> ## 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. # πŸ—žοΈ Riverside News- August 31, 2026 - URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-news-august-31-2026/ - Published: 2026-08-31T12:00:54.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-31T12:00:55.000Z - Description: Weighs vet training, land deal; OKs $7.7M repairs, underpass advances... - Author: Gazette Staff - Tags: Newsletter ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/08/IMG_9493.jpeg) Tony Bell and Seleste Henry took to the treetops on a zip lining adventure in Kauai, Hawaii. (Tony Bell/Seleste Henry) ***Today marks the last day of our vacation photo series** β€” thank you to everyone who shared their summer with us. Now it's back to good old Riverside: [send us your favorite shots around town](http://raincrossgazette.com/submitphoto?ref=raincrossgazette.com) β€” we love sharing all the nooks and crannies of this beautiful city. **Monday Gazette: August 31, 2026** **Hello Riverside, and Happy Monday!** Yesterday we asked about a Nelson Street market-turned-neighborhood-institution, its courtyard built from an old driveway, and the one word Riversiders use for it. The answer: Backstreet! Mac and Barbara McCluskey bought the old Nelson Street Market in 1967 and turned it into the beloved sandwich shop generations of Riversiders now know by heart. That courtyard patio, shaded by big trees and dressed up with decades of collected decorations, has been a real draw for over 50 years β€” and so has the banana cream pie, which built a following all its own. Thanks to everyone who wrote in with a guess! --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169513/image/0?seed=20260831)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169513/click/0?seed=20260831&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [GOVERNMENT](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/government/) ## This Week in City Hall: August 31, 2026 City Council weighs veteran tech training, Scout land deal and street repaving as utilities and museum boards also convene. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/08/RG-Feat-Image-Template-13-2.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/this-week-in-city-hall-august-31-2026/) City Council will meet in closed and open sessions on Tuesday, September 1, in afternoon sessions at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. ([agenda](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1432333&GUID=48003040-ABEA-42EE-921C-A189608D376A&ref=raincrossgazette.com)). The agenda includes: - Receiving a [presentation](https://riversideca.legistar1.com/daystar.legistar6.sdk.ws/View.ashx?M=F&GovernmentGUID=RIVE&LogicalFileName=e6d61e3a-c00d-426b-b5c2-a8784ef77a59.pdf&From=Granicus&Format=pdf&ref=raincrossgazette.com) on the Housing and Human Services Department's performance data β€” which includes a jump in code enforcement notices, debris removed from homeless encampments and a drop in residents accepting outreach services β€” plus updates on the City's affordable housing pipeline ([item 5](https://riversideca.granicusideas.com/meetings/5449-revised-city-council-successor-agency-slash-housing-authority-art-pick-council-chamber/agenda%5Fitems/6a87ada2f395e7adaf001ce2-5-housing-and-human-services-department-overview?ref=raincrossgazette.com)). - Considering an [update to City purchasing rules](https://riversideca.legistar1.com/daystar.legistar6.sdk.ws/View.ashx?M=F&GovernmentGUID=RIVE&LogicalFileName=d28b2cc0-1b14-4da6-ae68-4e8cade9c8a5.docx&From=Granicus&Format=docx&ref=raincrossgazette.com) that would raise the dollar amount staff can approve without a Council vote from $100,000 to $220,000 and raise the threshold requiring competitive bidding β€” a change intended to reduce the number of routine contracts brought before Council ([item 30b](https://riversideca.granicusideas.com/meetings/5449-revised-city-council-successor-agency-slash-housing-authority-art-pick-council-chamber/agenda%5Fitems/6a920bc07d7965876f000db3-30b-adopt-a-resolution-establishing-rules-and-reg?ref=raincrossgazette.com)). - Considering [acceptance](https://riversideca.legistar1.com/daystar.legistar6.sdk.ws/View.ashx?M=F&GovernmentGUID=RIVE&LogicalFileName=3ae9ec3a-997f-410b-9c83-ed2e61f76b13.docx&From=Granicus&Format=docx&ref=raincrossgazette.com) of a $6 million state grant to fund design and partial construction of new amenities β€” including a playground, restrooms, and river-overlook features β€” at Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park, with the full project estimated at $12 million ([item 