Wednesday Gazette: April 22, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! The Ward 2 candidate forum is TOMORROW! If you have a seat reserved, we'll see you there. If you haven't registered yet, there's still time to grab a spot before doors open. Ward 4 and Ward 6 forums are right around the corner as well.
All three forums are free and open to every Riverside resident. Register today.
See you tomorrow!
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COMMUNITY
Downtown Lime Street Portion Named to Honor Fallen Riverside Firefighter
Signs honoring Captain Tim Strack went up Tuesday along the stretch of Lime between 3rd and 14th streets, where Strack once served at Station 1.
A stretch of Downtown Lime Street now carries a second name honoring Captain Tim Strack, a 28-year Riverside firefighter who died in April 2023.
Why it matters: The renaming is ceremonial — residents and businesses on the corridor between 3rd and 14th streets won't need to update their addresses. But the new signs mark a permanent public tribute to a firefighter who shaped both local and statewide labor advocacy.
Driving the news: City officials, firefighters, and Strack's family gathered Tuesday outside Fire Station 1 — along the renamed stretch — for a sign unveiling ceremony.
- One of the new green signs, signed by attendees at the ceremony, will eventually be given to the Strack family.
The backstory: Strack served as president of Riverside City Firefighters' Association Local 1067 for 21 years — the longest in the union's 100-year history. He also spent a decade as 1st District Vice President of California Professional Firefighters, lobbying in Sacramento and Washington for firefighter safety standards.
What they're saying: Fire Chief Steve McKinster called the renamed street "a tribute traveled daily by our members and the community — a constant reminder of Tim's dedication."
What's next: The signs are installed. The stretch between 3rd and 14th streets will now display "Lime Street" as the primary name with "Captain Tim Strack Parkway" in smaller lettering below.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
A Call for Higher Standards in Public Comment at City Council Meetings
We can debate policy without demeaning people.
I want to address the tone and conduct that has developed across more than six recent meetings. Healthy debate is expected in this chamber. Strong disagreement is expected. But the repeated pattern of baseless accusations, personal attacks, and shaming directed at Councilmembers is NG (No Good).
It does not strengthen arguments, and it does not improve outcomes.
Across these meetings, coordinated groups have delivered harsh and personal language toward the dais. In one instance, a speaker even accused the council of "mocking" them because of a facial expression. Councilmembers are human. They listen, they react, they think. Interpreting normal human reactions as disrespect, while delivering aggressive or accusatory comments, creates an unhealthy double standard.
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EVENTS
Riverside Nonprofit NORA Marks Denim Day With Community Event April 29
Banner Bank is partnering with the sexual assault resource organization for a solidarity gathering at its Riverside branch.
NORA brings Denim Day to Banner Bank on April 29, rallying community support for sexual violence survivors.
Why it matters: If you want to show solidarity with survivors, this is a low-barrier way to do it — just wear denim and show up.
Driving the news: The Network of Organizations for Resiliency and Advocacy (NORA) hosts the free event Wednesday, April 29, noon–3 p.m. at Banner Bank, 5030 Arlington Ave., with a brief program at 12:30 p.m.
What they're saying: "We invite the community to join us as we bring awareness to supporting survivors and standing against violence," said Elgin James, Banner Bank's vice president and branch manager.
What's next: Wear denim, attend the program, and stay for light refreshments. To learn more, visit callnora.org. Donations can be made at the Riverside Hope Builders giving page.
- NORA's 24-hour confidential hotline: (951) 686-7273.
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Noteworthy
A UC Riverside-led study of 2,459 emergency department patients found widespread MMR vaccine knowledge gaps and under-vaccination tied to race, language, and insurance status, as California reports its highest measles case count in seven years.
RCC's Student Equity Committee has named sociology professor Tim Gutierrez, PhD, its latest Faculty Equity Spotlight honoree, recognizing his decade of work supporting incarcerated, undocumented, LGBTQ, and other underserved students.
With Chief Mark DiMaggio's contract concluded, Sgt. Octavio Rojas has stepped in as RCC's acting police chief for the third time in his 20-plus-year career while the district searches for a permanent replacement.
What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Stretch & Dance Class at Janet Goeske Senior Center
- 2026 Earth Day Festival at UCR-Pierce Lawn
- Bordwell Park Advisory Committee at Stratton Community Center
- Celebrate Earth Day at the Marcy Library at Marcy Library
- Earth Day Painting & Mixed Media Artivity at Marcy Library
- Eastside Library at Lincoln Park | Earth Day Storytime and Scavenger Hunt at Eastside Library at Lincoln Park
- History on the Rocks - Round Two! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21)
- Reading Assistance Program at My Learning Studio
- Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
- Riverside Mission Belles at Victoria Presbyterian Church
- Riverside Open Mic Music Series at BACK TO THE GRIND
- Until Help Arrives Emergency Preparedness Training at Community Room Riverside Main Library
Tomorrow
- Frozen: The Broadway Musical at Woodcrest Christian School Royals Pavilion ($15- $20)
- History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21)
- Riverside's Butterflies: A Natural History at Riverside Main Library
- Very Hungry Caterpillar Painting Session at Marcy Library
- Raincross Gazette: Ward 2 Community Forum at UCR Alumni & Visitors Center
Save the Date
- April 24: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- April 24-25: Frozen: The Broadway Musical at Woodcrest Christian School Royals Pavilion ($15- $20)
- April 25: 78th Annual Riverside Flower Show and Garden Tour at Riverside Elks Lodge (free - $10)
- April 27: Sip with a Scientist at Bar Ni Modo
- April 29: Raincross Gazette: Ward 4 Community Forum at Riverside Citrus State Park - Sunkist Center
- April 30: Raincross Gazette: Ward 6 Community Forum at Altura Credit Union (10725 Magnolia Ave.)
- 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 13: Level Up Your Network: The Pick Group 2026 Membership Summit at Killer Queens Social House
- May 17: Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social at Riverside's Heritage House
- June 1: REEF's 27th Annual Golf Tournament at Canyon Crest Country Club ($140- $175)
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