Red orchid flowers put on a vivid display at Hartree Grove, the oldest house on Victoria Avenue. (Robert Merrill) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Wednesday Gazette: June 10, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! Have you been catching our Snapshot Sundays photos? If you've got old Riverside photos sitting in a dusty box somewhere, we want to see them. Share the photo and tell us a little about it — submit yours here.
One Week Later, Election Results Indicate Measure Z Failure and Apparent November Runoff for All Three Races
The Registrar of Voters stops counting mailed ballots postmarked by election day June 9; it will keep counting ballots until July 2.
(File photo/Raincross Gazette)
Measure Z is on track to fail as Riverside's June 2 council races head toward November runoffs in all three wards.
Why it matters: Whether you live in Ward 2, 4 or 6, your council representative likely won't be decided until November — and a sales tax increase for city services appears headed to defeat.
Driving the news: With 32–45% of ballots counted as of Tuesday, no candidate in any ward has cleared the 50% threshold needed to win outright, and Measure Z trails badly at 41% yes.
By the numbers:
Measure Z: 41% yes / 59% no
Ward 2: Gracie Torres leads with 38%; Aram Ayra trails by 3 points
Ward 4: Incumbent Chuck Conder holds 46% — close, but not yet over 50%
Ward 6: Luis Hernandez leads at 49%, with Oz Puerta second at 28%
The backstory: Measure Z would have raised the city sales tax from 1% to 1.25% — permanently removing its 2036 sunset — to fund fire staffing and new stations. It's structured as a general tax, meaning funds flow to the general fund, not a dedicated fire account.
What's next: The county accepts mailed ballots postmarked by June 2 through today. Counting continues through July 2; results certified July 10. Any race without a 50%-plus winner sends its top two finishers to a Nov. 3 runoff.
Riverside Pro Soccer is hosting a series of free World Cup watch parties this week, using Team USA's run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as an entry point for building community around the city's future professional soccer club.
The three-event series, held in partnership with Route 30 Brewing and The Barn at UCR, gives residents a chance to watch matches, meet the organization's leadership and weigh in on what the club will look like when it takes the field.
"Our goal is to create experiences that bring people together while showcasing the role sports can play in strengthening community identity," said Greg Scott, founder of Riverside Pro Soccer. "The World Cup provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the growth of the game while introducing more people to the vision we are building here in Riverside."
Ward 2's Christen Montero has ended her City Council campaign following the June primary, the only candidate to formally announce a withdrawal.
Why it matters: Montero's exit clarifies the Ward 2 field ahead of November, when the top two primary finishers will compete for the seat.
The November matchups:
Ward 2: Gracie Torres (38%) vs. Aram Ayra (35%)
Ward 4: Chuck Conder (46%) vs. Rich Vandenberg (29%)
Ward 6: Luis Hernandez (48%) vs. Oz Puerta (28%)
Yes, but: Two candidates are holding on. Ward 6's Norma Berrellez (23.49%) says she's not conceding, awaiting final certification. Ward 4's Jessica Qattawi (25.29%) confirmed she's staying in the race.
A UCR public policy expert argues that the City Council's 4-3 vote to reject $20 million in state homeless housing funding was emblematic of local governments prioritizing NIMBY pressure over a county homelessness crisis affecting an estimated 4,200 people.
GO Car Wash is offering free car washes for first responders today and tomorrow, June 9–10, with valid work I.D. at any location — part of a year-round Community Heroes program that also honors veterans, military, and healthcare workers.
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