27](https://riversideca.granicusideas.com/meetings/5449-city-council-successor-agency-slash-housing-authority-art-pick-council-chamber/agenda%5Fitems/6a87ada3f395e7adaf001d01-27-adopt-a-resolution-approving-the-acceptance-of?ref=raincrossgazette.com)). - Considering a [$2.5 million agreement](https://riversideca.legistar1.com/daystar.legistar6.sdk.ws/View.ashx?M=F&GovernmentGUID=RIVE&LogicalFileName=3f35f0dd-c9fc-4cff-bd3c-9b0a2deaefe9.docx&From=Granicus&Format=docx&ref=raincrossgazette.com) with the Western Riverside Council of Governments to upgrade traffic signal communications along University Avenue and the Alessandro Boulevard-Central Avenue corridor, funded through developer mitigation fees rather than City tax dollars ([item 29](https://riversideca.granicusideas.com/meetings/5449-city-council-successor-agency-slash-housing-authority-art-pick-council-chamber/agenda%5Fitems/6a87ada3f395e7adaf001d04-29-approve-transportation-uniform-mitigation-fee?ref=raincrossgazette.com)). - Considering the [appointment](https://riversideca.legistar1.com/daystar.legistar6.sdk.ws/View.ashx?M=F&GovernmentGUID=RIVE&LogicalFileName=461a4d9f-ced0-4e72-821b-738aa69f047a.docx&From=Granicus&Format=docx&ref=raincrossgazette.com) of Bill Gallardo and Steven A. Mendoza as interim CEDD deputy directors at $128.43 an hour β€” a move pulled from the consent calendar for a standalone vote and 5-minute presentation ([item 30a](https://riversideca.granicusideas.com/meetings/5449-revised-city-council-successor-agency-slash-housing-authority-art-pick-council-chamber/agenda%5Fitems/6a920bc07d7965876f000db1-discussion-calendar?ref=raincrossgazette.com)). - Considering a [public hearing and agreement](https://riversideca.legistar1.com/daystar.legistar6.sdk.ws/View.ashx?M=F&GovernmentGUID=RIVE&LogicalFileName=b93e9147-b9ff-49dd-836f-73b65f7a2d6f.docx&From=Granicus&Format=docx&ref=raincrossgazette.com) to sell Housing Authority property at 2882 Mission Inn Avenue to Grapevine Development, LLC for $1, enabling construction of 10 affordable housing units within a larger 64-unit mixed-use project, with the City's land contribution valued at about $245,861 ([item 40](https://riversideca.granicusideas.com/meetings/5449-city-council-successor-agency-slash-housing-authority-art-pick-council-chamber/agenda%5Fitems/6a87ada3f395e7adaf001d11-40-joint-item-with-housing-authority-and-successo?ref=raincrossgazette.com)). ### Housing and Homelessness Committee The Housing and Homelessness Committee has a special meeting on Monday, August 31, at 3:30 p.m. ([agenda](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1436316&GUID=19217630-3EE9-4C02-9C79-E3A23AC0E867&ref=raincrossgazette.com)) to consider the acquisition and conversion of the Motel 6 and Days Inn into about 148 [affordable senior housing units](https://riversideca.legistar1.com/daystar.legistar6.sdk.ws/View.ashx?M=F&GovernmentGUID=RIVE&LogicalFileName=9d6eeb91-ea98-4264-9b96-cfa89fe129be.docx&From=Granicus&Format=docx&ref=raincrossgazette.com) ([item 2](https://riversideca.granicusideas.com/meetings/5451-housing-and-homelessness-committee-special-meeting-art-pick-council-chamber/agenda%5Fitems/6a88cacc442538aa49006cdb-2-proposed-acquisition-and-conversion-of-motel-6?ref=raincrossgazette.com)) and reviewing the City's [reapplication](https://riversideca.legistar1.com/daystar.legistar6.sdk.ws/View.ashx?M=F&GovernmentGUID=RIVE&LogicalFileName=5894ecf6-5129-4cd0-9ec2-7c79367e887c.docx&From=Granicus&Format=docx&ref=raincrossgazette.com) for California's Prohousing Designation Program ([item 4](https://riversideca.granicusideas.com/meetings/5451-housing-and-homelessness-committee-special-meeting-art-pick-council-chamber/agenda%5Fitems/6a88cacc442538aa49006cdd-4-california-prohousing-designation-program-reapp?ref=raincrossgazette.com)). ### Board of Ethics The Board of Ethics meets on Thursday, September 3, at 6 p.m. ([agenda](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1432910&GUID=A927C1CA-4AC3-4244-A073-BBC8B1082815&ref=raincrossgazette.com)) to conduct its annual review of the Code of Ethics and Conduct for its effectiveness ([item 5](https://riversideca.granicusideas.com/meetings/5448-board-of-ethics-art-pick-council-chamber/agenda%5Fitems/6a8610787d79658191000b80-5-annual-review-of-the-code-of-ethics-and-conduct?ref=raincrossgazette.com)), and to hear a presentation overview of Municipal Code 2.78.060.E, regarding prohibited endorsements for compensation. ([item 3](https://riversideca.granicusideas.com/meetings/5448-board-of-ethics-art-pick-council-chamber/agenda%5Fitems/6a8610787d79658191000b7c-3-overview-of-riverside-municipal-code-2-dot-78-dot-060-dot-e?ref=raincrossgazette.com)) ### Other notes: City staff have confirmed a discrepancy between two RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Assessment) permit