City Council does not meet this week. Cultural Heritage Board to review the Riverside 2050 Plan's historic preservation policies and Planning Commission considers of a 117-unit apartment development.
Seven states, tribal nations and Mexico face August 2026 deadline to agree on managing 4-million-acre-foot annual water deficit before federal government imposes allocation plan.
Santa's keeping watch over Fowler Plaza in Rubidoux Heights, where the neighborhood's stone monument gets dressed for the holidays. The festive landmark stands ready to greet visitors heading up Mount Rubidoux this season. (Keith Alex)
Monday Gazette: December 15, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Monday!
Thanks for following along with our week-long year-end membership campaign. It wrapped up yesterday, and I want to share the results with you.
We didn't hit our goal of 253 new supporters—but 81 of you joined us this week. That's 32% of what we were aiming for, and honestly? It's the strongest response we've ever had to a membership campaign! I am so grateful.
Here's what that means in real terms:
We started the campaign with 558 supporters contributing $3,403 in monthly recurring revenue. We're now at 631 supporters contributing $3,875 monthly. That's 13% growth in our supporter base and in our monthly revenue—all in one week.
Today, 5% of our 12,498 subscribers are paying supporters. We're building something sustainable here.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, upgraded their membership, or made a one-time contribution this week. Thank you to the 558 supporters who were already sustaining this work before the campaign even started. And thank you to everyone who reads, shares, and believes Riverside deserves reliable local news.
This is the foundation we needed. Now we keep building.
A strong Raincross Gazette means a strong Riverside.
City Council does not meet this week. Cultural Heritage Board to review the Riverside 2050 Plan's historic preservation policies and Planning Commission considers of a 117-unit apartment development.
Welcome to our weekly digest of public meetings and agenda items worth your attention for this coming week. This guide is part of our mission to provide everyday Riversiders like you with the information to speak up on the issues you care about.
Cultural Heritage Board
The Cultural Heritage Board meets on Wed, Dec. 17, at 3:30 p.m. (agenda) to review the Riverside 2050 General Plan Update that is establishing the City's growth strategy and historic preservation policies for the next 25 years, including how cultural resources will be protected as the city addresses climate change and development pressures.
Opinion: Agreement on Reduced Diversion of Colorado River Water Proving Elusive
Seven states, tribal nations and Mexico face August 2026 deadline to agree on managing 4-million-acre-foot annual water deficit before federal government imposes allocation plan.
California faces substantial water reductions as Colorado River negotiations stall ahead of critical 2026 deadline.
Why it matters: Even though Riverside doesn't use Colorado River water directly, cuts will intensify competition for State Water Project supplies and groundwater — driving up costs and increasing shortage risks across Southern California.
Driving the news: Seven states, 34 Tribal Nations, and Mexico failed to reach a framework agreement in November, missing a key milestone before the 1922 compact expires December 2026.
By the numbers:
4 million acre feet — annual water deficit between what's allocated (16M) and what flows (12M)
August 2026 — federal deadline for a deal or face imposed cuts
The tension: Lower basin states (California, Nevada, Arizona) hold oldest water rights and already cut usage significantly. Upper basin states (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico) never used their full allocation but now want it as they grow.
What's next: The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will impose its own allocation plan if parties don't agree by August 2026.
The bottom line: California will face cuts either way — the only question is how deep.
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