Friday Gazette: May 1, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! Last night, we wrapped up our Ward Community Forum series with an evening focused on Ward 6 candidates, closing out three nights that also brought us Ward 4 and, where it all began, Ward 2. These forums meant a lot to us to put together, and hearing from those of you who attended, well, it's meant even more. We've received kind words and genuine appreciation from folks who called these some of the best political events they've been to in Riverside. That's because of you: the neighbors who showed up, sent in thoughtful questions, and were present in the room. Thank you, sincerely, for making this series what it was.
See you tomorrow!
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2026 ELECTION
Ward 4 Candidates Clash Over Warehouses, Taxes and Public Safety at Gazette Forum
Incumbent Chuck Conder, Jessica Qattawi and Richard Vandenberg faced off Wednesday on the issues defining the race.
Three Ward 4 candidates clashed sharply Wednesday at the Raincross Gazette's candidate forum, trading challenges over warehouse development, a proposed sales tax increase and years of unfulfilled promises on public safety infrastructure.
Incumbent Chuck Conder, local business owner Jessica Qattawi and local business owner Richard Vandenberg are vying for the Ward 4 council seat.
Ward 4 covers neighborhoods including Alessandro Heights, Mission Grove, Orangecrest and the Greenbelt, which became a part of Ward 4 during redistricting in 2023 – meaning many residents in this area will be voting in a Ward 4 race for the first time this year.
The forum was moderated by former Press Enterprise columnist and longtime Riversider Dan Bernstein, who introduced discussion questions on both citywide and Ward 4-specific questions.
Read and share the complete Ward 4 Forum Recap...
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RAINCROSS RUNDOWN
The Best of Riverside in May 2026
A curated list of upcoming events and happenings The Gazette team is most excited about.
May arrives in Riverside with something for everyone — from the first notes of a banda set echoing across White Park to a yoga mat spread out under open sky and the smell of fresh tacos on a warm May evening. This month the city leans into its traditions while making room for new ones, and whether you're raising a glass on Cinco de Mayo, making something with your hands, or dancing through the last Saturday of the month under a Pride flag, there's something for everyone and plenty of reason to be out and about.
Read and share the complete May Rundown...
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Adoptable Pet of the Week
Meet Jerry Blu!
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.
What's Happening in Riverside
Friday, May 1
- Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- Volunteer Interest Hour at Riverside Meals on Wheels
- Deck of Cards Silent Auction - Your Pet's Photo in a Special Deck of Cards at Online for Mary S. Roberts pet Adoption Center ($10.00)
- OLPH Fiesta at OLPH Parish & School
- The Fake Actors Guild: Bob's Burgers Table Read for PRIDE! B2tG at Back To The Grind ($12.51)
- Into the Breeches! by George Brant at Riverside Community Players at Riverside Community Players ($20.00 - $22.24)
- Riverside: An All-American City — A Celebration of America 250 at Mission Inn Foundation and Museum
- La Santa Cecilia at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
- Las Alucines -Tu Nuevo Estilo de Vida US Tour at Fox Performing Arts Center
- Painting Fairies Night, a Comedy Paint and Sip at Carbon Nation Brewing ($28.52)
- Riverside Children's Theater - Disney's Little Mermaid Junior at JW North High School ($15.00)
- Riverside Off-Road & Jeep Nights at D'Elia's Grinders
- World Music Festival at University Theatre
Saturday, May 2
- Show and Go Car Show at Downtown Riverside
- Milkweed sale and Monarch Celebration at LandUse Learning Center
- Evergreen Cemetery Tour at Evergreen Memorial Park ($23.18)
- FREE Paper Shred Event Hosted by The Perrone Team at D'Elia's Grinders Orangecrest
- Goeske Bingo at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
- Olive Country Charcuterie Bar at Olive Country Charcuterie Bar
- Riverside Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl at Killer Queens Social House
- Sublime Tribute by Don't Push! at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove ($20.23)
Sunday, May 3
- Prayers and Public Information Meeting at Riverside Baha'i Center
- Gardening for Butterflies at Botanic Gardens
- Origami with Michelle at Botanic Gardens
- Storytime in the Gardens at UCR Botanic Gardens
- Architectural Walking Tour of Downtown Riverside at Mission Inn Foundation & Visitor Center ($21.20)
- CALIFORNIA WOMEN'S CHORUS CONCERT at CAL BAPTIST-VAN DYNE GYM ($25- $30)
- Competitive Monopoly Fundraiser at Thompson Brewing Company ($44.52)
- Noteworthy Connections 20s and 30s: We’re Not Really Strangers at Back to the Grind
- "The Sound of Riverside" - The 2026 Riverside Arts Academy Gala at UCR University Theatre ($150- $325)
Save the Date
- May 6: Senior Conference at Janet Goeske Center
- May 8: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- May 13: Level Up Your Network: The Pick Group 2026 Membership Summit at Killer Queens Social House
- May 16: Vintage Home Tour “Age is a Work of Art” at Peter J Weber House ($30)
- May 17: Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social at Riverside's Heritage House
- June 1: REEF's 27th Annual Golf Tournament at Canyon Crest Country Club ($140- $175)
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