presentations was the result of a data correction, not a rescinded permit or cancelled project. The [March 10 presentation](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15280168&GUID=C92B59A5-4AC1-4FE9-ACF5-F053DADC5AD6&ref=raincrossgazette.com) to Council reported 542 above-moderate-income permits issued in 2025, for a 2025 total of 564 units. The [Aug. 20 presentation](https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15753971&GUID=06790E30-0EC5-44D8-B1A3-4AB781F25815&ref=raincrossgazette.com) to the Economic Development Committee showed lower figures for the same category and year β€” 393 above-moderate-income permits and a 415 total β€” a difference of 149 units in each case. According to Community & Economic Development Director Miranda Evans, the 149-unit gap stemmed from a project that was inadvertently double-counted in the March presentation. The error was caught after that meeting, and staff say they have since submitted a corrected count to the state Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and notified City leadership. Evans confirmed the August figures are the accurate ones. [Read and share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/this-week-in-city-hall-august-31-2026/) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [ ![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169514/image/0?seed=20260831) ](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169514/click/0?seed=202600831&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [CITY HALL](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/city-hall/) ## Council Approves $7.7M in Street Repairs, Advances Third Street Rail Underpass Project A $7.7 million repaving contract will fix miles of city streets, while nearly $10 million in new agreements keeps the Third Street rail underpass on track for a 2027 start. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/08/2-6.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/council-approves-7-7m-in-street-repairs-advances-third-street-rail-underpass-project/) Riverside will repave dozens of miles of streets and push its long-delayed rail underpass toward construction. **Why it matters:** Repaving starts within months on Day Street, Brockton Avenue and La Sierra Avenue, and downtown gets 132 new safety bollards. The Third Street rail crossing, where trains block traffic, is now headed toward construction. **What's new:** Council awarded a **$7.6 million** contract to Onyx Paving Company to repave 3.7 miles of arterial streets and 2.7 miles of neighborhood streets, funded through the state's SB-1 gas tax program. - Crews also add 132 bollards on Main Street, 26 new stop signs and seven solar speed feedback signs citywide. **Driving the news:** Council also approved nearly **$10 million** in agreements to keep the Third Street Grade Separation project β€” a bridge lifting BNSF train tracks over Third Street β€” on track. - DCCM Infrastructure will oversee construction for $4.97 million after negotiating down nearly $1.5 million; HDR Engineering's design contract grows by $473,625. **By the numbers:** The city has received **$59 million** through SB-1 since 2017\. The rail project has lined up roughly $40 million in outside grants, plus $18 million from a regional funding partner. **What's next:** Street work begins within months and should take 130 working days. Underpass construction starts January 2027 and runs about two years, with bidding next. [Read and share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/council-approves-7-7m-in-street-repairs-advances-third-street-rail-underpass-project/) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169515/image/0?seed=20260831)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169515/click/0?seed=20260831&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- ## Noteworthy [Clean Up Riverside](https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcjea1qGmov/?ref=raincrossgazette.com) returns Saturday, Sept. 19, from 8 a.m. to noon at 8095 Lincoln Avenue, offering free recycling, a new on-site Goodwill drop-off, and a free compost/mulch giveaway β€” mark your calendars. Riverside is hosting three community meetings starting Tuesdayβ€”in Arlanza, Casa Blanca, and Arlington Heightsβ€”to gather input on its Transformative Climate Communities grant application; residents unable to attend can [take the online survey](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RiversideThriveInitiative?ref=raincrossgazette.com) instead. A [study led by UCR education researchers](https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2026/08/24/probing-issues-relevant-students-boosts-civic-engagement?ref=raincrossgazette.com) found