> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 🍊 Monday Gazette: April 21, 2025 - URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/monday-gazette-april-14-2025-co/ - Published: 2025-04-21T12:00:33.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-09T02:22:35.000Z - Author: Gazette Staff - Tags: Newsletter ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2025/04/250421-AnthonySolorazono.jpg) Anthony Solorzano, a regular contributor to The Raincross Gazette, with his wife Evelyn. (Anthony Solorzano) **Monday Gazette: April 21, 2025** Hello Riverside, and Happy Monday! We’re thrilled to introduce Anthony Solorzano as our newest regular contributor here at *The Raincross Gazette*. Anthony was born and raised in Pomona and recently moved to Riverside with his wife Evelyn and their dog Kenny. After a decade in education, he followed his passion for writing—his work has been featured in *LA Taco*, the *LA Times*, and the *Southern California News Group*, and we’re excited to now include him as a regular voice here at the Gazette. Anthony’s coverage already spans everything from our first theater review to some of the most important issues facing our city. When he’s not reporting, he enjoys watching films and playing board games with his wife. To help you get to know him a little better, we asked Anthony to answer a few of our favorite [*Neighbor of the Week*](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/neighbor-of-the-week/)questions: **What is your idea of a perfect weekend day in Riverside?** My favorite weekend day idea is a walk to Hunt Park with our Cribbage board, a charcuterie board, and a light breeze keeping us fresh. **Do you call it the Galleria or Tyler Mall?** I call it the Tyler Mall, but if I am coming off as a transplant, you're not wrong. **If you could put one message on a billboard on the 91, what would it be?** “You should have used public transportation.” [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2023/12/author_banner-justin-pardee.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/about/) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169513/image/0?seed=)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169513/click/0?seed=&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [PUBLIC SAFETY](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/public-safety/) ## Fire Maps: Riverside Identifies 'Very High' Hazard Zones New California wildfire risk assessment places thousands of homes in danger areas as fire chief urges residents to understand defensible space requirements. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2025/04/Grochowski_RaincrossGazette_220526_045-1.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/fire-maps-riverside-identifies-very-high-hazard-zones) Southern Riverside identified as "very high fire hazard severity zone" in new California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection map. The city has made the map accessible online, allowing residents to check their home's proximity to fire-prone areas. **Driving the news:** Riverside Fire Chief Steve McKinster hopes the map will educate residents about wildfire risks and mitigation strategies. - The map categorizes 3,626 square miles of California property as "high" to "very high" fire hazard severity zones, including parts of Riverside. **Why it matters:** Wildfires in Southern California have become increasingly destructive, with high-risk areas growing by 168% since 2011. - Recent fires in Los Angeles and Riverside's Hawarden Hills have heightened concerns about wildfire preparedness. **The response:** Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson has prioritized fire protection, increasing staffing and resources to combat potential threats. - The city council approved a fire tech upgrade despite public concerns about the Riverside Transmission Reliability Project's potential fire risks. **What's next:** Riverside Fire Department urges residents to visit their website for information on fire hazard severity zones and home protection strategies. - The city's efforts align with a statewide mandate requiring cities to provide fire zone maps and guidance to residents. [Read or share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/fire-maps-riverside-identifies-very-high-hazard-zones) --- #### [GOVERNMENT](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/government/) ## This Week in City Hall: April 21, 2025 Reviewing amendments to the city's Sunshine Ordinance and an appeal to overturn the Planning Commission's denial of a 49-home development on a 9.91-acre Victoria Avenue orange grove site. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2025/04/cityhall-16-sidetower-1.