> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 🗞️ Riverside News- April 26, 2026 - URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-news-april-26-2026/ - Published: 2026-04-26T12:00:05.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-09T02:14:17.000Z - Description: Futrell to remain as manager… - Author: Gazette Staff - Tags: Newsletter, #updated-2026-08-09T02:14:17Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/04/Sunset_04_20_26.jpg) Layers of orange, pink and purple sweep across the sky at sunset over the San Gabriel Mountains, viewed from Canyon Crest near Ransom and Via Loma on April 20\. (Bob Sirotnik) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? [Share it with us](https://goldstandardca.notion.site/13eef165d2ee80fa91c3de069cc9ec29?ref=raincrossgazette.com) and help celebrate the beauty of our community! **Sunday Gazette: April 26, 2026** **Hello Riverside, and Happy Sunday!** This past week marked National Park Week, and with most spring breaks now in the rearview mirror, we're hoping some of you spent time out among the trees, trails, and wide open skies of one of the country's 63 national parks. If you did, we'd love to see it. Send your favorite photo and the story behind it to [newsroom@raincrossgazette.com](mailto:newsroom@raincrossgazette.com) and we'll feature it in an upcoming newsletter and on social media. See you tomorrow! --- 🧡 Thank you to the Subscribers who became paid supporters this week: Judy Kanouse, Laura Westafer McGowan, Suzanne Rice, Gregory Smith, David Stuart, and Sandra Woods. [Your ongoing financial support](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-news-march-15-2026-2/#/portal/account/plans) is vital to our success in serving Riverside with the news it deserves! --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169513/image/0?seed=20260426)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169513/click/0?seed=20260426&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [GOVERNMENT](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/government/) ## Mike Futrell to Remain as City Manager Futrell cites Riverside's economic momentum and June 2 Measure Z campaign as reasons to continue; Pasadena confirms withdrawal. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/04/DSC04960.jpeg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/mike-futrell-to-remain-as-city-manager/) City Manager Mike Futrell prepares to present revenue measure options to City Council on Jan. 27, 2026, the meeting that set the city on the path to the June 2 Measure Z renewal. (Justin Pardee) Mike Futrell has reversed course, withdrawing from his Pasadena appointment to remain Riverside's city manager. **Why it matters:** Riverside avoids a leadership transition mid-stream on Measure Z, housing policy, and a $4B+ economic development push — all now staying under the same hand that started them. **Driving the news:** Futrell announced the decision Saturday in a public letter, citing the city's "significant momentum" and the need to navigate the June 2 Measure Z renewal vote. - He had been set to start as Pasadena's city manager May 13 following his April 15 appointment there. **By the numbers:** During Futrell's tenure since 2023, the city credits more than $4 billion in new investment, 100% police staffing for the first time in two decades, and a 35% drop in crime. **What's next:** Four neighborhood informational meetings on Measure Z are scheduled through May ahead of the June 2 vote. Pasadena confirmed Interim City Manager Matthew Hawkesworth will continue in that role. **What they're saying:** "I am pleased he has decided to stay in Riverside to continue the years-long, successful work he has done," Ward 1 Councilmember Philip Falcone said. [Read and share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/mike-futrell-to-remain-as-city-manager/) --- #### [NEIGHBOR OF THE WEEK](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/neighbor-of-the-week/) ## Neighbor of the Week: Natalie Nicole Peralta Neighbor of the Week is a series profiling the hidden heroes of Riverside, doing incredible works of service throughout our different neighborhoods. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/04/Natalie-Nicole-Peralta--C-1.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/neighbor-of-the-week-natalie-nicole-peralta/) Natalie Nicole Peralta and fellow artist Gabe Rodgers stand before the mural they painted together at Immanuel Lutheran School in Riverside. (Brenda Flowers) Natalie Nicole Peralta has only lived in Riverside for about a year, but in that time the city left a mark on her — and she left one on it. A former Phoenix Scholar at Norco College, Natalie recently transferred to UC Irvine to pursue her bachelor's degree in art. The Phoenix Scholars Program works to improve educational outcomes for current and former foster youth by increasing access to college and supporting students through the process. It was through the program that Natalie connected with fellow artist Gabriel, and the two soon discovered a shared ambition: to become muralists. Natalie has since completed several murals in the Riverside area, including two indoor pieces for Kindful Restoration, a nonprofit serving justice-impacted residents. This week, she and Gabriel finished