🗞️ Riverside News- April 3, 2026

Friday Gazette: April 3, 2026

Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! We are almost out of seats for the Ward 2 candidate forum, and Ward 4 is not far behind. Ward 6 still has room, so if you're in that part of the city, now is the time. These forums are your chance to hear directly from the candidates who want to represent your neighborhood, ask real questions, and make a more informed choice when you head to the polls in June.

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

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GOVERNMENT

City Ethics Rules Now Cover Officials' Online Conduct

New language bars city officials from biased or partisan online posts in quasi-judicial matters, but exempts private speech after attorneys raised First Amendment concerns.

City Council approved a state grant application that could bolster Riverside's pro-housing standing — but the city's own numbers reveal how far it has to go.

Why it matters: Riverside has permitted fewer than 20% of its state-mandated housing target, with zero new units for very-low-income residents since 2021. This grant — if awarded — must by law fund that hardest-to-reach category.

Driving the news: Council approved the application Tuesday for up to $1.44 million through the state's Prohousing Incentive Program Round Four, which rewards cities that exceed affordable housing mandates.

• If awarded, the city will direct funds to a shovel-ready project — potentially 10 to 65 new affordable units breaking ground within 12 to 18 months.

By the numbers: Riverside's state-mandated housing goal is 18,458 new homes between 2021 and 2029.

• The city has permitted just 31% of its above-moderate-income target — and 0% of its very-low-income target.

The backstory: Riverside faces state scrutiny after Council rejected $20.1 million in Homekey+ funding in January for a University Avenue project that would have created 114 permanent supportive apartments. The ACLU and two legal organizations sent letters in February citing potential housing law violations; HCD sent a separate letter raising similar concerns.

What's next: HCD says it is "closely monitoring" Riverside but has not publicly confirmed an investigation. The city says it has not been formally contacted by HCD's Housing Accountability Unit as of March 25.

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ART & ENTERTAINMENT

The God Who Learned to Feel: 'Hadestown' Comes to The Fox

'Hadestown' actor Nickolaus Colón on why the ancient myth of Hades still moves modern audiences — and why two nights at The Fox are worth clearing your calendar for.

The national tour of the eight-time Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown plays Riverside's Fox Performing Arts Center for two nights this month.

Why it matters: If you're looking for live theater this spring, this is a rare stop from one of the most acclaimed touring productions in the country — and tickets are still available.

Driving the news: Hadestown runs Monday, April 13 and Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Fox, 3801 Mission Inn Ave.

• Tickets are available at foxriverside.com or through the American Theatre Guild at americantheatreguild.com.

What they're saying: Nickolaus Colón, who plays Hades in the touring production, described the role's appeal to men who recognize themselves in a character "desperately trying to provide, even if he is going about it the wrong way."

Catch up quick: Anaïs Mitchell's musical weaves together the Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone inside a Depression-era, post-apocalyptic world. It won Best Musical at the 2019 Tonys and has toured nationally since 2021.

What's next: Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. both nights. The Fox is at 3801 Mission Inn Ave.

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Adoptable Pet of the Week

Meet Joey!

Meet this week’s featured furry friend from the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center. Dedicated to eliminating pet homelessness, the center provides compassionate care and facilitates adoptions for animals in need of loving homes. Find your new companion and help support their mission of humane care and responsible pet ownership.

Noteworthy

Riverside Superior Court is seeking county residents to apply for Civil Grand Jury service — with today as the final day to submit applications — for a term overseeing local government operations from July 2026 through June 2027.

RCTC is hosting a free webinar on April 6 to explain its $30 billion Traffic Relief Plan, covering road repairs, transit upgrades, and disaster resilience across Riverside County, with Spanish translation available.

This Weekend in Riverside

Friday, April 3

• Volunteer Interest Hour at Riverside Meals on Wheels
• Certified Farmers Market at Farm House Collective
• Evergreen Cemetery Tour at Evergreen Cemetery ($21.20)
• Trio Los Panchos at Fox Performing Arts Center

Saturday, April 4

• Intro to Food Preservation: Safety, Equipment, and Methods at Land Use Learning Center
• Mt. Rubidoux Walking Tour at Mt. Rubidoux Trailhead, a short walk from Ryan Bonaminio Park. ($21.20)
• Goeske Bingo at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
• Fred Hammond at Fox Performing Arts Center
• Johnny Ruiz & the Escapers at Farm House Collective

Sunday, April 5

• Mt. Rubidoux Easter Sunrise Service at Mount Rubidoux
• Easter Celebration at First Congregational Church of Riverside
• Prayers and Public Information Meeting at Riverside Baha'i Center
• Oddly Manor Sunday Service Variety Show at The Raincross District ($12.51)
• Sunday Experiment After Dark at Downtown Experiment

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: Blue Zones Project Riverside: Moai Launch Party at North Park
• April 18: Fant-A-She’s at Riverside Municipal Auditorium ($37- $97)
• April 23: Raincross Gazette: Ward 2 Community Forum at UCR Alumni & Visitors Center
• April 29: Raincross Gazette: Ward 4 Community Forum at Riverside Citrus State Park - Sunkist Center
• May 6: Senior Conference at Janet Goeske Center
• May 17: Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social at Riverside's Heritage House

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