Wednesday Gazette: March 4, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! We're halfway through the week and that's worth a small celebration. Whether you're powering through a busy stretch or finally catching your breath, we're glad you're starting your midweek morning with us. Check out the community calendar for things to do as the week winds down, and if you have a story, tip, or neighbor worth spotlighting, send it our way at newsroom@raincrossgazette.com.
See you tomorrow!
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GOVERNMENT
Council Puts Sales Tax Increase on June Ballot to Fund Fire Staffing
Measure would raise Measure Z from 1% to 1.25%; residents raise concerns over spending accountability.
City Council unanimously voted to ask Riverside voters in June to raise the Measure Z sales tax from 1% to 1.25% — and extend it indefinitely — to fund fire staffing and emergency services.
Why it matters: Riverside firefighters are responding nearly 90 seconds slower than the national standard, and the department needs 84 more firefighters. Your sales tax bill could increase by $0.25 on every $100 purchase if voters approve it June 2.
By the numbers: The fire department currently has 225 firefighters — a ratio of 0.69 per 1,000 residents, against a national standard of 1.35.
- Hiring 84 firefighters to meet that standard would cost $26.1 million annually.
Driving the news: Measure Z's current funds are fully committed through 2028, leaving no room to address the fire department's staffing crisis without new revenue.
- Average fire response time hit 7 minutes, 38 seconds in 2025 — up 4% from 2024, against a 6-minute goal.
Yes, but: Residents and some councilmembers raised "tax fatigue" concerns, with opponents arguing the city misused Measure Z funds since 2016 on raises, pension bonds, and a library — not emergency services. Critics say only a special tax, not a general one, would guarantee the money reaches fire and police.
What's next: Riverside voters decide on June 2. The measure exempts groceries, gas, prescriptions, and medical devices.
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ART
March ArtsWalk Celebrates Mano, Honors Women’s History Month
Riverside Arts Council names Alejandro “Mano” Mirandé its March Artist of the Month as downtown comes alive for the first ArtsWalk of spring.
Alejandro "Mano" Mirandé is a muralist, graphic designer, musician, and events promoter who has been putting in the work for over 25 years. The Riverside Arts Council named him its March Artist of the Month, and it is hard to argue with the pick.
His newest mural, "Flor y Canto," is up now on 6th Street in Downtown Riverside. Go see it. It is the kind of piece that stops you in your tracks, full of color and culture and the sort of energy that sets an aspirational vibe for the city. It represents what we think of ourselves on our best day.
March's ArtsWalk falls on Thursday, March 5, and it is a good one. On top of celebrating Mano, venues across Downtown are marking Women's History Month with exhibitions, readings, and live programming.
Read and share the complete March ArtsWalk Guide...
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GOVERNMENT
Legal Firms, Community Urge Council to Reconsider $20.1 Million Homekey Grant
Advocates warn Riverside's rejection of a grant to house 114 homeless residents may violate fair housing law — but the window to reconsider may have closed.
Three nonprofit legal firms warned Riverside that its January rejection of a $20.1 million homeless housing grant may violate fair housing laws — and they're pushing to force a revote.
Why it matters: The rejected grant would have converted the Quality Inn on University Avenue into 114 studio apartments, cutting the city's housing waitlist by one-third. That $20.1 million is now expected to return to the state.
Driving the news: The ACLU of Southern California and Inland Counties Legal Services sent letters warning the city its 4-3 January vote may violate Housing Element Law — potentially giving the council legal grounds to reconsider despite a missed reconsideration deadline.
- The groups are also in contact with the state's Housing and Community Development Department, which has enforcement authority.
What they're saying: Ward 2 Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes, the grant's chief champion, framed the stakes plainly.
- "Over 300 individuals are preapproved and on a waitlist — we would cut our waitlist by one-third," she said.
Yes, but: Councilmember Steve Robillard pushed back in a Gazette op-ed Tuesday, arguing litigation to force the project undermines democratic decision-making.
- "Public dollars should be allocated through open debate and transparent votes, not under the pressure of legal threats," he wrote.
What's next: The council will review the Inland Counties Legal Services letter in closed session next month. No date has been set.
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EVENTS
HMI Brings Community Together for International Women's Day at Fairmount Park
The Human Migration Institute is hosting a free, family-friendly afternoon of creative activities and cross-cultural connection on March 8.
The Human Migration Institute hosts its free International Women's Day gathering this Sunday, uniting refugee newcomers and longtime Riverside residents in shared celebration.
Why it matters: This free, family-friendly event is open to all Riverside residents — and it's one of the few public spaces where refugee and established communities intentionally mix.
What's happening: The March 8 event runs noon–2 p.m. at Fairmount Park picnic shelter No. 1, themed "Create. Connect. Celebrate."
- Creative stations: bouquet making, embroidery, mini canvas painting, strength bracelets, henna art
- Kids' Creativity Zone and appreciation open mic
The backstory: HMI was founded in 2015 when local women taught grassroots ESL classes for Syrian refugee women arriving in Riverside. Today, 83% of HMI's team are women.
What they're saying: "Women have shaped HMI from the very beginning," Communications Director Allison Severns said.
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What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
- Stretch & Dance Class at Janet Goeske Senior Center
- Reading Assistance Program at My Learning Studio
- Fortuitous Encounters: A Conversation with Lenard Smith and Rebecca Morse at UCR ARTS
- The Importance of Being Honest A Modernized Script. at UCR Bell Tower
- Riverside Mission Belles at Victoria Presbyterian Church
- Riverside Open Mic Music Series at Back to the Grind
- UCR Wind Ensemble at University Theatre
Tomorrow
- Lincoln Park Community Group at Lincoln Park Community Center
- CBU versus Abilene Christian: Hometown Heroes Night at Fowler Events Center ($8- $30)
- Women's Basketball vs Hawai'i at SRC Arena
- FREE ADMISSION - First Thursday of every month during Riverside ArtsWalk at Riverside Art Museum
- Her EARS: A Women's History Month Open Mic at The Barn
- History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation Store ($60)
Save the Date
- March 9: REEF's Best Event Ever! Take 9! at Fox Performing Arts Center ($10- $75)
- March 14: Riverside Sunrise Rotary 22nd Annual Black Tie Bingo at Riverside Convention Center ($130- $250)
- March 19: Empowered Leadership: Cultivating Influence and Impact at Work Well ($165)
- March 21: LiTEArature: A Fairy-Themed Afternoon Teaat Heritage House ($25)
- March 30: Sip with a Scientist at Bar Ni Modo
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