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.
GOVERNMENT
This Week in City Hall: June 9, 2025
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:
- Reviewing the City’s workforce vacancy report, which must be publicly presented before budget adoption to comply with state law. The report shows a 10.54% overall vacancy rate across departments.
- Final approval of a three-year commercial waste rate increase plan.
Board of Library Trustees
The Board of Library Trustees meets on Monday, June 9, at 5 p.m. (agenda) for its annual review of the City’s Code of Ethics and Conduct.
Board of Public Utilities
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.
Mobility and Infrastructure Committee
The Mobility and Infrastructure Committee (Councilmembers Conder, Hemenway and Perry) meets on Thursday, June 12, at 1 p.m. (agenda) to review proposed street trench cut fees that would recover costs from utility damage from new developments. The committee will also receive updates on $35.8 million in County-funded storm drain projects; consider a five-year sewer rate increase plan; and discuss a $110 million treatment strategy for PFAS chemicals, which may lead to additional water rate increases beginning in 2026.
Airport Commission
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.
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COMMUNITY
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.
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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Noteworthy
Riverside actress Kayla McCarty wins Best Actress at the 2025 Lucie Arnaz Awards at Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival, following her previous YoungArts triumph.
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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
- Riverside County Board of Supervisors Meeting at County Administrative Center
- Future Vets, Helping Pets! Summer Animal Kids Camp, Week 1 at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center ($200- $240)
- Academic Boot Camps - Kinder to 5th Grade at My Learning Studio ($472- $547)
- VBS 2025 at River of Life Church
- Social Media Academy at Riverside Police Department
- Beginners Round Dance Class Two Step at Cowtown Square Dance Center (Free- $10)
Tomorrow
- Riverside Magnolia Farmers Market at Riverside Magnolia Farmers Market
- Volunteer Interest Hour at Riverside Meals on Wheels, Inc
- California Joe's Adventure Magic Show at Arlanza Library
- Inland Empire Chorus Rehearsal at Temple Beth El Synagogue
- Trivia Night at Orange Terrace Library
- Tuesday Karaoke at The Hideaway
- Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Hidden In Pieces Tour at Fox Performing Arts Center
Save The Date
- June 27: Museum of Riverside Groundbreaking at 3580 Mission Inn Avenue
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