A mule poses on Box Springs, taking in the view of Riverside below. (Alison Presser) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Tuesday Gazette: March 24, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Tuesday! Today is National Each Person is a Person of Worth Day, a reminder that every person's value is not something to be earned or measured. It simply is. Founded by Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski of the Academy for Adolescent Health, the day asks all of us to pause and affirm the people around us. A kind word, a note of appreciation, a moment of genuine recognition. It doesn't take much. If someone in your life has made Riverside a little better just by being in it, today is a great day to let them know. You can also nominate a neighbor who stands out.
UCR Names Greg Paules Athletics Director as CBU Rivalry Looms
With CBU entering the Big West, UCR's new AD inherits a rare intracity, intraconference rivalry - and a fight for the Inland Empire's loyalty.
UCR Chancellor S. Jack Hu, left, incoming Athletics Director Greg Paules, center, and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Brian L. Haynes at Paules' introduction ceremony on the Riverside campus. (Ken Crawford)
Greg Paules takes over Highlander athletics with a mandate to plant deeper roots in Riverside — just as crosstown rival CBU enters the same conference.
Why it matters: UCR has long struggled to connect with the city it sits above. Paules arrives as that challenge intensifies: CBU joins the Big West this year, putting two Riverside programs in direct competition for fans, recruits, and Inland Empire identity.
Driving the news: Paules, 39, was introduced Monday at a campus ceremony. He comes from Cal State Fullerton, where he served as senior associate athletics director and COO since 2020.
He managed a $24 million annual budget and oversaw more than $30 million in facility improvements.
The backstory: Paules replaces Wes Malette, who departed last year for a deputy AD role at the University of South Carolina. UCR Chancellor S. Jack Hu will oversee Paules directly and called the hire "a pivotal moment" for the program.
Between the lines: The CBU rivalry is real and imminent. Both programs draw from the same IE talent pool, donor base, and fan community — and Paules didn't dodge it Monday.
"I know families are gonna be split and divided," he said. "That's gonna make for some great conversation around the Thanksgiving table."
What's next: CBU officially joins the Big West Conference this year. Crosstown matchups will be among the most-watched dates on both schedules once released.
Driving the news: Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson called for community input on the center and statue's future, with the Park and Recreation Commission tasked with reviewing options for the center.
The statue is owned by the Latino Network of Riverside, not the City. The two are working together on its future.
Catch up quick: The Gazette first reported on the local response March 19, following a New York Times investigation — the result of a year-long reporting effort — detailing allegations from more than 60 people, including UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta.
What they're saying: The United Farm Workers Foundation canceled all its Chávez Day activities, calling the allegations "shocking, indefensible."
The Chávez family acknowledged the NYT report and said: "We wish peace and healing to the survivors."
A landmark deal between two Southern California water agencies puts cooperation over competition - and could save Western Water customers more than $49 million by 2047.
Western Municipal Water District signed a first-of-its-kind exchange agreement with the San Diego County Water Authority that locks in a protected water supply — and projected savings of $49.1 million — through 2047.
Why it matters: Riverside Public Utilities customers are among the beneficiaries. The deal secures water classified as "local" supply, meaning it can't be cut off during Metropolitan Water District drought curtailments.
Driving the news: The agreement, signed March 19, takes effect April 1 and was made possible by a June 2025 rule change at Metropolitan Water District — the first to allow water exchanges between its member agencies.
By the numbers:
10,000 acre-feet purchased from San Diego County Water Authority annually
$13M+ per year in ongoing revenue for San Diego County Water Authority
$39.1M one-time payment to San Diego County Water Authority
Agreement runs through 2047, extendable to 2077
Yes, but: Water under this deal costs more upfront — $1,304 per acre-foot in 2026, with 4% annual increases — compared to Metropolitan's current rates. The crossover point, when the deal becomes cheaper, is estimated at 2031. Western Water says the early cost difference will be covered by property tax revenue, with no impact on customer rates.
What's next: Western Water's first of four equal pre-payments on 30,000 acre-feet of pre-purchased water begins in 2026.
Riverside's Butterfly Man Comes to Life at Heritage House This Spring
A new Museum of Riverside exhibition traces how Charles Montagu Dammers became one of the city's most celebrated naturalists.
Heritage House, a Victorian-era home operated by the Museum of Riverside in Downtown Riverside, is hosting "A Victorian Heritage: Riverside's Butterfly Man" through June 28. (Courtesy of Museum of Riverside)
Heritage House is showcasing the life of Charles Montagu Dammers — Royal Navy lieutenant, gold prospector, orange grower, and pioneering butterfly researcher — in a new spring exhibition.
Why it matters: "A Victorian Heritage: Riverside's Butterfly Man" runs Fridays through Sundays through June 28. Tours are free and walk-ins are welcome, though advance booking is recommended.
Driving the news: Curator Ian Wright first encountered Dammers through a Victoria Avenue Forever newsletter; a memorial plaque to Dammers stands at Victoria Avenue and Mary Street, where he once lived.
What they're saying: Wright says Dammers was among the first researchers to document butterfly behavior and ecology — rather than simply collect specimens for display.
"His studies helped form the foundational science for conservationists today to assess populations and protect those that are under threat," Wright said.
What's next: Accompanying events this spring include nature journaling workshops, live insect programs and butterfly walks led by Wright. Tours run 30–45 minutes. Wear flat shoes; no food, drinks or glittered clothing.
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