Thursday Gazette: August 27, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Today is National Burger Day, so let's talk about the essentials. A delicious burger starts with a juicy, well seasoned patty, gets a good melt of cheese, and comes together with fresh toppings and a bun that can actually hold it all without falling apart. Some people like it classic with lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Others go bold with unique twists, think fusion flavors or unexpected toppings that turn a classic into something new.
So where do you get yours? Whether it's a neighborhood spot you've loved for years or a new favorite you just discovered let us know where Riverside should be getting its burgers.
Here's what else is happening around town.
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CITY HALL
Riverside Council Delays Vote on Water Rules for Decorative Grass
The council voted unanimously to give staff up to 90 days to detail the cost of complying with a 2023 state law banning irrigation of nonfunctional grass.
Riverside will hold off adopting new water-conservation rules for 90 days after council members demanded a fuller accounting of what compliance will cost.
Why it matters: Commercial, industrial and institutional property owners — plus HOAs — will eventually have to phase out nonfunctional turf under state law, but the city just bought itself more time to spell out what that will cost you.
Driving the news: Council voted unanimously Tuesday to continue the item up to 90 days after Ward 5 Councilmember Sean Mill challenged staff's characterization of the ordinance as having "no fiscal impact."
- Mill called the requirement an unfunded state mandate and asked staff to count how many Riverside properties would be affected before a final vote.
By the numbers: A Metropolitan Water District rebate that paid $7 per square foot for turf removal ran out last year; its replacement, now $4 per square foot, is nearly fully claimed, as is RPU's matching commercial funding.
Yes, but: Council members split on the underlying law. Councilmember Philip Falcone backed it, pointing to free turf removals at several Ward 1 churches and a park, while Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes said switching away from turf could lower long-term water bills for HOAs and businesses despite upfront costs.
What's next: Staff have up to 90 days to return with cost and enforcement estimates, an affected-property count, hardship protections and clear standards for what counts as "functional" turf before council takes a final vote.
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COMMUNITY
City Proclaims Dell Roberts Day at Packed Council Meeting
A large crowd filled council chambers to honor Adrian Dell Roberts for decades of service to Riverside.
Riverside packed City Hall to honor Dell Roberts, a 90-year-old community icon, with his own day.
Why it matters: Roberts spent decades mentoring Riverside youth through Parks and Recreation, and a new Eastside gymnasium will carry his name — a lasting mark on a man who's called Riverside home for 81 years.
The backstory: Roberts graduated Poly High in 1955, then joined Riverside Parks and Recreation, launching decades of youth work across the city.
- He's led the RCC Foundation Board, the Bordwell Park Advisory Committee and Black History Month parades since 1980.
By the numbers: Roberts turns 90 this year after 81 years in Riverside.
- He's directed community Black History Month parades for 45 years running.
What they're saying: Police Chief Larry Gonzalez called Roberts a "community leader" who helped build trust between officers and residents.
- Roberts thanked the packed chambers: "I've never wanted to be any other place."
The bottom line: Council proclaimed Aug. 25 Dell Roberts Day, capping eight decades of service soon to be marked permanently by the Dell Roberts Gymnasium on the Eastside.
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COMMUNITY
Lighthouse of Hope Foundation Honored as City Marks National Nonprofit Day
The Ward 5 nonprofit was honored for its food and clothing distributions across the city.
Riverside City Council proclaimed Aug. 17 National Nonprofit Day, honoring Lighthouse of Hope Foundation for its community work.
Why it matters: If you've picked up food, clothing or diapers from a Riverside pop-up distribution, this nonprofit may be behind it. The council's honor spotlights groups filling gaps in city services.
Driving the news: Councilmember Sean Mill read the proclamation at Tuesday's meeting, saying the mayor's office asked each councilmember to choose a nonprofit to honor this year.
- Mill picked Lighthouse of Hope, based near Jackson Street and California Avenue in Ward 5.
What they're saying: Mill praised the group's reach: "It's heartwarming to see the work that you guys do."
- Founder and CEO Donna Sautia said the foundation runs pop-up distributions across the city at all hours.
The backstory: National Nonprofit Day recognizes nonprofit staff, volunteers and advocates and encourages residents to volunteer, donate or share a group's mission.
- Assemblymember Leticia Castillo's office also presented the foundation a state Assembly certificate.
Go deeper: Lighthouse of Hope Foundation, 9085 California Ave. lighthouseofhopeca.org | lighthouseofhope.office@gmail.com
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What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Human Relations Commission at Riverside City Hall
- History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21)
- Past, Present, and Future: Bridging Memory and Modernity at the Museum at Riverside Main Library
- Sight Unseen Reframed Exhibition Opening at Civil Rights Institute Inland Southern California
- Women's Soccer vs. Utah Tech at UCR Soccer Stadium
- Linea Personal: TODO Ø NADA at Fox Performing Arts Center
Tomorrow
- Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- Paint Your Pet at Hangar 24 Brewing: Sip, Paint & Support Shelter Pets at Hangar 24 Brewing ($55)
- ANTESDE QUE NOS OLVIDEN EN RIVERSIDE at Fox Performing Arts Center
- Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
- Happy Hour Karaoke at Hideaway
- La Luz at Farm House Collective
Save the Date
- Aug 29: FREE YOGA - The Art of Vinyasa with Catherine Murray at Community Yoga Center
- Aug 29: FREE YOGA - Yin Yoga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Aug 30: FREE YOGA - The Evolution of Ashtanga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Aug 31: FREE YOGA - Moody Mondays with Cherie Amour at Community Yoga Center
- Sep 2: 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 4: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- Sep 9: FREE Beginning Square Dance Lessons with Line Dancing at Cowtown Square Dance Center
- Sep 13: Welcome Back Party! at First Congregational Church of Riverside
- Sep 18: Open Mic Night at Riverside Baha'i Center
- Sep 25: Moon Festival at Heritage House
- Oct 3: Aquamotion Aquathon at Shamel Pool
- Oct 7: Fifty & Better Health Fair at Janet Goeske Center
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