Still water mirrors the morning sky at Lake Evans in Fairmont Park. (Keith Townsend) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Riverside Resident Sues to Change 'Misleading' Measure Z Ballot Language
A resident argues the "City of Riverside Services Renewal Measure" title misleads voters about how the revenue can be spent.
A Riverside resident filed suit to change the June ballot title for the Measure Z tax increase, arguing it misleads voters about how the money will be spent.
Why it matters: If the lawsuit succeeds, voters will see different language when they decide in June whether to raise the city's sales tax from 1% to 1.25% and eliminate its 2036 expiration date.
Driving the news: Jason Hunter filed a petition March 13 asking a judge to order changes to the ballot title and question before the June 2 election.
Hunter argues the title — "City of Riverside Services Renewal Measure" — violates state law requiring ballot titles to be "true and impartial."
The backstory: Measure Z is a general tax, meaning revenue goes to the city's general fund with no guarantee it funds emergency services. Hunter says much of the tax has gone to pension bonds and employee pay raises since voters approved it in 2016.
He wants the title changed to: "City of Riverside Sales Tax Extension and Increase."
What they're saying: The city says its ballot language was reviewed by the city attorney's office and is consistent with past measures, none of which have been flagged by the Fair Political Practices Commission.
By the numbers: Measure Z currently generates more than $80 million annually — nearly twice initial projections. The proposed increase would raise that to $106 million.
What's next: Hunter is asking a judge to order language changes by April, giving the Registrar of Voters time to update materials before the June 2 election.
Chestnut Avenue, Episode One: Shade, Sidewalks and Small Discoveries
A monthly stroll through Riverside's everyday neighborhoods, one step at a time.
The white house at Chestnut and 10th — built in another era, still standing. (Larry Burns)
I park at the Riverside Public Library to begin this month's walk. Three hours of free parking is a generous civic gesture and about an hour more than I will need. I head towards Chestnut Avenue, passing Tio's Tacos: part restaurant, part outdoor museum, part assemblage fever dream.
At Mission Inn Blvd and Chestnut Avenue there is a choice: head towards 13th where it ends at the Riverside County Office of Education Building (home to Café Esquina). Or the southern route that ends in a residential neighborhood adjacent to the entrance of Fairmount Park. My stomach makes this choice for me. It's late morning and Café Esquina's breakfast burrito is going to be my reward for all this outdoor exploration. But only if I make it there by 9:45!
Crossing University Ave, I'm standing in a strip mall with a couple restaurants (Yemeni and Peruvian), a coffee spot with no seating, a smoke shop, and a busy donut spot. I walk quickly through the parking lot, noticing a trio of crows grabbing their morning meal. I always love watching crows foraging together. The way they look out for one another while navigating the human world is resilience in action for me.
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.
Meet Camo, a spirited pup who’s always ready for adventure! He’s great with other dogs, loves a good run, and has already learned some basic. Whether it’s a long walk, a game of fetch, or a car ride to explore, Camo is all in. Potty trained and leash-ready (he’s strong, but good on the leash), this fun-loving boy is looking for an active person or family who can match his energy. If you’re ready for a playful, enthusiastic companion, Camo is your guy! Come meet Camo and all the adoptable pets at the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center in person. Stop by any day except Tuesdays, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., or learn more at petsadoption.org. Alumni updates: Opal was adopted! 👏
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