City Council does not meet this week. The Safety Committee will consider restrictions on nitrous oxide and kratom products after police found extensive sales and health officials linked them to fatal overdoses.
A beautiful, peaceful sunrise at Mount Rubidoux. (Sandee Marez) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Monday Gazette: February 16, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Monday! It's Presidents Day—a time to remember presidential accomplishments and enjoy a day off from the usual routine to catch our breath.
If you're looking for something to do today, check out our community calendar for local events and activities happening around Riverside.
City Council does not meet this week. The Safety Committee will consider restrictions on nitrous oxide and kratom products after police found extensive sales and health officials linked them to fatal overdoses.
(Titus Pardee)
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.
Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee
The Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee (Councilmembers Perry, Conder, and Mill) meets on Wed, Feb 18, at 1:00 p.m. (agenda) to:
Considering code amendments establishing standardized background checks for specialized business like cannabis dispensaries, massage parlors, pawn shops, and tobacco shops.
Reviewing proposed bans or restrictions on nitrous oxide and kratom products after police inspections found over 600 nitrous oxide tanks and extensive kratom sales at retailers throughout the city, with health officials linking synthetic kratom to fatal overdoses and nitrous oxide misuse to nerve damage, cognitive impairments, and increased DUI incidents.
Park and Recreation Commission
The Park and Recreation Commission meets on Wed, Feb 18, at 6:30 p.m. (agenda) to develop its 2026 Work Plan outlining the advisory board's priorities and activities for the year in areas including parks budget review, program planning with community partners, and policies for park improvements and tree management.
Economic Development Committee
The Economic Development Committee (Councilmembers Robillard, Cervantes, and Hemenway) meets on Thu, Feb 19, at 3:00 p.m. (agenda) to consider authorizing two non-binding partnership agreements - one with a Finnish regional development agency and one with clean energy manufacturer Stored Power Technology - that would formalize the City's role in helping potential green technology businesses navigate permitting and site selection without creating financial obligations or committing to specific projects.
Opinion: Riverside Needs to Fund Fire Department Growth - And Soon
Extending Measure Z Is the Right Choice for Riverside's Fire Department.
Many readers have heard about a recent study which shows major shortfalls in Riverside Fire Department staffing, station and equipment levels now and into the future. This study, entitled Riverside Fire Department Master Plan, Community Risk & Standards of Cover, was prepared by AP Triton, a well-known public safety consultant. In short, the analysis finds that Riverside needs to add 84 additional firefighters now and two new fire stations with staffing and equipment to operate them soon. The problem is that Riverside has no budget to pay for any of these needs.
Revenue generated by Measure Z, a 1% sales tax increase passed in 2016, is largely responsible for modernization of Riverside's existing fire fleet. However, revenue for the next several years is fully committed and not available to meet current fire department needs. The City Manager identified four potential funding sources to meet these needs now and in the future, along with a do nothing option.
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