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.

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GOVERNMENT

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.

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.

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COMMUNITY

Fireworks Photos: The Smartphone Method

Before the show starts, most of the work is already done. Here's how to set up for fireworks photos that actually work.

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.

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Noteworthy

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.

With the Fourth of July approaching, the city is reminding residents that all fireworks are illegal within city limits and carry a minimum $1,500 fine — with the free 4th of July Spectacular fireworks show at La Sierra Park and Mt. Rubidoux offering a safe alternative.

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.

What's Happening in Riverside

Today

• Savvy Chic Finds | Home + Fashion Liquidation Pop-Up (VIP Early Access) at ($7.18 - $12.51)
• Local Riverside Designer's Retirement Sale Furniture, Décor, Fashion & More at Mission Grove Shopping Center - Former KMart
• "Attack on Giant: an Amphibian Tale" (GM Ira) at Nevermore Game Club ($5.00 - $10.00)
• The Fifth Spark: AI and the Next Chapter of Human Evolution at Riverside Main Library
• Summer Mixer 2026 at Hangar 24 Riverside ($20- $100)
• History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21)
• Trivia Night Benefiting Homeless Pets at Thompson Brewing Company ($15)
• World Cup Watch Party Presented by Riverside Pro Soccer at The Barn

Tomorrow

• Eastside Library at Lincoln Park | Full Spectrum: Foam Party at SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library at Lincoln Park
• Jumanji (1995) - Movies on the Lawn at Riverside Heritage House
• Noche de Cumbia at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge ($12.51)
• The Steven Universe Tableread for Charity at The Raincross District ($17.85)

Save the Date

• June 26: FREE ASHTANGA VINYASA YOGA at Community Yoga Center
• June 26: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
• July 4: Front Row Fireworks - Celebrating America 250 at Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery (free- $10)
• July 4: Fourth of July Water Fun and Fireworks at First United Methodist Church of Riverside
• July 5: Patriotic Tours at Riverside Heritage House
• July 11: The Stars and Pipes Forever at First United Methodist Church of Riverside
• July 13: River Camp with IE Kids Outdoors at Martha McLean Park ($235)
• July 20: Camp Riverside with IE Kids Outdoors at California State Citrus Heritage Park ($200)

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