that of over 41,000 Chicago students surveyed, those who explored community-relevant issues in class showed greater interest in voting and civic participation. La Sierra University computer science professor Fuhao Li's team [earned Phase I funding under the DOE's Genesis Mission](https://lasierra.edu/article/la-sierra-profs-team-selected-for-doe-genesis-mission-ai-research-award/?ref=raincrossgazette.com), one of 278 projects chosen from over 5,000 applications to strengthen electric vehicle battery security. πŸ“£ ****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 ### Today - [FREE YOGA - Moody Mondays with Cherie Amour](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-yoga-moody-mondays-with-cherie-amour/19504166/2026-08-31T19) at Community Yoga Center - [Housing and Homelessness Committee](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/housing-and-homelessness-committee/19711099/2026-08-31T15) at Riverside City Hall ### Tomorrow - [Volunteer Orientation](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/volunteer-orientation/19328343/2026-09-01T09) at UCR Botanic Gardens - [ScotSurplus Sale](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/scotsurplus-sale/19645061/2026-09-01T11) at ScotSurplus Store - [City Council](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/city-council/18431185/2026-09-01T13) at Riverside City Hall - [Karaoke Tuesday Competition](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/karaoke-tuesday-competition-at-the-hideaway/18262381/2026-09-01T19) at The Hideaway - [Riverside Off-Road & Jeep Nights](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-offroad-jeep-nights/18477720/2026-09-01T17) at D'Elia's Grinders ### Save the Date - Aug 29: [FREE YOGA - The Art of Vinyasa with Catherine Murray](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-yoga-the-art-of-vinyasa-with-catherine-murray/19503669/2026-08-29T07) at Community Yoga Center - Aug 29: [FREE YOGA - Yin Yoga with Kristin Varner](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-yoga-yin-yoga-with-kristin-varner/19503829/2026-08-29T09) at Community Yoga Center - Aug 30: [FREE YOGA - The Evolution of Ashtanga with Kristin Varner](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-yoga-the-evolution-of-ashtanga-with-kristin-varner/19060739/2026-08-30T08) at Community Yoga Center - Aug 31: [FREE YOGA - Moody Mondays with Cherie Amour](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-yoga-moody-mondays-with-cherie-amour/19504166/2026-08-31T19) at Community Yoga Center - Sep 2: [FREE YOGA - Seated Yoga with Kristin Varner](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-yoga-seated-yoga-with-kristin-varner/19504145/2026-09-02T17) at All Saints Episcopal Church - Sep 3: [Orange Street Mural Unveiling](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/orange-street-mural-unveiling/19578974/2026-09-03T18) at Main Museum Pedestrian Walkway (Orange Street) - Sep 4: [Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-sunrise-rotary-club-meeting/18634391/2026-09-04T07) at Zacatecas CafΓ© - Sep 9: [FREE Beginning Square Dance Lessons with Line Dancing](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-beginning-square-dance-lessons-with-line-dancing/19511049/2026-09-09T18) at Cowtown Square Dance Center - Sep 13: [Welcome Back Party!](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/welcome-back-party/19726269/2026-09-13T10) at First Congregational Church of Riverside - Sep 18: [Open Mic Night](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/open-mic-night/19553682/2026-09-18T19) at Riverside Baha'i Center - Sep 25: [Moon Festival](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/moon-festival/19501541/2026-09-25T18) at Heritage House - Oct 3: [Aquamotion Aquathon](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/aquamotion-aquathon/19617601/2026-10-03T09) at Shamel Pool - Oct 7: [Fifty & Better Health Fair](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/fifty-better-health-fair/19338673/2026-10-07T10) at Janet Goeske Center - Nov 14: [Riverside Veterans Parade](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-veterans-parade/19624354/2026-11-14T10) \- Downtown Riverside/Market St. πŸ—“οΈ [See More Events](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/)πŸ“ [Submit Your Event](https://hub.cityspark.com/Event/Submission/Raincross?ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- πŸ“Έ [Submit a photo](http://raincrossgazette.com/submitphoto?ref=raincrossgazette.com) to be featured in our newsletters and social media accounts. πŸ† [Nominate a remarkable Riversider](https://rgnotw.paperform.co/?ref=raincrossgazette.com) as Neighbor of the Week.