Thursday, July 16, 2026
White cottonwood seeds blanket the lawn at Washington Park, corner of Mary Street and Victoria Avenue, creating an early-morning "snow" effect beneath the trees. (Estelle Shay) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us for a chance to win two tickets to Hadestown at The Fox!

Thursday Gazette: March 19, 2026

Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Last night we announced that the Gazette is hosting its first-ever candidate forums — three events, one for each of Wards 2, 4, and 6, where residents will hear directly from the people running for City Council. The questions come from neighbors, the format is free and open to all, and moderating the series is someone whose name Riverside knows well. All the details, including dates, locations, and how to register, are in our announcement.

See you tomorrow!

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2026 ELECTION

The Gazette Is Hosting Its First-Ever Candidate Forums — Wards 2, 4, and 6

Free, ward-specific forums this April ahead of the June election, where the questions come from the community, not the campaign.

The Raincross Gazette is hosting three free City Council candidate forums this spring — one each for Wards 2, 4, and 6 — moderated by former Press-Enterprise columnist Dan Bernstein.

Why it matters: If you live in one of the contested wards and want to hear candidates answer questions from their actual neighbors before the June 2 primary, these are your best chances to do it in person — for free.

Driving the news: The Gazette is expanding its 2026 election coverage beyond its most comprehensive voter guide yet, adding live public forums for the first time in its five-year history.

  • A six-member community planning panel spanning party lines and generations will shape questions; registered attendees can submit their own.

The lineup:

  • Ward 2 — April 23 Â· UCR Alumni and Visitors Center · Candidates: Aram Ayra, Christen Montero, Gracie Torres, Mike Vahl
  • Ward 4 — April 29 Â· California Citrus State Historic Park · Candidates: Chuck Conder (incumbent), Jessica Qattawi, Rich Vandenberg
  • Ward 6 — April 30 Â· Altura Credit Union Magnolia Branch · Candidates: Norma Berrellez, Luis Hernandez, Oz Puerta

All forums run 6:30–8 p.m., doors open at 6.

Forums are free, open to the public, and supported by UCR's School of Public Policy, the Friends of California Citrus State Historic Park, and Altura Credit Union.

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COMMUNITY

City Responds to Chávez Allegations; Latino Network Postpones Annual Event

The City said it is "processing potential next steps" regarding a community center and statue bearing Chávez's name, as a local nonprofit canceled its March 30 celebration.

The César Chávez monument on Riverside's Main Street Mall depicts Chávez standing above a group of farmworkers in the fields. The words "Sí Se Puede" — Spanish for "Yes, we can" — are inscribed in the plaza pavement at the statue's base.

The City says it is evaluating next steps for a community center and Main Street Mall statue named for César Chávez after his UFW co-founder alleged he sexually abused her.

Why it matters: Two of Riverside's most prominent Chávez dedications — a community center and a downtown statue — may be reconsidered as the city responds to allegations from Dolores Huerta, one of the labor movement's most credible voices.

Driving the news: Huerta, 95, publicly alleged that Chávez — whom she described as someone she admired and her boss — sexually abused her. The City said Tuesday it is "processing potential next steps" regarding the named sites.

Locally: The Latino Network of Riverside is postponing its 26-year-old annual CĂ©sar Chávez celebration, originally set for March 30.

  • The rescheduled event will shift focus from Chávez to the broader United Farm Workers movement — El Movimiento — and will continue its tradition of youth scholarships and community recognition.

What they're saying: "We have recently learned of allegations about Chávez that will cause many of our community members to feel conflicted," Latino Network President Alex Cortez wrote in a letter to supporters.

What's next: The City has not announced a timeline or specific actions. Latino Network will announce a rescheduled date.

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OPINION

Opinion: Large Fire Impacts Riverside Businesses, Overwhelms Fire Department Resources

A major Northside blaze left four businesses in ruins and exposed just how stretched Riverside's fire department has become.

Firefighters battle a massive blaze at a Northside business complex on North Main Street on March 16 as strong Santa Ana winds pushed flames through multiple properties. (Austin Coulson/Facebook)

A March 16 fire in Riverside's Northside neighborhood that began as a roof fire at a fencing company on North Main Street was whipped by strong Santa Ana winds and quickly became a major conflagration affecting four adjoining businesses and spreading to vegetation on the former Ab Brown Soccer Complex and Riverside Golf Course properties. The cause is still under investigation, but it seems clear the fire's origin was at the Fenceworks fencing company facility. Strong north winds quickly blew the fire into the adjoining AL Pallet Company and then into Benchmark Asset Recovery and Honeycutt Companies properties. AL Pallet Company was largely destroyed by the fire. Benchmark Asset Recovery and Honeycutt Companies both lost numerous vehicles, while buildings likely suffered heat and smoke damage.

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