Golden hour light washes over the Riverside Art Museum. (Kathy Allavie) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
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.
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.
Ward 4 candidates Chuck Conder, Jessica Qattawi and Richard Vandenberg face questions from moderator Dan Bernstein at the Raincross Gazette's candidate forum Wednesday.
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.
A curated list of upcoming events and happenings The Gazette team is most excited about.
The Walking Moai — because the best steps are the ones you take together. Moais are small social circles rooted in Okinawan tradition and central to the Blue Zones philosophy. This is just one of the many ways Riverside is building community this May. (Erin Edwards)
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.
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 Jerry Blu, probably the most easygoing dog you’ll come across. Jerry Blu is 7yrs old and is happy taking life at a leisurely pace. He enjoys going out for walks, especially if it’s followed up by some quality time and a good round of pets. Jerry Blu’s personality and demeanor have a way of making everyone he meets immediately fall in love, especially when he leans in for attention and more scratches on his velvety soft head. He’d do best as the only dog in the home, where he can relax and enjoy having his people all to himself. If you’re looking for a steady, low-key companion, Jerry Blu might be your guy. Come meet Jerry Blu 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 update: Tilly was adopted! 🥳
📣
See something? Say something. Your tips and ideas are what fuel The Raincross Gazette. If you know of something newsworthy happening in our city, please share it with us.
