🗞️ Riverside News- April 9, 2026

Thursday Gazette: April 9, 2026

Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! The Raincross Gazette's first-ever candidate forums are coming up, and they're your chance to hear directly from the people running for City Council in Wards 2, 4, and 6 ahead of the June election. Good news on registration: after hitting capacity earlier this week, we were able to secure 50 additional spots for both the Ward 2 and Ward 4 forums. Those seats are open now, but they will go fast. Ward 6 still has plenty of room as well.

If Ward 2 or Ward 4 fills up again, don't count yourself out. Sign up for the waitlist and we're hoping to accommodate standing room at the back of both venues as well.

All three forums are free and open to every Riverside resident. Register today before the new spots are gone.

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GOVERNMENT

Council Loosens Billboard Rules, Opens Door to Relocations and Digital Signs

A unanimous vote updates decades-old restrictions that had blocked most advertiser-initiated requests.

Riverside can now negotiate billboard relocations, replacements and digital upgrades under rules the City Council approved unanimously Tuesday.

Why it matters: The change opens the door to digital billboards in Riverside for the first time — and gives the city new leverage to extract public benefits, like infrastructure upgrades or revenue-sharing, in exchange for any approvals.

Driving the news: The update came after Lamar Advertising submitted an unsolicited relocation request in 2025 that the old rules couldn't accommodate — the previous code only applied to a narrow set of county-annexed parcels and blocked applicant-initiated requests entirely.

What changed: The revised ordinance lets billboard owners or the city initiate Billboard Relocation Agreements, which can cover sign dimensions, analog vs. digital format, single- or double-sided display, and location.

• Agreements can require takedown ratios — operators remove existing signs to earn permission for new ones.
• City Council retains sole authority to approve or deny any agreement.

Yes, but: New billboards remain banned. The new rules create a path only for relocation, replacement or modernization of existing signs — not net-new advertising structures.

What's next: The Community and Economic Development director can issue Billboard Relocation Permits once an agreement clears Council. No agreements have been approved yet.

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GOVERNMENT

Leash Up: New Airport Ordinance Targets Loose Animals, Permit Compliance

A new city ordinance addresses animal restraint, commercial permitting and unauthorized access to aircraft movement areas at Riverside's airport.

Animals must be leashed or restrained on Riverside airport property under an ordinance the City Council approved Tuesday.

Why it matters: If you're traveling through or working at the airport with a pet or service animal, the new rule is now in effect — loose animals can now result in an enforcement action.

Driving the news: The ordinance makes three updates to the airport code: a new animal restraint requirement, clearer permit rules for commercial activity, and updated language around unauthorized access to runways and taxiways.

What they're saying: City staff cited safety risks from loose animals, including "conflicts with other animals, distractions to airport users and unexpected movements" that could disrupt operations.

What's next: The changes take effect as part of the adopted ordinance. Airport tenants and commercial operators should verify their permits and licenses are current under the updated code.

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What's Happening in Riverside

Today

• Family Storytime at Lincoln Park
• History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21)
• Movie Bingo: Demon Slaying K-Pop Edition at Thompson Brewing Co. ($23.18)

Tomorrow

• Certified Farmers Market at Farm House Collective
• Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
• Meet Your Candidates for Judge at Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce

Save the Date

• April 11: 11th Annual Riverside Art Market at White Park
• April 11: Olivewood Cemetery Tour at Olivewood Cemetery ($21.20)
• April 12: The Expeditions of Juan Bautista de Anza through Riverside County at Riverside Medical Clinic Basement Meeting Room
• April 17: Frozen: The Broadway Musical at Woodcrest Christian School Royals Pavilion ($15- $20)
• April 18: Walk with the Animals - Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center at Fairmount Park
• April 18: Blue Zones Project Riverside: Moai Launch Party at North Park
• April 18: Fant-A-She’s at Riverside Municipal Auditorium ($37- $97)
• April 18: MAGIC UNDERGROUND at Back To The Grind ($30- $45)
• April 23: Raincross Gazette: Ward 2 Community Forum at UCR Alumni & Visitors Center
• April 25: 78th Annual Riverside Flower Show and Garden Tour at Riverside Elks Lodge (free - $10)
• April 29: Raincross Gazette: Ward 4 Community Forum at Riverside Citrus State Park - Sunkist Center
• May 3: "The Sound of Riverside" - The 2026 Riverside Arts Academy Gala at UCR University Theatre ($150- $325)
• May 6: Senior Conference at Janet Goeske Center
• May 17: Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social at Riverside's Heritage House

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