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/this-week-in-city-hall-april-21-2025) Welcome to our weekly digest on public meetings and agenda items worthy of your attention in the next week. This guide is part of our mission to provide everyday Riversiders like you with the information to speak up on the issues you care about. ### City Council City Council will meet in special, closed, and open sessions on Tuesday, Apr. 22, at 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. ([agenda](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1281427&GUID=05E1C989-96DF-46AD-A790-C89D61D5EB1E&ref=raincrossgazette.com)). The agendas include: - Considering candidates for appointment to the role of Interim City Attorney, currently filled by Jack Liu. - Considering authorization for the City Manager to submit a [letter opposing Senate Bill 634](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14019392&GUID=5970673E-ED7C-40C7-A429-A38A390316EC&ref=raincrossgazette.com), which would [prohibit penalties against homeless individuals](https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca%5F202520260sb634?ref=raincrossgazette.com) for survival-related activities, arguing the legislation would remove critical tools for addressing public health and safety concerns in Riverside. - Accepting $6.21 million in Highway Safety Improvement Program grants that will fund [three citywide traffic safety projects](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14019397&GUID=B67F1379-2026-4B7B-8B90-C85EA1B40ADD&ref=raincrossgazette.com) to reduce collisions and protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers through modern signal controllers, enhanced crosswalks, and buffered bike lanes. - Reviewing [amendments to the city's Sunshine Ordinance](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14019395&GUID=99A5AF1A-607C-471B-A22B-A1832878114D&ref=raincrossgazette.com) that would maintain 12-day notice requirements for major decision-making bodies while reducing notification time to 72 hours for advisory committees. - Considering [an appeal by Warmington Residential](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14019365&GUID=6B6933C8-094E-4A3D-AA77-D393CA3ABAD8&ref=raincrossgazette.com) to overturn the Planning Commission's denial of a [49-home development on a 9.91-acre orange grove site](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14019386&GUID=945AFCF6-6F39-45D5-8DD6-23C0B8845142&ref=raincrossgazette.com) at the corner of Victoria Avenue and La Sierra Avenue. - Reviewing proposed [adjustments to the City's user fees and charges schedule](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14019383&GUID=100CDEFC-507A-4792-9F85-32B88E16978D&ref=raincrossgazette.com) the City says would recover more of the actual cost of development services through transparent fee structures. ### Commission on Aging The Commission on Aging meets on Monday, Apr. 21, at 4:00 p.m. ([agenda](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1290725&GUID=3C6B9432-1773-4536-A3B7-6877BC91788A&ref=raincrossgazette.com)) for a presentation from AARP on [becoming an "Age-Friendly" community](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14014262&GUID=8499FEC2-1752-49D1-827C-BDF226905F78&ref=raincrossgazette.com). ### Museum of Riverside Board The Museum of Riverside Board meets on Wednesday, Apr. 23, at 3:00 p.m. ([agenda](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1295343&GUID=15291B6A-C6DB-44C0-923E-6F92250A1005&ref=raincrossgazette.com)) to review the Museum's [100th anniversary initiatives](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14023656&GUID=79AF797C-F9D4-4652-9CAA-6C37FC2E4214&ref=raincrossgazette.com) in 2024. ### Community Police Review Commission The Community Police Review Commission meets on Wednesday, Apr. 23, at 5:30 p.m. ([agenda](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1294907&GUID=86DC0B11-9681-46FE-8262-1B95A069F6FA&ref=raincrossgazette.com)) for continued review of an [officer-involved death case](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14023289&GUID=A226066A-8622-48CF-A610-C3A1550B26FE&ref=raincrossgazette.com). ### Planning Commission The Planning Commission meets on Thursday, Apr. 24, at 9:00 a.m. ([agenda](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1294879&GUID=35772B0E-DECD-4F70-89BC-B7C185B455F1&ref=raincrossgazette.com)) to consider the [expansion of an existing 6-bed assisted living facility](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14023698&GUID=F997006A-B53A-4B06-9C78-6F7467862132&ref=raincrossgazette.com) (11545 Doverwood Drive) to 16 beds and review the plans to legalize a [vehicle impound and tow yard](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14023699&GUID=95C58743-DD9F-4D9D-B119-86B7063E660D&ref=raincrossgazette.com) at 6200 Rutland Avenue. ### Human Relations Commission The Human Relations Commission meets on Thursday, Apr. 24, at 6:00 a.m. ([agenda](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1287385&GUID=FD55DDEA-040E-4FDC-A2A8-BA666E885D0C&ref=raincrossgazette.com)) for regular business. [Read or share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/this-week-in-city-hall-april-21-2025) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169515/image/0?seed=)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169515/click/0?seed=&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [GARDNER GAUGE](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/gardner-gauge/) ## Opinion: Utility Rate Setting: How Your Bills Are Determined and Your Voice Matters California's dual system puts residents at the table for both investor-owned and municipal utilities as Proposition 218 ensures transparency and public participation. