Thursday Gazette: August 13, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Almost there, we just passed hump day. We hope your week is going smoothly, and thank you for taking the time to hang out with us each morning.
See you tomorrow!
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HOUSING
Ahead of Mediation, Residents Urge Council to Revisit University Terrace Rejection
The city and California's Civil Rights Department are set to mediate a discrimination complaint tied to the council's rejection of a supportive housing project.
A full City Council chamber pressed Tuesday for a rejected 114-unit homeless housing project as state mediation over the rejection continues.
Why it matters: If mediation between the city and the state fails, the fate of 114 supportive and affordable housing units — and possible reparations for Riverside's unhoused community — remains unresolved.
Driving the news: The City Council's January rejection of a Quality Inn Motel conversion prompted a state Civil Rights Department investigation, now paused for mediation.
- The CRD opened its probe in May after the ACLU of Southern California, Inland Equity Community Land Trust and Inland Empire Tenants Union alleged council members relied on discriminatory stereotypes.
By the numbers: The rejected project would have created 114 studio apartments — 94 supportive housing units and 20 affordable units — backed by $29.6 million in state and federal funding.
- Riverside has met just 19.6% of its state-mandated housing goal since 2021, permitting no new very-low-income units.
What they're saying: Attorney Ugochi Anaebere-Nicholson said the rejection caused "immediate harm" to unhoused residents.
- Resident Dan Hoxworth said the fight is "about the lives of 94 homeless individuals who are most vulnerable."
What's next: The city meets with the CRD Friday. Any settlement would return to the City Council for approval in the coming weeks.
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COMMUNITY
Mission Inn Foundation Run Kicks Off Training Moai Ahead of 49th Race
The Blue Zones Project's community training program returns for another year as the Mission Inn Foundation and Museum marks a milestone anniversary.
"Orange Tree Tables and Taps" had its grand opening on Main Street on July 7, so I knew I wanted to try it since I learned this location was most recently home to Retro on Main and, before that, Retro Taco.
Being from a city that is an entertainment desert, I enjoy coming to Downtown Riverside in search of fun. I enjoy visiting family-owned businesses, restaurants and coffee shops that made Riverside their home, so when new businesses choose Downtown, I'm eager to try them out.
Councilmember Philip Falcone highlighted the opening, along with a variety of other new Downtown food spots, most still pending, in his latest Ward 1 quarterly update.
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What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Mobility and Infrastructure Committee at Riverside City Hall
- Planning Commission at Riverside City Hall
- History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21)
Tomorrow
- Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
- Little Shop of Horrors 40th Anniversary Screening at Fox Performing Arts Center
Save the Date
- Aug 15: FREE YOGA - The Art of Vinyasa with Catherine Murray at Community Yoga Center
- Aug 15: FREE YOGA - Yin Yoga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Aug 16: FREE YOGA - The Evolution of Ashtanga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Aug 17: FREE YOGA - Moody Mondays with Cherie Amour at Community Yoga Center
- Aug 19: FREE YOGA - Seated Yoga with Kristin Varner at All Saints Episcopal Church
- Aug 21: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- Sep 3: Orange Street Mural Unveiling at Main Museum Pedestrian Walkway (Orange Street)
- Sep 9: FREE Beginning Square Dance Lessons with Line Dancing at Cowtown Square Dance Center
- Sep 18: Open Mic Night at Riverside Baha'i Center
- Oct 3: Aquamotion Aquathon at Shamel Pool
- Oct 7: Fifty & Better Health Fair at Janet Goeske Center
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