Reviewing the City's workforce vacancy report, $54.1 million in annual RPU expenses, and committee discussion of a $110 million treatment strategy for PFAS chemicals are on this week's agenda.
Dr. Christon Arthur, La Sierra University President, welcomes members of the Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce to the atrium of the Zapara School of Business for a business community meetup on Thursday, June 5.
Monday Gazette: June 9, 2025
I attended the Chamber of Commerce's "INSIDE La Sierra" meeting last Thursday morning for business community members to make hyperlocal connections and discuss the challenges of doing business in that part of town. At the start of many Chamber events, there is a time for introductions when everyone in attendance stands and introduces themselves and their business.
It goes something like this: “Greg Scott, Mr. Electric. Ricki Hubbard, Blue Zones Project Riverside and T3 Fitness. Justin Pardee, Raincross Gazette.”
That’s it—just your name and your business.
Last week’s meeting was held in the Zapara School of Business building’s atrium, which brought additional attendance from members of the La Sierra University staff and student body. About halfway through the introductions, a young man standing in the back of the room, dressed for class attendance, introduced himself as “just a student.”
Immediately, Dr. Christon Arthur’s unmistakable, melodic voice bellowed from across the room, boldly proclaiming: “THERE IS NO JUST A STUDENT!”
As you enter this new week, I invite you to hear and receive Dr. Arthur’s encouragement for yourself.
Whatever you do, whoever you are, there is no just! You matter. Who and how you are matters. When you and I own the importance and privilege of fully showing up in the lives of everyone we encounter and everything we do, then we collectively fill this world—and our neighbors’ lives—with beauty, power, and possibility.
Reviewing the City's workforce vacancy report, $54.1 million in annual RPU expenses, and committee discussion of a $110 million treatment strategy for PFAS chemicals are on this week's agenda.
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.
City Council
City Council will meet in closed and open sessions on Tuesday, June 10, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (agenda). The agenda includes:
The Board of Public Utilities meets on Monday, June 9, at 6:30 p.m. (agenda) to review $54.1 million in annual purchase orders, existing contracts and recurring expenses for the Public Utilities Department’s 2025–26 fiscal year. These cover equipment, materials and services for the City’s electric and water operations.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee (Councilmembers Hemenway, Robillard and Falcone) meets on Wednesday, June 11, at 3 p.m. (agenda) to review Governor Newsom’s May Revision budget, which proposes addressing a $12 billion state deficit through spending reductions and fund shifts while projecting economic conditions that may affect local revenue.
The Airport Commission meets on Thursday, June 12, at 3 p.m. (agenda) for regular business.
Budget Engagement Commission
The Budget Engagement Commission meets on Thursday, June 12, at 5 p.m. (agenda) to discuss creating a Nonprofit Funding Framework Committee to explore the City’s financial support strategies for local nonprofits. The commission will also review a $3.3 million contract amendment for Phase II design services of the new Downtown police headquarters, increasing the total project cost to $62 million.
Riverside High School Students Gain Job Skills at Child Development Center
Partnership between school district and nonprofit provides hands-on experience while addressing workforce shortage.
FSA volunteer having a little fun on the job. (Courtesy of Family Service Association)
Sixty John W. North High School students spent the school year working at a local child development center, addressing a growing need for early childhood educators in the region.
Driving the news: The partnership between Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) and Family Service Association (FSA) provides students with real-world experience in child care while supporting FSA's Magnolia Child Development Center.
FSA is currently seeking to hire more than 100 early educators to meet demand for child care services.
Why it matters: The collaboration prepares students for future careers while addressing the increasing demand for child care in the area.
Early childhood educators support working parents and contribute to economic stability by enabling parents to maintain employment or return to school.
The impact: Several students have expressed interest in pursuing early childhood education careers after participating in the program.
What's next: RUSD plans to continue expanding its Career and Technical Education programs and similar community partnerships.
The district views such collaborations as essential for bridging the gap between classroom learning and workforce preparation.
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