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2025/04/opinion_banner-mike_gardner.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/opinion-utility-rate-setting-how-your-bills-are-determined-and-your-voice-matters) We all pay for a range of utilities in our homes and businesses, but how are the rates the utilities charge us set—and by whom? First, there are two types of utilities: investor-owned utilities like Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, and AT&T, and not-for-profit “governmental agency” utilities like Riverside Public Utilities and Western Municipal Water District. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) sets rates for investor-owned utilities. The CPUC has a detailed ratemaking process where a utility must show what its ongoing costs are and list the capital projects they intend to develop with money from the current rate case. The CPUC holds a number of hearings and workshops on each rate case and invites public participation by letter, email, and testimony at hearings. [Read or share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/opinion-utility-rate-setting-how-your-bills-are-determined-and-your-voice-matters) --- 📣 ****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](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/contact/). --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [ ![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169514/image/0?seed=) ](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169514/click/0?seed=&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- ## What's Happening in Riverside ### Today - [Commission on Aging](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/commission-on-aging/15270205/2025-04-21T16) at Riverside City Hall - [56th Hays Press-Enterprise Lecture](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/56th-hays-pressenterprise-lecture/15018097/2025-04-21T18) at University Theatre - [Beginners Round Dance Class Two Step](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/beginners-round-dance-class-two-step/15467800/2025-04-21T17) at Cowtown Square Dance Center (Free- $10.00) - [Monday Carillon Recitals](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/monday-carillon-recitals/14971029/2025-04-21T12) at UCR Bell Tower - [Great Big Beautiful Life Midnight Release Party](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/great-big-beautiful-life-midnight-release-party/15371181/2025-04-21T22) at Cellar Door Bookstore ### Tomorrow - [Inland Empire Chorus Rehearsal](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/inland-empire-chorus-rehearsal/14934551/2025-04-22T18) at Temple Beth El Synagogue - [RUSD Civic Showcase](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/rusd-civic-showcase/15568416/2025-04-22T17) at Riverside Convention Center - [City Council](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/city-council/15355694/2025-04-22T12) at Riverside City Hall - [Baseball vs. UNLV](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/baseball-vs-unlv/14962387/2025-04-22T14) at Riverside Sports Complex - [Riverside Food Lab Earth Day](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-food-lab-earth-day/15535633/2025-04-22T17) at Riverside Food Lab - [Tuesday Karaoke](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/tuesday-karaoke/12771587/2025-04-22T19) at The Hideaway ## Save The Date - April 26: [Riverside Philharmonic Matinee Concert](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-philharmonic-matinee-concert/15483777/2025-04-26T14) at Calvary Presbyterian Church ($20- $60) - April 26 [12th Annual Riverside Tamale Festival](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/12th-annual-riverside-tamale-festival/15199565/2025-04-26T11) at White Park (Free- $100) - April 26 [Walk with the Animals](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/walk-with-the-animals/15048261/2025-04-26T09) at Fairmount Park ($15- $40) - May 3: [Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/alzheimers-dementia-support-group/15213180/2025-05-03T14) at Discovery Commons Raincross - May 15: [CBU Family Business Center Morning Meetup](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/cbu-family-business-center-morning-meetup/15490657/2025-05-15T07) at CBU - Copenbarger Room - May 17: [Blue Zones Project - Riverside Kickoff Festival](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/blue-zones-project-riverside-kickoff-festival/15407813/2025-05-17T10) at Riverside Airport - May 17: [Vintage Home Tour](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/vintage-home-tour/15610902/2025-05-17T10) at Throughout Riverside ($30) 🗓️ [See More Events](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/)📝 [Submit Your Event](https://hub.cityspark.com/Event/Submission/Raincross?ref=raincrossgazette.com) 📸 [Submit a photo](http://raincrossgazette.com/submitphoto?ref=raincrossgazette.com) to be featured in our newsletters and social media accounts. 🏆 [Nominate a remarkable Riversider](https://rgnotw.paperform.co/?ref=raincrossgazette.com) as Neighbor of the Week.