Learning Institute for Flight Technology aims to prepare students for high-paying careers as demand for pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers soars.
The dramatic cloud formations created a spectacular display for early risers in the neighborhood near Lurin and Cole streets. (Lindsey Galbraith) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Thursday Gazette: January 29, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Last night's State of the City Address reminded us what we already know: we live in a pretty great city. As we head into the weekend, our community calendar is packed with opportunities to connect with your neighbors.
Mayor Declares Riverside is "Leveling Up" in State of the City Address
Mayor reports crime down 35%, jobs up 18,000, and major healthcare expansion in fifth annual address to business community.
Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson applauds alongside business leaders, educators and community champions at Wednesday's State of the City address, where she declared Riverside is "leveling up." (Bob Sirotnik)
Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson told 1,000+ business leaders Wednesday that Riverside is advancing across every major metric—from crime reduction to job creation to healthcare expansion.
Why it matters: The State of the City address outlined tangible progress on issues directly affecting Riverside residents: safer streets, expanded healthcare access, new jobs, and investments in neighborhoods from Casa Blanca to the Eastside.
By the numbers:
Crime down 35% over two years; city solved every 2025 homicide
18,000 new jobs created in one year
$4.3 billion in new construction attracted
88 new police officers added, reaching full staffing for first time in 25+ years
Driving the news: Six international companies chose Riverside for manufacturing in two years, including electric vehicle and hydrogen train makers.
GreenPower Motor, Hyundai Rotem, and South Korea's second-largest EV charging company (CHAEVI) all expanded or opened facilities here.
What's new on healthcare: Three major hospital expansions will add 1,000+ beds—addressing the Inland Empire's longstanding shortage.
UCR School of Medicine builds 280-bed teaching hospital
Riverside Community Hospital adds 770 beds ($1 billion expansion)
Kaiser's expansion opens 2027
The big picture: Riverside achieved functional zero for youth homelessness and earned state designation as a California Cultural District—bringing funding and recognition to the arts scene.
What's next: Construction begins this summer on the new police headquarters. The Riverside Sports Complex moves forward, and Thompson's Brewery opens at the Armory in roughly two years.
City, Five Education Partners Launch Aviation Workforce Initiative
Learning Institute for Flight Technology aims to prepare students for high-paying careers as demand for pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers soars.
Educational leaders sign LIFT partnership agreements Wednesday in the Mayor's Ceremonial Room. From left: Chris Lynch (UCR), Mark Howe (CBU), Councilmember Steven Robillard, Eric Bishop (RCC), Dr. Sonia Llamas (RUSD), and Krista Fairley (Alvord USD).
Five local schools and colleges signed agreements Wednesday to create LIFT—a coordinated framework addressing nationwide shortages of pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation technicians.
Why it matters: The Learning Institute for Flight Technology connects Riverside students to high-paying aerospace careers without leaving town—air traffic controllers earn up to $225,000, and senior airline captains can make $700,000 annually.
Driving the news: The FAA projects critical shortages by 2028: 8,900 air traffic controllers needed, 10-20% aviation mechanic shortage, and 24,000 pilots short by 2026 as mass retirements hit.
What LIFT does: Councilmember Steven Robillard designed it as "a framework and brand" that coordinates existing programs rather than creating new ones.
"This is about asking the right questions of our partners and ensuring we are coordinating intentionally rather than working in silos," Robillard said.
The partners:
Riverside Unified School District
Alvord Unified School District
Riverside City College
California Baptist University
UC Riverside
By the numbers: CBU already operates a flight school with 300+ students and 18 aircraft at Riverside Municipal Airport. UCR now graduates 1,000+ engineers annually.
The big picture: Riverside Municipal Airport is California's busiest FAA Federal Contract Tower airport, while March Air Reserve Base—established 1918—is one of the nation's oldest continuously operated military airfields.
What's next: The exploratory phase runs through June 30, 2029. Programs could access federal Aviation Workforce Development Grants up to $1 million annually.
Council Approves Warehouse Restrictions After Years of Community Pressure
New rules limit building sizes near schools and homes, expand public notification and implement state standards.
Large warehouse complexes near Sycamore Canyon illustrate the industrial development that sparked years of community organizing. City Council's new regulations establish tiered size limits based on distance from residential areas. (Brenda Flowers)
After six years of community organizing, Riverside City Council approved new warehouse restrictions Tuesday in a 4-3 vote limiting where and how large logistics facilities can be built.
Why it matters: If you live near industrial zones, the rules create buffer zones protecting your neighborhood from massive warehouses — the closest facilities are now capped at 10,000 square feet within 200 feet of homes and schools.
What's new: The ordinance establishes a tiered system based on distance from sensitive areas:
Warehouses within 200 feet of homes/schools: 10,000 sq ft max
200-800 feet away: 100,000 sq ft max
800-1,500 feet: 400,000 sq ft max
Only sites beyond 1,500 feet can exceed 400,000 sq ft
Driving the news: The effort began in March 2020 but accelerated after community opposition to the Sycamore Hills Distribution Center in January 2022.
Warehouses over 400,000 square feet are now prohibited in most industrial zones.
The big picture: Groups like R-NOW mobilized hundreds of residents against warehouse proliferation, warning that automated logistics facilities may eliminate jobs within 5-10 years while leaving permanent environmental impacts.
Yes, but: Labor and business representatives argued the restrictions send a "closed for business" message to developers.
Only seven sites citywide can now accommodate warehouses over 300,000 square feet under the new rules.
What they're saying: "I could not find a single resident who would be in support of more warehousing," Councilmember Philip Falcone said, calling the ordinance a watered-down compromise.
What's next: The ordinance takes effect in 30 days. Council will review the regulations in one year.
Chancellor S. Jack Hu will be formally inaugurated on February 5 with UC President James Milliken conducting the installation as UCR's 10th chancellor, followed by a public reception on Rivera Lawn at 3:30 p.m.
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