a mural together at Immanuel Lutheran School. Natalie's roots in the foster system have shaped both her life and her art. She has navigated much of adulthood on her own, raising her four-year-old daughter Jalynn while pursuing her education and building a career as an artist. She describes art as the through-line of it all — her way of healing, communicating, and pushing forward. Her involvement in Riverside's art scene has run deep: she has attended figure drawing sessions at Urge Palette, participated in workshops at Division 9 Gallery, and is currently a exhibiting artist in the Riverside Center for Social Justice and Civil Liberties' "Body of Freedom" exhibition. She has also been active in organizations serving foster youth, including serving as a Youth Voice Board Member at Building Resilience Together. As she prepares to move to Orange County and begin the next chapter of her education, Natalie says Riverside will stay with her. The city's community and art scene, she says, built her as an artist — and she plans to stay connected to both. [Get to know Natalie Nicole...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/neighbor-of-the-week-natalie-nicole-peralta/) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169515/image/0?seed=20260426)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169515/click/0?seed=20260426&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [2026 ELECTION](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/2026-election/) ## Raincross Gazette Hosts First-Ever Candidate Forum for Ward Seat Four Ward 2 hopefuls square off on homelessness, housing and public safety. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/04/1-4.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/raincross-gazette-hosts-first-ever-candidate-forum-for-ward-seat/) Moderator Dan Bernstein, left, leads a discussion with Ward 2 candidates Aram Ayra, Christen Montero, Gracie Torres and Mike Vahl during the Raincross Gazette's first-ever candidate forum Thursday evening. (Bob Sirotnik) Four candidates for City Council Ward 2 debated homelessness, housing, economic development and more at the Raincross Gazette's first-ever candidate forum on Thursday evening. Nonprofit director and Budget Commissioner Aram Ayra, entrepreneur and Planning Commissioner Christen Montero, Western Municipal Water District Director Gracie Torres and financial and IT consultant Mike Vahl are running for the seat soon to be vacated by [Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/2026-election-guide/), who is running for state Assembly. Ward 2 covers neighborhoods including Eastside, Canyon Crest, Mission Grove, Sycamore Canyon and the University District. The forum was moderated by former Press Enterprise columnist and longtime Riversider Dan Bernstein, who introduced discussion questions on both citywide issues as well as Ward 2-specific questions. "The hope is that \[after the forum\] you have a better idea of who you want to represent you in Ward 2," Bernstein said. [Read and share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/raincross-gazette-hosts-first-ever-candidate-forum-for-ward-seat/) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [ ![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169514/image/0?seed=20260426) ](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169514/click/0?seed=20260426&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [CREATIVE PROMPTS](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/creative-prompts/) ## Off Kilter Filter A prompt to encourage your practice of creativity this week from Riversider and local author Larry Burns. [![red strawberries in stainless steel strainer](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1585505642358-2cd65f5c39d4?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fHN0cmFpbmVyfGVufDB8fHx8MTc3NzA2MjExOXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/off-kilter-filter/) ([James Yarema](https://unsplash.com/@jamesyarema?ref=raincrossgazette.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit)) This week’s creative nudge comes from the kitchen drawer, the drying rack, or that cabinet where pots and pans hide between performances: the strainer. I cook a lot; I have a few metal ones, a large plastic one for Sunday pasta dinner, and a fourth one I’m not entirely sure what kind of food to use it on. A strainer does some of the least glamorous but most important work in a kitchen. It separates, catches, rinses, skims, and clarifies. It helps us finish sauces, rinse produce, pull fat from what we cook without sacrificing flavor, and rescue dinner from becoming a soggy disappointment. Sometimes what we leave out is exactly what lets the rest shine. And then there’s the part that gets discarded. A strainer reminds us that what gets filtered out isn’t automatically worthless. Anyone who has ever saved a mug of cloudy pasta water to help a sauce come together already knows the so-called waste can be the thing that makes the whole dish work. [Read and share the complete prompt...