A striking white cactus bloom opens among river rocks in a Canyon Crest neighborhood yard. (Rhonda Waterman) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Thursday Gazette: May 21, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Ballots are already in Riversiders' hands and June 2 is coming up fast, so this is a good week to make sure you know where you stand on the races and measures on your ballot. The Gazette has been covering the Ward 2, 4, and 6 city council races since last spring, and we've pulled everything into one place: candidate profiles, forum coverage, a breakdown of Measure Z, and what you need to know to cast your ballot. One heads-up for mail voters: there's a postmark rule that could affect your ballot. We'll have more on that Friday.
City Budget Plan Trims Spending, Taps Reserves to Cover $27M Shortfall
The fiscal years 2026-28 biennial budget relies on cost reductions, reserve draws and one-time fixes to address General Fund and Measure Z gaps.
City staff have proposed a two-year budget that holds core services in place while cutting hours, trimming programs and leaning on reserves to close projected multimillion-dollar deficits.
Why it matters: The budget would reduce Sunday library hours at some branches and scale back parks spending and staffing — and it does not fund the fire department's request for 84 additional firefighters and two new stations.
By the numbers: The General Fund faces projected deficits of $27.1 million in 2026-27 and $34 million in 2027-28. The Measure Z fund is projected to run short by $9.8 million and $12.4 million in the same years.
Driving the news: Staff presented the plan May 14 to the Budget Engagement Commission, describing a "multi-pronged approach" that phases in reductions and limits reserve use.
Deputy Finance Director Sergio Aguilar said adding more fire funding would require "a corresponding decrease" elsewhere — the budget is already balanced.
Yes, but: Fire Chief Steve McKinster's request for roughly $28 million in additional annual fire funding — including 84 positions and two new stations — is "not funded within this budget," Aguilar told commissioners.
What's next: The commission forwarded its recommendations to City Council. Final adoption is expected in June.
City Proposes 5.7% Fee Hike, Automatic Inflation Increases
A public hearing is set for June 23 on changes that would affect dozens of city services.
Riverside is proposing to tie most city fees to inflation annually — starting with a 5.7 percent increase for the 2026-27 budget year.
Why it matters: Higher fees touch daily life: Parks and Rec programs, senior activities, animal services, field rentals, and recycling violations would all cost more — and future increases would happen automatically, without a separate council vote each year.
Driving the news: Council discussed the proposal May 19 and voted unanimously to advance it to a public hearing June 23.
The change would generate about $862,000 in added General Fund revenue.
By the numbers: Most fees would adjust annually to the Consumer Price Index for the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario area. New additions include a $49 contamination fee for repeat recycling or organics cart violations — required under state law — and new late fees for unpaid Fire Department inspection bills and parking violations.
Yes, but: Councilmember Sean Mill said he could not support "anything that has an automatic increase built right into the municipal code every year," and pressed staff on whether CPI-based hikes could push fees above actual service costs. Resident Aurora Chavez asked the council to phase in the increase more gradually, citing affordability concerns for animal services users.
What's next: A public hearing is set for June 23. Councilmembers called for stronger public outreach and deeper analysis of the proposal's long-term impact before final action.
Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center Monitors Bain Fire Through the Night
Staff monitored the approaching Bain Fire through the night and are encouraging Riversiders to foster or volunteer ahead of future emergencies.
Staff at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center work through the night hosing down the facility's perimeter as the Bain Fire burns nearby. The center sheltered in place until conditions improved. (Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center)
Staff at the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center monitored animals through the night as the Bain Fire threatened the facility, sheltering in place until after midnight.
Why it matters: If you've supported or volunteered with the shelter, the animals were never left alone — and the center is now asking the community to help create a buffer for future fire events.
Driving the news: Fire activity pushed staff into a prolonged overnight watch, with conditions close enough to trigger emergency plan review.
Community members arrived with food for staff; DCH Subaru of Riverside came to help however needed.
What they're saying: Director of operations Katie Stout credited preparation and vigilance — and acknowledged the night as a warning.
"Yesterday's fire activity served as an important reminder of how quickly conditions can change in our region during fire season," Stout said.
What's next: The center is asking residents to foster a pet or volunteer — both create evacuation capacity if fire threatens the shelter again.
Foster participants may be called on to help move animals in an emergency. Info at petsadoption.org or (951) 688-4340.
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