A summer sky frames the tree line near Lincoln Avenue. (Janine Pourroy) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Friday Gazette: June 26, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! The weekend is here, and there is no shortage of ways to enjoy it. Whether you're looking to get out and explore, Riverside has plenty going on. Check out our community calendar to find something that catches your eye. And if this weekend calls for staying in, soaking up the sun from your own backyard, or just doing a whole lot of nothing, we hope it's full of rest and good laughs. However you spend it, have a great one, Riverside!
Council Approves $9 Million in Federal Funding for Housing, Homelessness and Health
Nonprofit leaders and service providers testified Tuesday that HUD entitlement funding keeps critical programs running as federal support shrinks.
Crystal Gonzalez of the Diaper Bank of the Inland Empire addresses the City Council during a public hearing on Riverside's 2026-27 Annual Action Plan on Tuesday.
Riverside's City Council unanimously approved a $9.05 million federal spending plan Tuesday, keeping critical housing, health and homelessness programs funded for another year.
Why it matters: The money flows directly to dozens of local nonprofits serving low-income residents — from dental clinics to refugee support — at a moment when federal cuts are squeezing organizations citywide.
By the numbers: The 2026–27 allocation breaks down across four HUD programs:
$5.07M — Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS
$2.75M — Community Development Block Grants
$981K — HOME Investment Partnerships
$250K — Emergency Solutions Grants
Driving the news: Tuesday's public hearing drew representatives from more than a dozen local organizations, many describing rising demand and shrinking alternatives.
Human Migration Institute warned that 80% of its staff faces layoffs when federal refugee funding cuts hit in September, leaving Community Development Block Grant dollars as "the only bridge that remains."
Yes, but: These are projected allocations — the city must submit the adopted plan to HUD by Aug. 14 before funds are released.
What's next: City staff will finalize and submit the Annual Action Plan to HUD ahead of the August 14 deadline.
A New Conductor Brings Pops, Patriotism and Personal Stakes to Concert for Heroes
A new conductor, a new orchestra and a pops-heavy program bring fresh energy to the July 3 concert at Riverside National Cemetery.
Ruth Noemy Wheeler conducts. Wheeler will lead the Riverside Festival Orchestra at the July 3 Concert for Heroes at Riverside National Cemetery. (Courtesy Ruth Noemy Wheeler)
A newly formed community orchestra will perform for the first time at Riverside National Cemetery's annual July 4th-eve concert, replacing the Riverside Philharmonic.
Why it matters: Concert for Heroes is the only regular symphonic event held at a national cemetery in the country — and it's free. If you've attended before, expect a different sound: more film scores, less traditional classical.
Driving the news: The Riverside Philharmonic stepped away following a leadership transition, prompting Producing Director John Collins to bring in a new ensemble — the Riverside Festival Orchestra — built from scratch by conductor Ruth Noemy Wheeler.
Who's leading it: Wheeler is a violin instructor and conductor with roots across CBU, the Corona Symphony, and Riverside Unified schools.
An Army wife and Riverside resident, she called the assignment "perfect" — both professionally and personally.
What's on the program: The lineup leans toward crowd-pleasing film scores — "Star Wars," "Superman," "Pirates of the Caribbean" — alongside patriotic staples and an armed forces salute honoring each military branch.
Wheeler said the film selections are intentional, aimed at keeping younger audiences engaged.
Yes, but: Orchestra musicians are currently performing without pay. Wheeler says the ensemble's future — including potential holiday and school concerts — depends on donor support.
What's next: Concert for Heroes runs July 3, 7–9 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Admission and parking are free. Picnicking opens in the late afternoon.
City Adopts Water Management Plans; No New Restrictions for Residents
Riverside's updated water management and contingency plans project adequate supply through 2050, with no new conservation rules for residents.
City officials approved two long-range water planning documents Tuesday — and officials say residents shouldn't expect new watering restrictions anytime soon.
Why it matters: These plans set the framework for how RPU manages your water supply through 2050, including how the city would ration water during a drought.
Driving the news: Council approved the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and an updated Water Shortage Contingency Plan on the consent calendar — no discussion, no vote breakdown.
By the numbers: Riverside used about 74,900 acre-feet of water in 2025 — below prior forecasts. Demand is projected to climb to nearly 97,600 acre-feet annually by 2050 as the city grows.
Current projections show supply outpacing demand through 2050, with recycled water and future projects filling the gap.
Yes, but: The contingency plan reorganizes Riverside's existing conservation framework to match state classifications — it doesn't create new shortage stages, new restrictions, or expand enforcement authority. Any future policy changes, including rules on non-functional turf, would require a separate ordinance.
What's next: The water plans land amid broader financial turbulence at RPU. A rate increase of 5.7% was set for a public hearing before Council this week. A separate cost-of-service study will run through 2028. And a judge ruled in May that the city billed ratepayers unconstitutionally for years — a final judgment that could require more than $46 million in refunds is expected within weeks.
From Chone to Main Street: ProAbition's New Executive Chef
Roddy Barberan, who joined the downtown restaurant in 2025, draws on family cooking traditions from coastal Ecuador.
Roddy Barberan, executive chef at ProAbition on Main Street, brings a background rooted in Latin American culinary tradition and a philosophy built on three principles: respect the ingredient, honor technique, and create memorable experiences. (Courtesy of ProAbition)
ProAbition has been on Main Street since 2012. When Roddy Barberan arrived in 2025 as executive chef, the restaurant entered a new chapter — one that aims to keep the identity that made it a downtown fixture while updating the kitchen.
"I saw tremendous potential in the kitchen and an opportunity to contribute to a restaurant that already had an established reputation while helping shape its future," Roddy said.
He was looking for a restaurant that valued creativity, quality and hospitality equally — one that had earned community trust but still had room to grow. Riverside, he found, was that place.
Meet this week’s featured furry friend from the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center. Dedicated to eliminating pet homelessness, the center provides compassionate care and facilitates adoptions for animals in need of loving homes. Find your new companion and help support their mission of humane care and responsible pet ownership.
Luke has been learning that the world isn't as scary as he once thought. This 3 year old came to us unsure of new people, leashes, and unfamiliar surroundings, but a foster home has helped him make incredible progress. He's gone from being nervous about walks to looking forward to exploring the neighborhood, and his confidence continues to grow each day. Once Luke gets to know someone, he's loyal and affectionate, and happily enjoys being around his people. He also does well with other dogs and would likely enjoy having a canine buddy in his future home. Luke is looking for a patient adopter who will continue helping him build confidence and celebrate all the little victories along the way. Come meet Luke and all the adoptable pets at the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center in person. Stop by any day except Tuesdays, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., or learn more at petsadoption.org. Alumni update: Thomas and Montana have been adopted! 🙌
📣
See something? Say something. Your tips and ideas are what fuel The Raincross Gazette. If you know of something newsworthy happening in our city, please share it with us.
