
Monday Gazette: December 9, 2024
Hello Riverside, and Happy Monday! If you missed yesterday's newsletter, we've crafted a very brief survey to collect your thoughts on Riverside in 2024 and 2025, and we would be delighted if you took a moment to answer a few questions.

GOVERNMENT
This Week in City Hall: December 9, 2024
CSDR Football to be recognized by the Mayor; City Council will consider streamlining the permitting process for pre-approved ADUs and the final reallocations of $7.2 million in ARPA funding.

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 closed and open sessions on Tuesday, December 9, in afternoon sessions at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The agenda includes:
- Mayor Lock Dawson will recognize California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR) for their historic 2024 football season.
- Certifying the results of Ballot Measure L from the November 5, 2024 election where Riverside voters approved creating a new Inspector General position to investigate waste and misconduct in city government.
- Considering spending $250,000 of funds received from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for a roof repair project for the Blindness Supportive Services office on Beatty Drive.
- Launching a pre-approved plans program for accessory dwelling units, which modifies the permitting process and provides standardized designs as part of the City's response to state housing requirements.
- Considering final reallocations of $7.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds before the year-end deadline, with recommendations from financial consultants on ensuring compliance with federal requirements.
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ENVIRONMENT
Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District Named 2024 Organization of the Year
Environmental education leaders recognize RCRCD for innovative programs and community engagement.

The Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District (RCRCD) is making waves in the environmental education scene. They've just been named the 2024 Organization of the Year by three major California environmental education groups.
This recognition comes from the Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education (AEOE), Ten Strands, and the California Environmental Literacy Initiative (CAELI). They're impressed with RCRCD's creative programs and educational projects.
The state honor follows a national win for RCRCD District Manager Shelli Lamb, who recently received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Conservation Districts.
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COMMUNITY
Ram Pride: Kayla McCarty's YoungArts Triumph
Local student actress receives national-level recognition.

Kayla McCarty, a Ramona High School's Fine Arts program senior, was recently named a 2025 National Winner with Distinction for Musical Theater by the YoungArts Program. She is one of only 13 national honorees. This accomplishment highlights both Ramona's Fine Arts Magnet's success and Kayla's commitment to excellence.
Kayla will participate in the National YoungArts Week and Gala in January 2025 in Miami, Florida, as part of her award. During YoungArts Week, she'll connect with other top young artists across ten disciplines, receiving masterclasses, collaborative opportunities, and invaluable mentorship from internationally recognized arts leaders. Alumni of the YoungArts Foundation include Viola Davis, Timothée Chalamet, and Josh Groban, placing Kayla among an elite group of emerging artists.
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What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Board of Library Trustees at Riverside City Hall
- Board of Public Utilities at Riverside City Hall
- Land Use Committee at Riverside City Hall
Tomorrow
- Holiday Boutique at Assistance League Riverside
- City Council at Riverside City Hall
- Free Homework Help at My Learning Studio
- Inland Empire Chorus Rehearsal at Temple Beth El Synagogue Social Hall
- Tuesday Karaoke at The Hideaway
Save The Date
- December 12: Museum of Riverside's 100th Anniversary Gala at Riverside Municipal Auditorium ($175 - $5,000)
- December 17: Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Fox Performing Arts Center ($39 - $103)
- December 21 Winter Solstice Traditions at Heritage House
- December 30 The 20th Annual Chanukah Festival at Riverside Historic Courthouse
- December 30-31: Mean Girls at Fox Performing Arts Center ($75 - $150)
- February 1: Riverside Arts Academy: Rising Stars Gala at Coil School for the Arts ($125 - $175)
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