Council subcommittee approves Inspector General framework, CBU women defend WAC title as UCR men energize home opener and August rains bring Riverside’s own tumbleweed species.
Mt. Rubidoux rises in the distance, seen from the DeAnza Narrows (Ken Crawford). Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Monday Gazette: August 11, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Monday! Today is Mountain Day, a Japanese holiday set aside to reflect on the beauty and blessings of mountains. It feels like a perfect time to pause and appreciate our own local landmark—Mt. Rubidoux—standing steady in the distance. Whether you’ve hiked its trails, watched a sunrise from the top, or simply admired it from afar, it’s a reminder of the grounding presence of nature right here at home.
City Council does not meet this week. The Inspector General Committee will meet Tuesday afternoon to work toward establishing Riverside's New Inspector General office.
Welcome to our weekly digest on public meetings and agenda items worth your attention in the coming 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.
Inspector General Committee
The Inspector General Committee (Councilmembers Robillard, Cervantes, and Hemenway) meets for its second time on Tuesday, August 12, at 1 p.m. (agenda) to discuss establishing a voter-approved Office of Inspector General that will replace the current Internal Audit Division with an independent oversight office reporting directly to City Council to handle auditing, ethics complaints, and efficiency improvements.
Board of Library Trustees
The Human Resources Board meets on Monday, August 11, at 5 p.m. (agenda) for regular business.
Board of Public Utilities
The Board of Public Utilities meets on Monday, August 11, at 6:30 p.m. (agenda) to consider projects including applying for a $5.25 million federal grant to fund wildfire prevention equipment in high-risk areas, approving electrical infrastructure upgrades, ratifying emergency power plant repairs that ensure summer electricity capacity, and authorizing additional funding for smart meter installations due to new import tariffs.
Commission of the Deaf
The Commission of the Deaf meets on Wednesday, August 13, at 5:30 p.m. (agenda) for regular business.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission meets on Thursday, August 14, at 9 a.m. (agenda) to consider permits to legalize unpermitted horse structures in flood zones and approve a new convenience store with alcohol sales, both requiring special exceptions to City regulations.
Mobility and Infrastructure Committee
The Mobility and Infrastructure Committee (Councilmembers Conder, Hemenway, and Perry) meets on Thursday, August 14, at 1 p.m. (agenda) for an update on the citywide fiber network project being developed by SiFi Networks through a private partnership that aims to provide high-speed internet access to all city properties.
Airport Commission
The Airport Commission meets on Thursday, August 14, at 3 p.m. (agenda) for regular business.
The Riverside Smudge Pots, two-time Southern California Vintage Base Ball League champions, have found a new venue for their 2025 season. Arlington Heights Sports Park will host the team's home games, offering a quality playing surface for their 1886-style baseball.
Driving the news: The Smudge Pots needed a new location after losing access to their previous field due to changing insurance requirements.
The team currently stands at 1-1-1 this season and aims to build momentum with their home opener.
Why it matters: Reader interest in the team has grown since their season-opening comeback win over the Temecula Dear Bros.
The Smudge Pots plan to make their first home game a major community event with family-friendly activities and an old-time atmosphere.
What's next: The team's home opener is scheduled for Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. at Arlington Heights Sports Park.
Player-manager Johnson emphasizes the team's commitment to creating an authentic vintage baseball experience for spectators.
Go deeper: Visit socalvbb.com for more information about the Southern California Vintage Base Ball League and upcoming games.
End of Summer Sale – 50% Off All Raincross Gazette Shirts! Our neighbors at Feeding America are repping their Riverside pride – now it’s your turn! All Raincross Gazette shirts are 50% off for our End of Summer Sale. Stock up while supplies last and wear your local love loud.
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Council subcommittee approves Inspector General framework, CBU women defend WAC title as UCR men energize home opener and August rains bring Riverside’s own tumbleweed species.
Back-to-school routines return with safety reminders, young entrepreneur’s lemonade stand inspires community and committee moves to limit Council debate and public comment.
Beloved local dentist named Neighbor of the Week, artists turn junk into social commentary at Division 9, and a creative prompt about your favorite brush, comb, or pick.
Heat advisory shifts weekend plans, charter review appointments delayed, Casa Blanca STEM school opens, fall football guide and one overlooked pup still waits for a home.
