A happy pup and a cheerful painted rock make for a fun find during a walk through the Wood Streets. (Suzy Clem) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Wednesday Gazette: June 24, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! When I asked 44 of you to become paid supporters before my 44th birthday next Tuesday, I genuinely didn't know if it would land. 25 of you have answered so far!
We have five days left to find the last 19. If you've ever considered supporting the Gazette this is the stretch where it counts.
City Council Approves $1.57 Billion Budget With Cuts to Public Works, Boost to Public Safety
The council approved the two-year spending plan Tuesday as the city faces projected general fund shortfalls of $27 million and $34 million over the next two fiscal years.
(File photo/Raincross Gazette)
Council approved a two-year budget Tuesday with tens of millions in projected shortfalls — and a key sales tax lifeline likely dead at the ballot box.
Why it matters: Cuts to public works — including crossing guards, pavement projects, and construction materials — will be visible across the city, even as police and fire spending grows.
Driving the news: Council voted 6-1 to adopt the fiscal year 2026-27 and 2027-28 budget, closing projected general fund gaps of $27.1 million and $34 million through reductions, fee increases, and one-time reserve draws.
Unofficial results show voters rejecting the Measure Z tax increase 58.65% to 41.35% as of June 23, removing a key revenue option.
By the numbers:
$18M in combined cuts proposed in the first budget year; $22M+ the second
$15.7M combined increase for police and fire in the first year
$76.4M in untouched general fund reserves
Yes, but: Councilmember Philip Falcone cast the lone no vote, calling public works cuts "an absolute non-negotiable." Several residents also challenged spending priorities at public comment, flagging personnel costs and unmet fire service needs.
What's next: The budget plan balances general fund operations through fiscal year 2030-31. Council also adopted a Transit Oriented Development Action Plan for growth near the Downtown Metrolink Station on Vine Street.
Before the show starts, most of the work is already done. Here's how to set up for fireworks photos that actually work.
(Bob Sirotnik)
In Part 1, we looked at photographing fireworks with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or film SLR. That method depends on a tripod, manual focus, manual exposure, and Bulb mode.
A smartphone works differently. You are not trying to duplicate the serious-camera method. Phones rely on computational photography and motion-capture features, and the best approach is to use those strengths instead of fighting them. For the 250th, most people on the mountain will be holding a phone, not a tripod.
A newer iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or similar phone can do surprisingly well with fireworks. Older phones may struggle in low light, but even then, video can often save the night.
The city's Community and Economic Development Department hosts Walk the Talk at Ryan Bonaminio Park this Friday, June 26, from 8–9 a.m. — a free guided walk for business owners and entrepreneurs spotlighting Café Oro Dos Aztecas, in partnership with Blue Zones Project Riverside.
UCR professor and award-winning graphic novelist John Jennings is being honored with "John Jennings: Build Your World," an immersive exhibition of four of his projects now on view through spring 2027 at Mississippi's Arts + Entertainment Experience.
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