🗞️ Riverside News- June 29, 2026

Monday Gazette: June 29, 2026

Hello Riverside, and Happy Monday! A few weeks ago, we introduced you to Jill Johnson-Young, a counselor and advocate whose work quietly sustains so many in our community. Her story clearly resonated: reader James W. Chung was moved to put pen to paper.

James is a Canyon Crest resident, sales executive, published author, and CEO of Fellowship Sales LLC, and his poem, "Hidden Hero," captures something we don't always say out loud: that connection to the right people and resources can change the course of a life.

We're honored to share it with you today.

"Hidden Hero – Jill Johnson-Young"

As I gaze into the growing cityscape,
Here in Riverside.
I’m saddened by those who face challenges,
This means the most of us who have been tried.
Whether it’s dementia or grief, or a trial that can’t be
Shared. I want my city to know that we have services,
And that we care. Connection to resources and people
With solutions, can brighten up a life.
So life can be lived at a higher level, above the agony and strife.
I travel to the local area and sometimes nationwide.
With a message of hope and healing to help those by my side.
Let’s support one another from the cradle to the grave.
And know that we were created to live a life meaningfully and brave.

Thank you, James, for this generous tribute to Jill and to the spirit of neighborly care. If you know someone making a quiet difference in Riverside, we'd love to hear about them. Nominate a Neighbor of the Week.

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GOVERNMENT

This Week in City Hall: June 29, 2026

Board of Ethics meets Thursday to review city ethics rules and consider proposed changes to oversight and accountability structures.

Welcome to our weekly digest of public meetings and agenda items worth your attention for this coming week. This guide is part of our mission to provide everyday Riversiders like you with the information to speak up on the issues you care about.

Board of Ethics

The Board of Ethics meets on Thursday, July 2, at 6 p.m. (agenda) to review a presentation on the City rule prohibiting board and commission members from advocating for private third-party interests in certain circumstances (item 2) and discussing six proposed concepts — including potentially embedding the Board of Ethics in the City Charter and expanding the Inspector General's investigative authority — developed by an ad hoc committee for possible future consideration by a Charter Review Commission (item 6).

Read and share the complete story...

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2026 ELECTION

Luis Hernandez To Be Sworn In As Ward 6 Councilmember

Luis Hernandez wins the Ward 6 Riverside City Council seat outright with 50.38% of the vote and is expected to be sworn in on July 7.

Luis Hernandez will join the City Council as Ward 6's representative July 7, becoming the first Latino elected to represent the ward.

Why it matters: Ward 6 has a new voice at the table — one who has lived in Riverside for 30+ years and brings firsthand experience navigating public services through his work at a local nonprofit.

Driving the news: Hernandez cleared the 50% threshold needed to win outright — avoiding a runoff — after results tightened over several weeks of ballot counting.

• He started election night at 46.43%, crossed 50% on June 10, and declared victory June 18.

By the numbers: Hernandez finished at 50.29%; opponents Oz Puerta and Norma Berrellez trailed at 28.25% and 21.26%, respectively.

The backstory: Hernandez succeeds Councilmember Jim Perry, who announced his resignation earlier this month to pursue a family opportunity. Hernandez has served on the city's Board of Ethics Commission, including as its vice chair.

What's next: Hernandez is expected to be sworn in at the July 7 council meeting.

Read and share the complete story...

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GOVERNMENT

Return of 44 Cultural Objects to Morongo Band Stalled at Museum of Riverside

A missing quorum pushed back a board vote on deaccessioning 44 objects — including Cahuilla baskets collected by a Sherman Indian School superintendent — tied to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Forty-four Cahuilla cultural objects tied to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians can't be returned yet — the Museum of Riverside board failed to meet quorum Wednesday before voting on the matter.

Why it matters: The delay pushes back a process already years in the making. The objects — 33 brownware potsherds and 11 Cahuilla baskets — are subject to a formal repatriation request under federal law, and the tribe has been waiting.

Driving the news: The board canceled its scheduled meeting for lack of quorum, postponing a recommendation that would send the deaccession to City Council for final approval.

• The Collections Committee had already voted unanimously in May to advance the recommendation.

The backstory: The 44 objects entered the museum's collection over several decades through donations and acquisitions dating to the early-to-mid 20th century. The potsherds were removed from Morongo Canyon and donated in 1964; several baskets were collected by Harwood Hall, a former Sherman Indian School superintendent, and donated by his widow in 1951.

By the numbers: 44 objects total — 33 potsherds, 11 baskets — are slated for return under the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

What's next: The item returns to the Museum Board before advancing to City Council. No new meeting date has been announced.

Read and share the complete story...

Noteworthy

The city is marking the nation's 250th birthday with a full year of celebrations, including patriotic lighting on City Hall, the Municipal Auditorium, and the Cheech Marin Center, 250 trees planted citywide, and dozens of events spanning Fourth of July fireworks at Mt. Rubidoux, a Veterans Parade Downtown, and much more.

This Week in Riverside

Today

• Volunteer Interest Hour at Riverside Meals on Wheels
• Reading + Math = FUN at My Learning Studio ($57)
• Camp Highlander 2026 at Student Recreation Center (SRC)
• Goeske Bingo at Janet Goeske Center ($20.00 - $100)

Tomorrow

• Illusions by Allen at SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library at Lincoln Park
• Multiplication Madness (MM) at My Learning Studio ($57)
• Reading Comprehension Group at My Learning Studio ($57)
• Reading Foundational Skills (RFS) at My Learning Studio ($196)
• Summer Seed Exchange at the Marcy Library at Marcy Library
• Karaoke Tuesday Competition at The Hideaway

Save the Date

• July 1: FREE ASHTANGA VINYASA YOGA at Community Yoga Center
• July 3: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
• July 4: Fourth of July Water Fun and Fireworks at First United Methodist Church of Riverside (free- $5)
• July 4: Front Row Fireworks - Celebrating America 250at Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery (free- $10)
• 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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🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.