Tuesday Gazette: August 18, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Tuesday! It's National Couple's Day! Author C.S. Lewis once wrote, "Two heads are better than one, not because either is infallible, but because they are unlikely to go wrong in the same direction." Anyone who's ever untangled a problem with a partner knows that's true more often than not.
Today's a nod to couples of all kinds, not just the romantic ones, but the duos who show up for each other and, in turn, show up for the rest of us. We'd love to know: is there a couple in your corner of Riverside who works quietly behind the scenes to make this a better place to live? Maybe they run a food drive together, coach a youth team, or just seem to always be the first ones to show up when a neighbor needs help. Nominate them for Neighbor of the Week and let's give them their flowers.
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HOUSING
Council Supports Statewide Housing Bond, Citing Homelessness Needs
Proposition 1 would fund affordable housing, homeownership programs and homelessness solutions across California.
Riverside councilmembers endorsed a statewide $11.25 billion bond that could bring new affordable housing funding to the city.
Why it matters: If voters approve Proposition 1 in November, Riverside could tap new state funding for affordable housing, homebuyer assistance and homelessness programs — as the city struggles to meet its own housing mandate.
What's new: Councilmembers voted Tuesday, Aug. 11, to formally support Proposition 1, though the staff report says the action carries no fiscal impact for the city.
- Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson brought the item forward; she chairs the Big City Mayors Coalition's push for the measure.
- "This is not a tax increase," Ward 3 resident Dan Hoxworth told the council.
By the numbers: The bond would fund affordable housing, veteran homeownership programs and efforts to address homelessness statewide.
- California has identified a need for about 1.2 million more affordable homes for lower-income residents, per the staff report.
The backstory: Proposition 1 started as SB 417, passed by the Legislature and signed into law in June.
- A similar bond voters approved in 2018 raised $4 billion and was fully committed within several years due to demand.
Yes, but: Riverside has permitted no new very-low-income housing since 2021 and has met less than 20% of its state housing allocation.
What's next: Voters decide Proposition 1's fate in the November election.
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Food & Drink
A Taste of Downtown's Newest Spot: Orange Tree Tables and Taps
One reporter's first visit to Downtown's newest restaurant, now open on Main Street.
"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.
As I entered the restaurant, I enjoyed the ambiance. The decorations were distinctive and coexisted nicely with the orange chairs. I sat myself down since upon entering I was prompted to choose my own seating.
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This Week in Riverside
Today
- Karaoke Tuesday Competition at The Hideaway
Tomorrow
- Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
- Stretch & Dance Class at Janet Goeske Senior Center
- About Writing at Janet Goeske Center
- County Planning Commission Meeting at 4080 Lemon St., 1st Floor
- Foundations of Yoga Instruction at University of California, Riverside
- FREE YOGA - Seated Yoga with Kristin Varner at All Saints Episcopal Church
- History on the Rocks - Round Two! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21)
- Riverside Mission Belles at Victoria Presbyterian Church
Save the Date
- Aug 21: FREE YOGA - The Evolution of Ashtanga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Aug 21: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- Aug 22: FREE YOGA - The Art of Vinyasa with Catherine Murray at Community Yoga Center
- Aug 22: FREE YOGA - Yin Yoga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Aug 24: FREE YOGA - Moody Mondays with Cherie Amour at Community Yoga Center
- Aug 26: FREE YOGA - Seated Yoga with Kristin Varner at All Saints Episcopal Church
- 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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🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.
