California Baptist University Lancers tip off their final WAC season before joining the Big West, with men's and women's teams building on last year's success at the Fowler Events Center.
This week’s agendas include a Council vote on a 45-day smoke shop moratorium and a $19.7M Chavez Center renovation, plus earthquake prep tips and a water update.
A beautiful view from atop Mt. Rubidoux. (Luke LĂłpez) Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Monday Gazette: September 15, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Monday! Today kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the roots and traditions that make our community so vibrant. Hispanic culture has shaped Riverside for generations through festivals, family gatherings, art, food and so much more.
How does your family celebrate? Whether it's delicious recipes, dancing, or simply sharing stories, we'd love to hear what makes this season special in your home. Let's celebrate the heritage that makes Riverside the rich, connected community we all love!
City Council will consider a 45-day moratorium on new tobacco retail permits following widespread illegal drug sales at smoke shops and award a $19.7 million contract to renovate the nearly century-old Cesar Chavez Community Center.
Riverside City Hall. (File Photo)
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 with the information to speak up on the issues they care about.
City Council
City Council will meet in closed and open sessions on Tuesday, Sept. 16, with afternoon sessions at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (agenda). The agenda includes:
Considering a 45-day moratorium on new tobacco retail permits after police documented widespread illegal drug sales and excessive criminal activity at smoke shops, including locations that continued selling psilocybin, cannabis, and narcotics even after March 2025 raids seized hundreds of thousands of dollars in contraband and weapons.
Considering a 3-year extension of the water system's bond credit facility at an increased annual cost of $81,000 to avoid mandatory repayment of $24 million in outstanding bonds that would otherwise require refinancing at higher interest rates.
The Park and Recreation Commission meets Monday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 p.m. (agenda) for a historical presentation on Union Pacific Engine #6051 and several other presentations on City activity.
Earthquakes: Why We’re at Risk and What We Can Do About It
From securing furniture to retrofitting homes and weighing insurance, here’s how Riversiders can prepare for the next big quake—plus an update on California’s latest water bill.
A Continued Conversation on Earthquake Safety at Home
What about the safety of your house or apartment? Let’s look first at what is inside your home. Anything tall, such as shelves, dressers or buffets, can become an overturning hazard during a large earthquake. Items sitting on top of those, like mirrors or flat-screen televisions, may fall even if the furniture itself does not. These should be anchored to the wall with wire, angle brackets or plumber’s tape. It’s best to secure heavy items through the wall and into the studs behind plaster or wallboard. For most handy people, this is a straightforward task, but if you’re not comfortable doing it, ask a friend or hire a handyman.
Now consider what’s on your shelves and countertops. Even if the furniture stands, the objects on top can still fall. Store away loose or breakable items you don’t use regularly. Childproof latches can help keep cabinet doors closed during shaking and prevent items from falling out. Always be cautious when opening a cabinet, closet or refrigerator after strong shaking, since items inside may have shifted.
See something? Say something. Your tips and ideas are what fuel The Raincross Gazette. If you know of something newsworthy happening in our city, please share it with us.
