Thursday Gazette: July 16, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Today is Fresh Spinach Day, which feels like ironic timing given the cyclosporiasis outbreak spreading in other states this summer, with fresh produce among the suspected culprits. The good news for us: California isn't among the states seeing a rise in cases, and health officials say the state has actually reported fewer cases so far this year than at this same point in 2025. However concerned you are (or aren't) about it, we hope you're staying well, hydrated, and cool out there during this heatwave.
See you tomorrow!
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HOUSING
Council Extends Timeline for Downtown Student Housing Project
Overland Pelican Riverside LLC takes over the project as the city extends deadlines for entitlement, escrow and construction.
Developers now have until 2029 to complete student housing planned for the long-vacant Downtown Terminal site.
Why it matters: If you've watched the former Downtown Terminal site sit empty, the wait continues — the mixed-use housing and shops now aren't expected until October 2029.
Driving the news: City Council unanimously approved the amendment Tuesday as part of its consent calendar, without discussion.
- The agreement transfers from Pelican Communities LLC to Overland Pelican Riverside LLC, a new joint venture with Overland Development.
By the numbers: The amendment pushes back nearly every deadline in the project's 2024 development agreement.
- Entitlement applications due Feb. 28, 2027; entitlements approved by Sept. 29, 2027
- Escrow closes by Feb. 28, 2028; construction starts by March 29, 2028
- Certificate of occupancy expected by Oct. 29, 2029
Yes, but: Staff say no substantive terms changed — the $200 purchase price, project scope and 60-space parking commitment for the Main Library all stay the same.
What's next: The city keeps ownership of the 2.7-acre site at 3911 University Ave. and 3775 Fairmount Blvd. until escrow closes.
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PARKING
Downtown Valet Pilot Trims Stations, Days After Six Months
An 11-response business survey shows positive feedback, but the pilot's losses have grown since launch.
The city's Downtown valet pilot now runs half as many stations and days as it did at launch.
Why it matters: If you've used Downtown valet, service now covers fewer nights and stations — though early business survey results are largely positive.
Driving the news: Public parking services manager Erik Lue gave Council a six-month update Tuesday; the item required no vote, and members received and filed the report.
- Council approved the pilot Nov. 4, 2025, in a $334,597 agreement with ACE Parking III LLC that allows two one-year extensions.
What's new: Core stations dropped from five to three, and operating days shrank from Friday–Sunday to Friday and Saturday only, 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.
- Remaining stations: University Avenue near Dragon Marsh, the Cal Tower/Garage 3 alleyway, and Orange Street near Tilden Coil (which relocates to the Fox or the Municipal Auditorium for ticketed shows).
By the numbers: The pilot is running further behind its break-even goal than budgeted.
- Net loss: $234,534 over six months, about $43,937 worse than the budgeted $190,597 shortfall
- Revenue: $37,986 against a $144,000 target; costs came in under budget
What they're saying: Councilmember Philip Falcone, Ward 1, said feedback has been positive.
- "People are pleased with the operations of it," Falcone said.
What's next: Businesses want in on the city's discounted validation program but are waiting to see if valet service continues past the pilot. Encinitas and Newport Beach have also asked about replicating it.
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PARKS
City Marks Park and Recreation Month With Funding Boost, Employee Honors
Council approves HUD funding for four park projects as department celebrates July observance.
Riverside's parks system reaches millions of residents annually, and the City Council approved new funding for four park upgrades.
Why it matters: If you use community centers, pools or parks in Wards 1, 3 or 6, upgrades are headed to Bobby Bonds Skate Park, Janet Goeske Senior Center, Sippy Woodhead Pool and Tim Strack Park.
Driving the news: Council amended the City's HUD Annual Action Plan, directing Community Development Block Grant funds to four Parks, Recreation and Community Services projects.
- Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes recused herself, citing property she owns near one project site.
- $175,000 goes to skate park improvements, $250,000 to senior center flooring, $500,000 to pool pump room work and $340,000 to park lighting and fitness equipment.
By the numbers: The department runs 14 community centers and seven pools, and maintains more than 3,400 acres across 68 parks and trails.
- Community centers logged nearly 1.8 million visits this year; Mount Rubidoux alone drew more than 1 million visitors.
What's next: The department plans a full Patterson Park renovation, a new Dell Roberts Gym at Bordwell Park and library and community center upgrades at Bobby Bonds Park.
- A broader master plan for Fairmont Park improvements returns for community input this fall.
What they're saying: Pamela Galera, the department's director, named Victoria Koo-Young 2025 Employee of the Year for her work launching youth STEAM programming.
- "A team win for everybody," Koo-Young said of the honor.
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What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- World Snake Day at Heritage House
- Planning Commission at Riverside City Hall
- The Art of Reading & Writing at My Learning Studio ($57)
- Study Skills- Test Taking at My Learning Studio ($57)
- Reading Comprehension Group at My Learning Studio ($57.00)
- RPG 1-shot: "Pathfinder: Absalom" (GM Christian) at Nevermore Game Club ($5- $10)
- The Chemistry Lab: Speed Dating| Singles 39-51 at El Patrón Downtown Riverside ($45)
- Good Surf Vibrations - Paint and Sip at Packinghouse Brewing Company ($49.87)
- History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($65.50 - $71.21)
Tomorrow
- Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- Multiplication Madness (MM) at My Learning Studio ($57)
- Reading Assistance Program (RAP) at My Learning Studio ($57)
- Creative Arts at My Learning Studio ($57)
- Eastside Library at Lincoln Park | Flower Origami Craft at SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library
- Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
- Footloose at Landis Performing Arts Center
Save the Date
- July 19: FREE ASHTANGA VINYASA YOGA at Community Yoga Center
- July 20: Camp Riverside with IE Kids Outdoors at California State Citrus Heritage Park ($200)
- July 24: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- July 27: Sip with a Scientist at Bar Ni Modo
- October 7: Fifty & Better Health Fair at Janet Goeske Center
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