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/off-kilter-filter/) --- 📣 ****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](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/contact/). --- ## This Week in Riverside ### Sunday, April 26 - [Prayers and Public Information Meeting](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/prayers-and-public-information-meeting/16726617/2026-04-26T11) at Riverside Baha'i Center - [**78th Annual Riverside Flower Show and Garden Tour**](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/78th-annual-riverside-flower-show-and-garden-tour/18520936/2026-04-26T09) at Riverside Elks Lodge (free- $10) - [Riverside Children's Theater - Disney's Little Mermaid Junior](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-childrens-theater-disneys-little-mermaid-junior/18642373/2026-04-26T13) at JW North High School ($15) - [Olive Country Charcuterie Bar](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/olive-country-charcuterie-bar/18702821/2026-04-26T09) at Olive Country Charcuterie Bar - [Deck of Cards Silent Auction - Your Pet's Photo in a Special Deck of Cards](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/deck-of-cards-silent-auction-your-pets-photo-in-a-special-deck-of-cards/18702160/2026-04-26T00) at Online for Mary S. Roberts pet Adoption Center ($10) - [Heart Centered Alignment: A Soundbath Experience](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/heart-centered-alignment-a-soundbath-experience/18675652/2026-04-26T15) at SALT STUDIOS : A DANCE STUDIO FOR ADULTS ($28.52) - [Into the Breeches! by George Brant at Riverside Community Players](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/into-the-breeches-by-george-brant-at-riverside-community-players/18450344/2026-04-26T14) at Riverside Community Players ($20.00 - $22.24) - [The Juicy Story, Series Two - FREE Citrus Heritage Presentation](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/the-juicy-story-series-two-free-citrus-heritage-presentation/18335368/2026-04-26T13) at Citrus State Park - Sunkist Center - [VELZY Tribute Band (THE STROKES, ARCTIC MONKEYS & CAGE THE ELEPHANT) 04/25](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/velzy-tribute-band-the-strokes-arctic-monkeys-cage-the-elephant-0425/18450286/2026-04-26T21) at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge ($12.51) ### Monday, April 27 - [Volunteer Interest Hour](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/volunteer-interest-hour/18161070/2026-04-27T09) at Riverside Meals on Wheels - [Board of Public Utilities](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/board-of-public-utilities/18584290/2026-04-27T18) at Riverside City Hall - [Housing and Homelessness Committee](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/housing-and-homelessness-committee/18431186/2026-04-27T15) at Riverside City Hall - [Goeske Bingo](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/goeske-bingo/17920930/2026-04-27T09) at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100) - [Monday Carillon Recitals](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/monday-carillon-recitals/17079871/2026-04-27T12) at UCR Bell Tower - [**Sip with a Scientist**](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/sip-with-a-scientist/18634884/2026-04-27T17)at Bar Ni Modo ### Tuesday, April 28 - [Special Seminar: Avocado, Cherimoya, and Mango Flowering Basics](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/special-seminar-avocado-cherimoya-and-mango-flowering-basics/18675024/2026-04-28T15) at LandUse Learning Center - [MSRPAC's Monthly Community Cat Spay/Neuter Day](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/msrpacs-monthly-community-cat-spayneuter-day/17790235/2026-04-28T06) at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center's Spay-Neuter Clinic ($45) - [Karaoke Tuesday Competition](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/karaoke-tuesday-competition-at-the-hideaway/18262381/2026-04-28T19) at The Hideaway ### Wednesday, April 29 - [Riverside East Rotary Club](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-east-rotary-club/13565436/2026-04-29T07) at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern - [Stretch & Dance Class](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/stretch-dance-class/17541755/2026-04-29T09) at Janet Goeske Senior Center - [Reading Assistance Program](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/reading-assistance-program/17973404/2026-04-29T15) at My Learning Studio - [The Comedy Lobby](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/the-comedy-lobby/18671850/2026-04-29T20) at The Lobby ($9.85) - [History on the Rocks - Round Two! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/history-on-the-rocks-round-two-presented-by-the-mission-inn-foundation/18314303/2026-04-29T17) at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21) - [Out in the I.E.](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/out-in-the-ie/18475868/2026-04-29T12) at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern - [Riverside Mission Belles](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-mission-belles/16691431/2026-04-29T09) at Victoria Presbyterian Church - [Riverside Open Mic Music Series](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-open-mic-music-series/15529475/2026-04-29T17) at BACK TO THE GRIND - [**Raincross Gazette: Ward 4 Community Forum**](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/raincross-gazette-ward-4-community-forum/18495206/2026-04-29T18) at