Friday Gazette: July 31, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! Somehow it's already the last day of July — some months seem to fly, others crawl, and this one probably did a little of both depending on what you had going on. Either way, here's to turning the page on a brand new month tomorrow. What's one thing you're hoping August brings? Hit reply and let us know.
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BUDGET
Third-Quarter Budget Update Reports Stable Finances Despite Cannabis Tax, Development Fee Shortfalls
Officials say the city remains financially stable, though cannabis tax revenue and development-related income continue to lag.
The general fund holds record reserves, but rising costs and Measure Z shortfalls threaten future budgets.
Why it matters: The city says finances are stable now, but Measure Z money is already committed through 2028, leaving no funding available for community nonprofit requests.
Driving the news: Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the third-quarter financial update and a $701,234 adjustment for the Fire Mutual Aid program.
- Budget and Revenue Manager Peter Kakos said reserves remain strong, though he flagged rising costs and federal policy changes as risks.
By the numbers: General fund reserves total about $228 million, including $76.4 million in policy reserves that meet the city's 20% target.
- Measure Z is projected to end the year with $28.86 million in fund balance, though that's expected to shrink in coming years.
Yes, but: Voters rejected a June measure that would have raised the Measure Z sales tax and removed its 2036 expiration date.
- Measure Z revenue is now projected to fall $9.9 million short of expenses in the 2026-27 budget year and $12.4 million short in 2027-28.
What's next: The city's new two-year budget already closes projected deficits of $27.1 million and $34 million through cost cuts and reserve draws.
- Cuts include reductions to Public Works and Parks, alongside a boost to public safety spending.
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COMMUNITY
Riverside Airport Cafe to Host Private Casino Night Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Patients
The event on August 8 will raise money for The CARE Project's assistance programs for local men and women diagnosed with breast cancer.
The CARE Project, Inc. will hold its annual "Casino Night with CARE" fundraiser on Saturday, August 8, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Riverside Airport Cafe, 6951 Flight Road.
The fundraiser benefits The CARE Project, a nonprofit that provides financial and emotional support to breast cancer patients, both men and women, across the Inland Empire. Proceeds help cover treatment co-pays, rent, utilities, groceries and other everyday needs for patients navigating a diagnosis.
Riverside Airport Cafe owner Leimamo Taylor is supplying the venue, finger foods and a cash bar for the event. Taylor's connection to The CARE Project began after the organization nominated her for a Business of Excellence Award; she attended that event alongside her sister, who was battling breast cancer at the time. The CARE Project has since supported her sister through her cancer battle.
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What's Happening in Riverside
Friday, July 31
- Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- Volunteer Interest Hour at Riverside Meals on Wheels
- Summer Seed Exchange at Marcy Library
- Creative Arts at My Learning Studio ($57)
- Multiplication Madness (MM) at My Learning Studio ($57)
- Reading Assistance Program (RAP) at My Learning Studio ($57)
- Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
- Calle 24 - Eterno Tour at Fox Performing Arts Center
Saturday, August 1
- Low-Cost Vaccination Clinic at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center's Spay-Neuter Clinic ($10- $28)
- Mt. Rubidoux Walking Tour at Mt. Rubidoux Trailhead, a short walk from Ryan Bonaminio Park. ($21.20)
- Big Farma Workshop: What Can I Grow for That? at LandUse Learning Center
- Goeske Bingo at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
- Reading Comprehension Group at My Learning Studio ($57)
- Reading Foundational Skills (RFS) at My Learning Studio ($196)
- FREE YOGA - The Art of Vinyasa with Catherine Murray at Community Yoga Center
- FREE YOGA - Yin Yoga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Riverside Off-Road & Jeep Nights at D'Elia's Grinders
- Concrete (18+) at Fox Performing Arts Center
Sunday, August 2
- Prayers and Public Information Meeting at Riverside Baha'i Center
- Architectural Walking Tour of Downtown Riverside at Mission Inn Foundation & Visitor Center ($21.20)
- FREE YOGA - The Evolution of Ashtanga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Volunteer Orientation at UCR Botanic Gardens
- Gardening for Butterflies at UCR Botanic Gardens
- Learn Origami at UCR Botanic Gardens
- Origami with Michelle at Botanic Gardens
- Storytime in the Gardens at UCR Botanic Gardens
Save the Date
- August 3: FREE YOGA - The Evolution of Ashtanga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- August 5: FREE YOGA - Seated Yoga with Kristin Varner at All Saints Episcopal Church
- August 7: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- August 8: Casino Night with CARE at Riverside Airport Cafe ($50)
- August 8: FREE YOGA - The Art of Vinyasa with Catherine Murray at Community Yoga Center
- August 8: FREE YOGA - Yin Yoga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- August 10: FREE YOGA - Moody Mondays with Cherie Amour at Community Yoga Center
- September 9: Beginning Square Dance Lessons with Line Dancing at Cowtown Square Dance Center
- October 7: Fifty & Better Health Fair at Janet Goeske Center
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