🗞️ Riverside News- June 12, 2026

Friday Gazette: June 12, 2026

Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! The World Cup is officially underway. Whether you're rooting for the U.S. Men's National Team ahead of their opener tomorrow, cheering on another nation, or just in it for the game, we want to see how Riverside is watching. Send us your watch party photos, your jerseys, your decorated living rooms, your favorite spots to catch a match. If you're a superfan who goes all out, we especially want to see it. Share your photos with us and we may feature them in an upcoming edition.

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2026 ELECTION

Hernandez Appears Set to Claim Ward 6 Council Seat

Luis Hernandez is on track to win the Ward 6 City Council seat vacated by the resignation of Councilmember Jim Perry, according to preliminary results from the Riverside County Registrar of Voters.

Luis Hernandez holds a commanding lead in Tuesday's special primary to fill the Ward 6 seat vacated by longtime Councilmember Jim Perry — but the race isn't over.

Why it matters: If Hernandez holds above 50%, Ward 6 avoids a November runoff. If he slips, the top two finishers — likely Hernandez and Oz Puerta — head to the general election.

By the numbers: With all seven precincts reporting, Hernandez leads with 50.36% of the vote (2,623 ballots), followed by Puerta at 28.19% and Norma Berrellez at 21.45%. Of 20,914 registered voters, 6,076 cast ballots — a turnout of 29.05%.

• Mail-in and provisional ballots are still being counted and could shift the margin.

The backstory: Perry — who has represented the ward since 2013 — announced his resignation at last week's Council meeting, citing a time-sensitive family opportunity. He had already decided against a fourth term.

What's next: The County Registrar counts ballots through July 2; results are certified by July 10. The 50% threshold determines whether Ward 6 gets a winner now or a runoff in November.

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BUSINESS

Where Every Cup Tells a Story: Notebook Cafe Opens in Downtown

Brothers John and Michael Leyba open a Downtown cafe rooted in guest service, a diverse menu, and a simple idea: everyone deserves a place to reset 

Filled with the humming of conversations, woven pendant lights hanging from the ceiling, and lively music serving as the backdrop, the Notebook Cafe launched its soft opening on Saturday, June 6. Located in the heart of Downtown, the soft opening functioned as a trial run for the business, allowing employees to experience the workflow and settle into their roles more seamlessly and efficiently.

Notebook Cafe was an idea brought to life by brothers John and Michael Leyba, along with Michael's wife, Julia. By creating a comforting environment, the family hopes to provide a space where residents can momentarily step away from the challenges of daily life.

"Times are tough right now—everything is expensive," co-owner John Leyba said. "Even if it's just 30 minutes, we want to be a place where people can step away, reset, and then go back to their day feeling better."

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Adoptable Pet of the Week

Meet Element!

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.

What's Happening in Riverside

Friday, June 12

• Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
• Eastside Library at Bordwell Park | Aztec Culture and Dance at SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library at Bordwell Park
• Doc Talk at SSgt. Salvador J. Lara Casa Blanca Library
• "The Miscast Show" at The Box Riverside ($20 - $25)
• Drive In Cruise Night at Tuxie's Drive In

Saturday, June 13

• Moth Madness at LandUse Learning Center
• Permaculture Design Training and Certificate at Land Use Learning Center
• Community in Conversation: "Banished Citizens" at Cellar Door Book Store
• The Altons: Show You Love Tour at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
• The Beatles Tribute by 4 Lads from Liverpool at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove ($20.23)
• Olivewood Cemetery Tour at Olivewood Cemetery ($21.20)
• Painting with PRIDE, a Comedy Paint and Sip at BACK TO THE GRIND
• Ripperside Cinema Galore Presents: Eraserhead at Back to the Grind ($12.51)
• ULTRA MODE a Depeche Mode Tribute 06/13 at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge ($12.51 - $200)

Saturday, June 14

• Prayers and Public Information Meeting at Riverside Baha'i Center
• Day Dream Brunch & Day Party Presents "The Cookout at Downtown Experiment
• FREE ASHTANGA VINYASA YOGA at Riverside
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) 3-day course at City of Riverside Emergency Operations Center
• "The Miscast Show" at The Box Riverside ($20- $25)
• Sunday Experiment After Dark at Downtown Experiment

Save the Date

• June 15: FREE ASHTANGA VINYASA YOGA at Community Yoga Center
• June 15: Wildlife Encounters- IE Kids Outdoors summer camp at California State Citrus Historic Park ($175)
• June 19: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
• 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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