An ad hoc committee is examining ways to insulate the board from political influence, including shifting appointment power to a future inspector general.
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Monday Gazette: June 9, 2026
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Board of Ethics Explores Charter Protections, Independent Appointments
An ad hoc committee is examining ways to insulate the board from political influence, including shifting appointment power to a future inspector general.
(File photo/Raincross Gazette)
Riverside's Board of Ethics is exploring a city charter amendment that would shield it from dissolution and hand appointment power to a future inspector general.
Why it matters: The proposal would directly change how ethics complaints against elected officials are handled — reducing the potential for loyalties to influence who investigates whom.
Driving the news: The board's ad hoc committee discussed two structural changes Thursday: enshrining the board in the city charter (like the Community Police Review Commission) and transferring member appointments from City Council to a yet-unnamed inspector general.
Board Member Luis Hernandez said the charter move would prevent council members from dissolving the board, citing past comments from council about the ethics panel.
The backstory: Currently, board members are appointed by the council — creating conflict-of-interest concerns when complaints are filed against the officials who appointed them. Members sometimes recuse because they know or feel loyalty to the council member under review.
Yes, but: The changes face a long road. The Charter Review Commission hasn't been formed yet, no inspector general has been appointed, and any charter amendment would ultimately require voter approval.
What's next: The ad hoc committee continues gathering information and will return with details at a future meeting. No timeline has been set.
Inspector General Search Advances to Interview Stage
The city is working with its executive recruiter to finalize interview dates for a position created after voters approved Measure L in 2024.
(File photo/Raincross Gazette)
Candidate interviews for Riverside's first-ever inspector general are expected next month, as the city works with its executive recruiter to finalize dates.
Why it matters: The inspector general — a watchdog role voters approved in 2024 — will have authority to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse inside city government, and can place matters directly on the council agenda.
The backstory:64% of voters approved Measure L in November 2024, creating the Office of the Inspector General. The City Council formally established the office on a 6-1 vote in November 2025 after months of debate over the role's independence. Recruitment ran March 3–April 5; the salary range is $161,000–$217,000.
Driving the news: A city spokesperson confirmed Monday that interview dates are being finalized. Interviews will occur in closed session and be publicly noticed on council agendas per the city's sunshine ordinance.
Yes, but: Critics question whether an inspector general appointed by elected officials can be truly independent. Former Board of Ethics member Keith J. Nelson wrote that council control over appointments creates "managed oversight" — not real oversight. Councilmember Phillip Falcone, the lone dissenting vote, has called the role "expensive, untested, and unnecessary."
What's next: The city has not released applicant numbers or identified finalists. Watch council agendas for the public notice once interview dates are set.
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