A cotton candy sunrise over Box Springs Mountain as seen from Canyon Crest. (Helen Mackenzie) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
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.
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.
An abandoned shopping cart near Magnolia Avenue and Van Buren Boulevard in Ward 5, one of the corridors targeted in the City's enforcement sweeps.
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.
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