🗞️ Riverside News- January 22, 2026

Thursday Gazette: January 22, 2026

Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! After a stretch of warm, sunny January days, temperatures are dipping just a bit lower again with clouds lingering overhead. The cool air gives you options: cozy up inside or get out and enjoy the weather.

We talk about our beloved Mount Rubidoux quite a bit and receive loads of photos from those hikes. It's great to see, but we'd love to know: what are your other favorite Riverside spots? Where do you walk, explore, or find peace in our city? Send us your photos and stories at newsroom@raincrossgazette.com.

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GOVERNMENT

Shopping Cart Enforcement Program to Continue After Pilot Tracks 1,300 Carts

Three-month pilot logged 1,317 carts citywide; safety concerns dominate debate over staffing.

A three-month pilot logged 1,317 abandoned carts — half actively used by homeless individuals — prompting the Safety Committee to continue the citywide cleanup effort.

Why it matters: If you've reported carts through 311, you'll see more aggressive removal citywide. The program targets the 544 carts used by homeless individuals, though 23% couldn't be collected when people were present.

By the numbers:

• 60% of carts found in Wards 5 and 6
• 544 actively used by homeless individuals
• 161 removed through police sweeps
• 24 citations issued in October operation

Driving the news: The program revealed operational challenges — 26% of carts disappeared within 30 minutes of reports, and current rules require 48-hour warning tags before removal.

• Some individuals "reacquired replacement carts shortly after" September sweeps, according to staff.

What they're saying: "A shopping cart costs more than a 1984 Honda Civic cost," Councilmember Sean Mill said, framing cart theft as property crime.

Between the lines: New state law lets the city charge retailers $100 per recovered cart — up from $20 — already prompting stores to improve security. Monthly retrievals dropped from 652 to 365 carts.

What's next: The committee must decide between in-house crews ($237,000 first year) or contractors ($155,000) but identified no funding source Wednesday.

Read and share the complete story... (3 min. read)

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Noteworthy

Riverside Art Museum's Fourth Fridays event celebrating underground music history occurs Friday, January 23—correction from yesterday's newsletter which incorrectly listed it as January 24.

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What's Happening in Riverside

Today

• Arlington Library| Propagation Station: Plant Swap at Arlington Library
• Economic Development Committee at Riverside City Hall
• Little League Registration Now Open! at Shamel Park ($75- $180)
• Men's Basketball vs UC Irvine at SRC Arena
• History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation Store ($60)
• Vision Board Party - Blue Zones Project Riverside at The Raincross District

Tomorrow

• New Certified Farmers Market at Farm House Collective
• Senior Tech Help at Lincoln Park
• Orange Terrace Library | Lego Club at Orange Terrace Library
• Evoekore Presents: Inspector, Voodoo Glow Skulls & Friends at Riverside Municipal Auditorium

Save the Date

• January 26: Community Devotional at Riverside Baha'i Center
• February 1: On Peace & Friendship - History of the Peace Tower & Friendship Bridge at Riverside Medical Clinic Basement Meeting Room
• February 7: Woodcrest Market Collective at Woodcrest Public Library
• February 11: Galentine's Women's Health Event at Janet Goeske Center

🗓️ See More Events     📝 Submit Your Event

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🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.