Friday Gazette: March 27, 2026
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HOUSING
Council Applies for $1.44 Million Pro-Housing Grant Amid State Scrutiny
The City Council voted to approve a grant application for affordable housing funding as state regulators raise questions about Riverside's commitment to its housing targets.
City Council approved a state grant application that could bolster Riverside's pro-housing standing — but the city's own numbers reveal how far it has to go.
Why it matters: Riverside has permitted fewer than 20% of its state-mandated housing target, with zero new units for very-low-income residents since 2021. This grant — if awarded — must by law fund that hardest-to-reach category.
Driving the news: Council approved the application Tuesday for up to $1.44 million through the state's Prohousing Incentive Program Round Four, which rewards cities that exceed affordable housing mandates.
- If awarded, the city will direct funds to a shovel-ready project — potentially 10 to 65 new affordable units breaking ground within 12 to 18 months.
By the numbers: Riverside's state-mandated housing goal is 18,458 new homes between 2021 and 2029.
- The city has permitted just 31% of its above-moderate-income target — and 0% of its very-low-income target.
The backstory: Riverside faces state scrutiny after Council rejected $20.1 million in Homekey+ funding in January for a University Avenue project that would have created 114 permanent supportive apartments. The ACLU and two legal organizations sent letters in February citing potential housing law violations; HCD sent a separate letter raising similar concerns.
What's next: HCD says it is "closely monitoring" Riverside but has not publicly confirmed an investigation. The city says it has not been formally contacted by HCD's Housing Accountability Unit as of March 25.
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HOUSING
City Libraries Double as Social Service Hubs as Homeless Outreach Program Eyes Expansion
Library-based social work program served 329 people last year and is seeking two more years of funding.
Social work interns stationed at Riverside libraries connected 329 residents to more than 900 services last year — and the program needs City approval to continue.
Why it matters: The LINK program operates out of five library branches across the city. If you or someone you know has visited a library seeking housing or social services help, this funding decision determines whether that resource stays available.
Driving the news: The Love Your Neighbor Collaborative — also known as LINK — presented outcomes to the Housing and Homelessness Committee Thursday, seeking two more years of funding through the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention grant.
By the numbers: One full-time social worker and 15 interns from about a dozen universities contributed more than 1,500 in-kind professional service hours last year across five library branches.
- Life skills education was the most-requested service.
The backstory: The program began as a Ward 7 internship at La Sierra University, was brought under the City in 2018 and moved into the library system in 2022. It draws interns from Cal Baptist, Loma Linda, La Sierra and other local universities.
What's next: A staff report on two years of continued funding goes before the full City Council on April 7.
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GOVERNMENT
Council Eases Litigation Ban for Board Appointments, But ACLU Says It's Still Unconstitutional
The 4-1 vote came over the objection of Councilmember Cervantes, who sought to delay the vote and refer the matter to closed session.
Riverside residents in class-action lawsuits can now be appointed to city boards and commissions under a revised rule passed Tuesday over constitutional objections.
Why it matters: If you've ever joined a class-action suit against the city — or considered it — the original January rule would have barred you from serving on any board or commission. Tuesday's 4-1 vote carves out an exception, but critics say the policy still violates residents' First Amendment rights.
Driving the news: The ACLU of Southern California warned the council in writing Tuesday that even the revised resolution "will violate the constitutional rights of people who sue the city."
- The council passed it anyway, with the understanding the ACLU's letter will be taken up in a future closed session.
Yes, but: Councilmember Cervantes moved to delay the vote and send the matter to closed session first — her motion failed 3-2, and she cast the lone "no" vote on final passage.
What they're saying: Supporters argued the council already informally avoids appointing litigants, and Tuesday's vote simply added clarity on class actions.
- "It's a messier version without this language," Councilmember Robillard said.
The backstory: Council passed the original litigation ban in January. Residents and organizations — including a Ward 1 resident currently suing over a June ballot measure — raised constitutional concerns, prompting the revision.
What's next: The ACLU's objections go to closed session at a future council meeting. No date set.
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Adoptable Pet of the Week
Meet Crosby!
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.
This Weekend in Riverside
Friday, March 27
- Volunteer Interest Hour at Riverside Meals on Wheels
- Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
- 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture at Civil Rights Institute Inland Southern California
- Club 90's Presents Benito Bowl (18+) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
- LA ORIGINAL BANDA EL LIMÓN - 60 ANIVERSARIO at Fox Performing Arts Center
- The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture at Civil Rights Institute Inland Southern California
- Orange Terrace Library | Chess Club at Orange Terrace Library
Saturday, March 28
- The 4th Annual Citrus Festival at California Citrus State Historic Park
- Goeske Spring Festival at Janet Goeske Center
- Natural Building Workshops at Land Use Learning Center
- Mt. Rubidoux Walking Tour at Mt. Rubidoux Trailhead, a short walk from Ryan Bonaminio Park. ($21.20)
- 5th Anniversary Fundraiser "A Queen's Meeting" at Victoria Club ($140.56)
- Blue Zones Project Riverside Tobacco Clean Up at Cesar Chavez Community Center
- Fifth Anniversary Fundraiser "A Queen's Meeting"at Victoria Club
- Flower Crowns at Marcy Library
- The Garden at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
- Goeske Bingo at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
- History of Section 14: Memory, Justice, and Community at Civil Rights Institute Inland Southern California
- Van Halen Tribute by The Atomic Punks! at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove ($20.23)
Sunday, March 29
- Prayers and Public Information Meeting at Riverside Baha'i Center
- New Romantics Book Club at Marcy Library
- Sunday Experiment After Dark at Downtown Experiment
Save the Date
- April 2: Hays Press-Enterprise Lecture at University Theatre
- April 5: Easter Celebration at First Congregational Church of Riverside
- April 11: Olivewood Cemetery Tour at Olivewood Cemetery ($21.20)
- Apr il12: The Expeditions of Juan Bautista de Anza through Riverside County at Riverside Medical Clinic Basement Meeting Room
- April 17: Frozen: The Broadway Musical at Woodcrest Christian School Royals Pavilion ($15- $20)
- April 18: Fant-A-She’s at Riverside Municipal Auditorium ($37- $97)
- May 17: Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social at Riverside's Heritage House
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