Riverside Citrus State Park - Sunkist Center ### Thursday, April 30 - [Arlington Library| Propagation Station: Plant Swap](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/arlington-library-propagation-station-plant-swap/17642280/2026-04-30T10) at Arlington Library - [History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/history-on-the-rocks-presented-by-the-mission-inn-foundation/18314294/2026-04-30T17) at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21) - [**Raincross Gazette: Ward 6 Community Forum**](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/raincross-gazette-ward-6-community-forum/18495207/2026-04-30T18) at Altura Credit Union (10725 Magnolia Ave.) ### Friday, May 1 - [**Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting**](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-sunrise-rotary-club-meeting/18634391/2026-05-01T07) at Zacatecas Café - [The Fake Actors Guild: Bob's Burgers Table Read for PRIDE! B2tG](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/the-fake-actors-guild-bobs-burgers-table-read-for-pride-b2tg/18672411/2026-05-01T19) at Back To The Grind ($12.51) - [La Santa Cecilia](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/la-santa-cecilia/18501415/2026-05-01T19) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium - [Las Alucines -Tu Nuevo Estilo de Vida US Tour](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/las-alucines-tu-nuevo-estilo-de-vida-us-tour/18501417/2026-05-01T19) at Fox Performing Arts Center - [OLPH Fiesta](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/olph-fiesta/18629119/2026-05-01T17) at OLPH Parish & School - [Painting Fairies Night, a Comedy Paint and Sip](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/painting-fairies-night-a-comedy-paint-and-sip/18671851/2026-05-01T19) at Carbon Nation Brewing ($28.52) - [Riverside: An All-American City — A Celebration of America 250](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-an-allamerican-city-a-celebration-of-america-250/18699658/2026-05-01T18) at Mission Inn Foundation and Museum - [Riverside Off-Road & Jeep Nights](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-offroad-jeep-nights/18477720/2026-05-01T17) at D'Elia's Grinders - [World Music Festival](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/world-music-festival/17756870/2026-05-01T19) at University Theatre ### Saturday, May 2 - [Community Yard Sale](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/downtown-community-yardsale/18675016/2026-05-02T07) at Downtown Riverside - [Milkweed sale and Monarch Celebration](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/milkweed-sale-and-monarch-celebration/18519473/2026-05-02T09) at LandUse Learning Center - [Riverside GPU & CAAP: Community Workshop](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-gpu-caap-community-workshop/18697084/2026-05-02T11) at Riverside Salvation Army Corps - [2026 Southern Divisions Convention](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/2026-southern-divisions-convention/18120514/2026-05-02T00) at Fox Performing Arts Center - [Evergreen Cemetery Tour](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/evergreen-cemetery-tour/18672412/2026-05-02T10) at Evergreen Memorial Park ($23.18) - [Riverside Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-cinco-de-mayo-bar-crawl/16365263/2026-05-02T17) at Killer Queens Social House - [Sublime Tribute by Don't Push!](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/sublime-tribute-by-dont-push/18179810/2026-05-02T21) at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove ($20.23) ## Save the Date - May 3: ["The Sound of Riverside" - The 2026 Riverside Arts Academy Gala](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/the-sound-of-riverside-the-2026-riverside-arts-academy-gala/18503772/2026-05-03T17) at UCR University Theatre ($150- $325) - May 6: [Senior Conference](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/senior-conference/18498792/2026-05-06T10) at Janet Goeske Center - May 13: [Level Up Your Network: The Pick Group 2026 Membership Summit](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/level-up-your-network-the-pick-group-2026-membership-summit/18625198/2026-05-13T18) at Killer Queens Social House - May 16: [Vintage Home Tour “Age is a Work of Art”](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/vintage-home-tour-age-is-a-work-of-art/18708216/2026-05-16T10) at Peter J Weber House ($30) - May 17: [Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/oldfashioned-ice-cream-social/18378314/2026-05-17T12) at Riverside's Heritage House - June 1: [REEF's 27th Annual Golf Tournament](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/reefs-27th-annual-golf-tournament/18542190/2026-06-01T07) at Canyon Crest Country Club ($140- $175) 🗓️ [See More Events](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/)📝 [Submit Your Event](https://hub.cityspark.com/Event/Submission/Raincross?ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- 📸 [Submit a photo](http://raincrossgazette.com/submitphoto?ref=raincrossgazette.com) to be featured in our newsletters and social media accounts. 🏆 [Nominate a remarkable Riversider](https://rgnotw.paperform.co/?ref=raincrossgazette.com) as Neighbor of the Week.