory, Riverside remains a seller's market. However, pricing strategy is crucial.

  • Well-priced, turn-key homes are still receiving multiple offers quickly.

What's next: As the market evolves, both buyers and sellers need to stay informed and work with knowledgeable local agents to navigate changing conditions.

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SCIENCE

California’s Oldest Tree – Progress Towards Protection?

Four environmental groups seek to protect 13,000-year-old tree with larger buffer zone.

The trunks of an individual treelet in the Jurupa Oak. (Aaron Echols)

California's oldest tree faces an uncertain future as environmental groups sue to protect it from nearby development. The 13,000-year-old Jurupa Oak, located in Jurupa Valley, is at the center of a legal battle over a 900-acre residential and industrial project.

Driving the news: Four non-profit organizations filed a lawsuit on October 4 in Riverside Superior Court, challenging the approval of the Jurupa Valley Rio Vista Specific Plan.

  • The suit alleges violations of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and seeks a 100-acre preserve for the ancient tree.

Why it matters: The Jurupa Oak ranks among the world's oldest living organisms and requires careful protection to ensure its survival.

  • The City Council approved the development plan with a 450-foot buffer around the tree, but environmental groups argue this is insufficient.

The big picture: The lawsuit aims to balance development needs with environmental conservation, focusing on the potential impacts on the Jurupa Oak and the surrounding ecosystem.

What's next: If a judge finds CEQA violations, the complainants seek an injunction to halt development until environmental concerns are addressed.

  • The Jurupa Oak's resilience through millennia of climate change offers hope for its survival, but its future depends on the outcome of this legal challenge.

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EVENTS

Edgar Allan Poe to Haunt Heritage House in Unique Halloween Event

Satuday's free event features Edgar Allan Poe performance and corvid education in historic garden setting.

The Museum of Riverside is bringing a unique event to the Heritage House tomorrow evening. "Candlelight and Corvids" will run from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring actor Travis Rhett Wilson as Edgar Allan Poe in the historic home's gardens. Best of all, it's free to attend.

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