Michael D. Ellzey previously led Nixon Library and worked at Sunnylands; board provides documentation, says Executive Committee had authority for personnel decisions.
Box Springs Mountain rises above the Two Trees Trail, its slopes green with winter vegetation. (Misty Tshilonda) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Thursday Gazette: December 4, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Yesterday we shared a quick survey to gather your thoughts on Riverside's happenings in 2025 and what you think might be ahead for 2026. We'd love to hear from you if you have a moment to answer a few questions.
March Field Museum Names New Director, Provides Documentation on Staff Cuts
Michael D. Ellzey previously led Nixon Library and worked at Sunnylands; board provides documentation, says Executive Committee had authority for personnel decisions.
Michael D. Ellzey, new executive director of the March Field Air Museum. (Ellzey photo courtesy March Field Air Museum; aircraft photo by Bob Sirotnik)
Retired aerospace executive Michael D. Ellzey will lead March Field Air Museum, ending a nine-month leadership vacuum that triggered staff departures and a governance dispute.
Why it matters: The museum's Board of Directors approved Ellzey unanimously, attempting to stabilize an institution housing 122 aircraft and 60,000 artifacts amid questions about whether proper procedures were followed in October layoffs.
Driving the news: Board President Jamil Dada eliminated three positions Oct. 9, prompting two additional resignations. Leaders said the cuts would free budget for a higher executive salary within the museum's $1.3 million annual budget.
Yes, but: The board provided no meeting minutes showing it formally delegated termination authority to its five-member Executive Committee, as bylaws appear to require. Board Secretary Richard Lemire argues the bylaws don't prohibit the committee from dismissing staff.
What's next: Ellzey takes over a museum that has suspended artifact donations and archival research "until these activities can be reviewed and brought into alignment with the Museum's mission."
Between the lines: Ellzey's previous role leading Irvine's Orange County Great Park from 2008-2015 drew scrutiny during a forensic audit examining $200 million+ in spending. He most recently served at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage and spent nearly a decade at the Nixon Library.
Council Delegates Gage Canal Voting Power to Staff Weeks After Judge Allows Lawsuit to Proceed
Move delegates voting power to Public Utilities staff for five mutual water companies.
The Gage Canal Company office; City Council voted Dec. 2 to give RPU staff voting control over the City's 61 percent stake in the water company.
Riverside City Council delegated its 61% ownership stake in Gage Canal Company to appointed utility managers, removing elected officials from direct control of the water supplier.
Why it matters: Gage Canal operates 19 of Riverside's groundwater wells and provides roughly a quarter of the city's water — but you'll no longer have elected representatives directly voting on who runs it.
What's new: Council voted 7-0 Tuesday to give RPU's general manager and assistant general manager proxy authority over the City's shares in Gage Canal and four other mutual water companies. The RPU Board recommended the arrangement in February.
The backstory: The City has owned 61% of Gage Canal since 1965 and seats three members on its 11-person board. This arrangement predates most current governance structures.
Yes, but: Jason Hunter, who's suing Gage Canal over transparency, warns the general manager now has "total control" to change bylaws and call special meetings without Council input. He argues the delegation violates California's constitution by surrendering legislative authority.
What's next: A judge ruled Nov. 21 that Hunter's Brown Act lawsuit can proceed. His claim: Gage Canal should follow open meeting laws because the City effectively controls it.
Riverside Police Department received a $496,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to fund DUI checkpoints, distracted driving enforcement, and bicycle and pedestrian safety operations through September 2026.
La Sierra University received a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to establish a Vocational Discernment Center helping students explore career paths through workshops, mentoring, and community engagement aligned with faith and purpose.
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