In part two of this series, fire officials detail the strategic changes made after last summer's devastating blaze—and what they mean for future emergencies.
Majestic rays pierce through the morning sky, rewarding early risers with nature's spectacular light show from atop Mt. Rubidoux. (Luke LĂłpez)
Monday Gazette: July 21, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Monday! It’s National Junk Food Day—a perfect excuse to indulge in those salty, crispy cravings. When the hankering hits, where’s your go-to spot for something fried and delicious? We’ve been hearing there’s a bit of a friendly debate around town about who serves the best fried zucchini. Got a favorite? Hit reply and let us know!
One Year After Hawarden: How Riverside Strengthened Its Fire Response
In part two of this series, fire officials detail the strategic changes made after last summer's devastating blaze—and what they mean for future emergencies.
A firefighting helicopter approaches thick smoke above the Hawarden Hills neighborhood during the July 2024 Hawarden Fire—the largest wildfire in the city’s history. (Bob Sirotnik)
The Hawarden fire in July 2024 exposed vulnerabilities in Riverside's emergency response, prompting strategic improvements to the city's fire preparedness. Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson says Riverside is now better equipped to handle large-scale incidents.
Driving the news: The 588-acre Hawarden fire, which damaged seven structures and injured two civilians, revealed staffing challenges during weekends and the need for enhanced coordination.
Only 20 firefighters were on duty when the fire broke out on a Sunday.
Why it matters: The fire department implemented several changes, including preemptive staffing increases, updated alarm protocols, and department-wide command training.
These improvements aim to get more resources to the scene quicker and keep vegetation fires smaller.
The big picture: Riverside's enhanced preparedness contrasts with the devastating Palisades fire in Los Angeles six months later, which ravaged 23,448 acres and caused 12 civilian fatalities.
What's next: The fire department now conducts full action reviews after large-scale incidents, led by third-party focus groups within the department.
This process identifies strengths and weaknesses, ensuring continuous improvement in emergency response strategies.
City Council Committee to Hold First Meeting on Riverside's New Inspector General Position.
(Brenda Flowers)
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, chaired by Councilmember Steven Robillard with members Clarissa Cervantes and Steve Hemenway, meets for the first time on Tuesday, July 22, at 1 p.m. (agenda), to begin implementing the voter-approved government watchdog position.
The agenda includes a closed session for discussion of recruitment and appointment of the Inspector General, indicating that the hiring process may soon begin for the position approved by 64% of voters in the November 2024 election. The Inspector General's office is estimated to cost over $500,000 annually once fully established.
Measure L originated from recommendations by the city's Charter Review Committee in 2018 and represents an addition to Riverside's government accountability framework.
Park and Recreation Commission
The Park and Recreation Commission meets on Monday, July 21, at 9 a.m. (agenda) to recognize July as “Park And Recreation” month and receive updates on the City's sports programs and pickleball courts.
Community Police Review Commission
The Community Police Review Commission meets on Wednesday, July 23, at 5:30 p.m. (agenda) to continue regular business and hear a report on an officer-involved death that occurred on June 20 when Riverside Police Officers responded to a call about a man who had locked himself inside the restroom.
California Water Outlook Remains Strong Despite Reservoir Setback
A third consecutive wet year boosts water security, but Delta pumping restrictions and cloud seeding setbacks highlight the system’s vulnerabilities.
With the third good precipitation year in a row behind us, California is in a good position to meet water demands for the next few years even if those years have lower-than-average precipitation. With one significant exception, our reservoirs are full well above average for this time of year, and some are near full capacity.
The exception is San Luis Reservoir, located near Los Banos on the west side of the Central Valley. This is the first big reservoir on the State Water Project south of the Sacramento River Delta. When pumping from the Sacramento Delta is restricted, this is the first reservoir to begin to be depleted. Recently, the presence of a federally protected fish near the intake for the pumps has required a reduction in pumping into the State Water Project, and San Luis Reservoir is at only a little over 40% of its capacity. For reference, San Luis Reservoir has a capacity of about two and one-half Diamond Valley Lakes.
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