Early Morning at Sycamore Canyon Wildnerness Park. (Jeff Francisco) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Tuesday Gazette: January 27, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Tuesday! Yesterday we published This Week in City Hall (lovingly known around the newsroom as TWiCH)—our Monday standard helping everyday Riversiders like you stay informed and speak up on the issues you care about.
TWiCH is core to our mission: providing everyday Riversiders with the information to speak up on the issues you care about. Whether it's understanding upcoming ballot measures, tracking development proposals in your neighborhood, or staying informed on City Hall decisions, we break down local government proceedings so you can engage as informed residents. Your voice matters in shaping Riverside's future, and we're here to help you use it.
Public Comment Dominates Housing Committee After University Terrace Rejection
Speakers ask no-voting councilmembers to file reconsideration motion before Feb. 3 deadline.
The Quality Inn at 1590 University Ave., site of the rejected University Terrace Homes project. (File photo)
Advocates packed Monday's committee meeting urging councilmembers to reconsider the rejected University Terrace homeless housing project before a Feb. 3 deadline.
Why it matters: The nonprofit developer secured a state extension after Council rejected $20.1 million to convert the Quality Inn at 1590 University Ave. into 114 apartments for homeless residents. Without reconsideration, Riverside loses the funding and risks future state grants.
Driving the news: Public comment consumed the entire Housing and Homelessness Committee session, with speakers warning of economic consequences and potential discrimination lawsuits.
Only councilmembers who voted against the project can file a motion to reconsider — meaning advocates must persuade Falcone, Robillard, Conder, or Mill.
What they're saying: "You need certainty when you're putting millions of dollars investment into a project," said Bruce Kulpa, CEO of Riverside Housing Development Corporation. "Developers thinking about investing in Riverside are going to think twice."
Yes, but: Christine Martin disputed claims that Housing First has failed, citing research showing it improves housing stability. She argued homelessness grows because "affordable housing is scarce," not because the model doesn't work.
Between the lines: City officials could face discrimination allegations — multifamily housing is already planned across from the Quality Inn site.
What's next: Council meets Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. and again Feb. 3. Advocates will continue public comment at both meetings pushing for reconsideration.
Retired sheriff's lieutenant brings 28 years of law enforcement experience to five-way field.
Dan Florez has announced his candidacy for Riverside City Council's Ward 2 seat in the upcoming 2026 election. (Courtesy of danflorez4us.net)
Dan Florez, a 28-year Riverside County Sheriff's veteran, entered the Ward 2 Council race pledging to fight government inefficiency and opposing the city's rejected homeless housing project.
Why it matters: Ward 2 voters — in University, Hunter Park, Canyon Crest, Sycamore Canyon and Mission Grove — now have five candidates to choose from in the June 2 primary to replace Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes.
What's new: Florez brings law enforcement management experience, including Internal Affairs investigations and oversight of drug units and detectives before retiring as lieutenant in 2017.
He says Ward 2 is "noticeably deteriorating" and neighbors discuss leaving Riverside.
Where he stands:
Opposed the Quality Inn conversion, calling homelessness "a drug and mental health issue for a vast majority of the homeless"
Supports funding 84 firefighters and two fire stations, citing recent LA-area fires
Wants a traffic study for Sycamore Canyon Boulevard congestion
The big picture: Florez proposes making Riverside "the capital of trade schools," arguing electricians and plumbers earn strong incomes with less debt than four-year degrees.
What's next: If no candidate gets 50%+ on June 2, the top two advance to November.
Community Musicians Join Students in UCR Orchestra Concerts
The 70-member ensemble features Mozart, Bizet and Mexican folk traditions with tickets starting at $6.
UCR Orchestra woodwind players, from left: Anne Amala, Joseph Briones and Connor Hedrick. (Courtesy of UCR Orchestra)
The 70-member UCR Orchestra performs Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at University Theatre with tickets starting at $6 — a fraction of professional orchestra prices.
Why it matters: You can hear classical favorites including Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 24 and Bizet's "Carmen" suite without the $100+ price tag of professional orchestras, and the concerts welcome casual attire.
What's new: UCR piano faculty Todd Moellenberg solos in the Mozart concerto, bringing "virtuosity and a great understanding of Mozart's language," conductor Ruth Charloff said.
The program:
Aaron Copland's "Outdoor Overture"
José Pablo Moncayo's "Huapango" — Mexico's "practically a second national anthem"
Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Rhosymedre"
Suite from Bizet's opera "Carmen" with familiar tunes like the "Habanera"
Who's playing: The orchestra includes 51 students plus 12 community members who "contribute guidance, continuity and musical experience," Charloff said.
Some community players fill instrumental roles where no current student exists.
Be smart: "The audience loves to see our students so incredibly focused on making something exciting and beautiful," Charloff said. "No need to dress fancy."
What's next: Saturday, Jan. 31, 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 1, 3 p.m. at University Theatre, 900 University Ave. Tickets: $10 general, $8 students/seniors, $6 children. Free family concert April 19.
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