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.
This month brings chances to connect through events like the Pan Dulce Felting Workshop, making Ojo de Dios and the Mucho Gusto Festival. You can also explore our local history to learn about the heritage that built our community.
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!
GOVERNMENT
This Week in City Hall: September 15, 2025
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.
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.
- Awarding a $19.7 million construction contract to renovate the nearly century-old Cesar Chavez Community Center, including hazardous material abatement, accessibility improvements, system replacements, and classroom/auditorium upgrades.
- Considering the Economic Development Committee's recommendation to launch a pilot program allowing licensed architects and engineers to self-certify building plans for smaller projects, reducing permit issuance from weeks to 1-3 business days.
- Conducting the required annual review of mobile home park rent control procedures, which set the maximum allowable rent increase for 2026 at 2.8%.
- Elimination of the Historic Preservation Fund grant program following exhaustion of its $670,000 in funding after recent allocations to sign programs and surveys.
- 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.
Commission on Aging
The Commission on Aging meets Monday, Sept. 15, at 4 p.m. (agenda) for an update on the Blue Zones Project.
Park and Recreation Commission
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.
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GARDNER GAUGE
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.
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What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Assistance League Thrift Shop Accepting Donations at Assistance League Riverside Thrift Shop
- Commission on Aging at Riverside City Hall
- Men's Soccer vs. Northwestern at UCR Soccer Stadium
- Park and Recreation Commission at Riverside City Hall
Tomorrow
- Inland Empire Chorus Rehearsal at Temple Beth El Synagogue
- Saund vs Cochran Filmmaker Talk at Civil Rights Insitute of Inland Southern California
- Riverside County Board of Supervisors Meeting at County Administrative Center
- Tuesday Karaoke at The Hideaway
Save The Date
- September 17: Beginning Square Dance Lessons with Line Dancing at Cowtown Square Dance Center ($5- $7)
- September 26: Concert Under the Stars at Private Residence ($200)
- October 5: Local History Book Fair and Silent Auctionat Riverside City Hall
- October 6: Moon Festival at Heritage House
- October 15: Fifty & Better Health Fair at Janet Goeske Center
- October 18: Pink on Parade Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at Ryan Bonaminio Park ($22.20 - $32.80)
- October 18: The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Ride at Riverside Plaza ($15- $80)
- October 25: Friends of the Mission Inn Present: Nosferatu - a Silent Movie at The Mission Inn ($30- $35)
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