Amber of Amber Leigh's Kitchen, celebrating two years of sourdough baked with love in Riverside. (Amber Leigh)
Friday Gazette: June 19, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! Meet Amber Leigh: labor nurse turned stay-at-home mom turned sourdough baker. Two years ago, she launched Amber Leigh's Kitchen from her home kitchen, building a microbakery around the science of fermentation and a commitment to organic, naturally leavened bread. This Saturday, June 20 from 1 to 5 p.m., she's celebrating that milestone with a Summer Market right here in Riverside, bringing together local vendors across food, florals, skincare, jewelry, and more. It's a perfect way to kick off summer and show some love to the people building businesses in our backyard.
Council Extends Pallet Storage Moratorium Through 2027 Amid Fire Concerns
The urgency ordinance keeps restrictions on new and expanded pallet yards in place through May 2027 while staff develops zoning and safety standards.
Riverside's moratorium on new wooden pallet storage yards will run through May 2027, giving the city time to write permanent fire-safety regulations for a land use it currently doesn't regulate.
Why it matters: Pallet yard fires have injured firefighters and damaged neighboring businesses. Stronger rules — still in development — could reshape where and how these facilities operate across the city.
Driving the news: The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to extend the 45-day moratorium approved May 19, citing two significant pallet yard fires this year and an ongoing pattern of code violations.
Riverside Fire crews have responded to 29 pallet yard incidents since January 2025.
The backstory: A March 2026 fire at a Northside pallet yard damaged multiple businesses and sent three firefighters to the hospital. City code enforcement has issued 36 notices of violation to 11 facilities since 2023 — nine cases remain active.
Yes, but: Height limits on stacked pallets already exist on the books. Councilmember Jim Perry acknowledged Tuesday that "unfortunately it gets ignored."
What's next: Preliminary recommendations for permanent zoning and operational standards go to the Land Use Committee next month. The extended moratorium runs through May 18, 2027.
A monthly stroll through Riverside's everyday neighborhoods, one step at a time.
A yard along the walk route in Arlanza, where a homeowner has filled the space between palm trees with birdhouses, figurines and plumeria in bloom. The sidewalk-visible display has the spirit of public art without the official sanction. (Larry Burns)
I park at Arlanza Community Center, which sits inside Bryant Park on Philbin Avenue, and start this walk the way many good Riverside walks begin: a little bit of shade, a little bit of civic infrastructure, and a clear reminder that I should not have chosen lunchtime in June for a stroll.
It's in the low 90s, clear and sunny; but my route today is an easy loop, about a mile and a quarter. Before I even left the parking area, I stopped in the California native plant garden next to the Solander Youth and Family Resource Center. During COVID, I remember Rivers & Land Conservancy hosting many events where these water wise pollinator gardens were installed by hundreds of volunteers. It looks like that initial passion remains as the space is well maintained and welcoming.
The path is a coarse sandy loam; lined with silver-green shrubs, bunch grasses, mallows, milkweed, sunflowers, and sage. A sign notes that many California native plants are fire-wise, which is a practical bit of wisdom in a city where beauty and hazard often grow from the same dry hillside.
The garden is small, but it sets my expectations for the walk. I'm hoping to see a little bit of everything without making a whole day of it. Arlanza is not a place that separates usefulness from beauty. Bryant Park has playgrounds, shade trees, and sports fields. Inside the buildings, you'll find a boxing club with a fully appointed ring, the Sports Office of Parks and Rec, community classes, and, during my visit, the City of Riverside's Summer Food Program providing free fresh fruit and vegetables.
Riverside Hires Engineers to Study Future Water Rates
A new cost-of-service analysis will help determine how water costs are distributed among customers when the city's current rate plan ends in 2028.
Riverside has contracted with a local engineering firm to analyze what water bills could look like after the current rate plan expires in 2028.
Why it matters: Your water rates won't change immediately — but this study will shape the next several years of RPU pricing once the existing five-year plan runs out. A separate 5.7% rate increase proposal goes to public hearing June 23.
Driving the news: Council approved a $271,960 contract with Carollo Engineers on Wednesday to examine how conservation trends, drought requirements, and infrastructure costs should be distributed across customer groups.
The last water cost-of-service study was completed in 2023 to support the current rate schedule.
The backstory: The study comes as rate pressure is already building. The Board of Public Utilities recently forwarded a 5.7% inflation-based water rate hike to the Council — and last month the Council rejected a separate proposal to tie annual increases to CPI data automatically.
What they're saying: Resident Malissa McKeith called for a broader overhaul, arguing RPU's "fiscal model is unsustainable" and warning rate hikes will "explode in the council's face if nothing is done."
What's next: The 5.7% rate increase proposal goes before City Council at a public hearing Monday, June 23.
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.
This week's pet is Kevin (every time we say his name in my head, it's "KEVIN!" like the mom in Home Alone). If you spend just a few minutes with Kevin, you'll easily see why he's a staff favorite. This affectionate boy loves toys, enjoys playing with other dogs, and is always happy to settle in for a good nap after some fun. His true personality comes alive once he's out and about, so please ask to meet him outside of his kennel. Equal parts couch potato and playful companion, Kevin is the kind of dog who can make himself at home and make a new friend anywhere. After waiting patiently for his chance, Kevin is hoping the right person will finally discover what staff and volunteers already know: that he's a pretty special dog. Come meet Kevin 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: Jerry Blu (right) was adopted! 🙌
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