Monday Gazette: May 4, 2026

Hello Riverside, and Happy Monday! This is just a quick note to let you know to expect a second email from us later today.

I've been working since last November to tell you a story with monumental implications for Riverside, not the first time I tried to share it… things went… poorly. So I'm spending a bit of extra time dotting I's and crossing the T's this morning before we hit publish.

Because I think it's such a big deal, you'll be getting a bonus edition later this morning – see you soon!

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GOVERNMENT

This Week in City Hall: May 4, 2026

City Council weighs speed limits, rezoning and ethics rules Tuesday, with a closed-session city manager performance review also on the agenda.

Welcome to our weekly digest of public meetings and agenda items worth your attention for this coming week. This guide is part of our mission to provide everyday Riversiders like you with the information to speak up on the issues you care about.

City Council

City Council will meet in closed and open sessions on Tuesday, May 5, in afternoon sessions at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (agenda). The agenda includes:

• Considering a resolution establishing a formal citywide policy governing how ward-specific special events, programs, and projects are approved and managed across all City Council districts.
• Considering an ordinance updating the City's Code of Ethics to add rules addressing misconduct through digital communications by city officials and employees.
• Considering adopting an ordinance increasing administrative citation fines to $100 for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for repeated violations of the same City rule.
• Considering adopting an ordinance rezoning roughly 2.72 acres in Ward 6 from single-family to multi-family residential, which would allow higher-density apartment development on three parcels along Hedrick and Jones Avenues.
• Considering transferring existing utility agreements at the City's water treatment plant to a bioenergy company to support a project that would convert organic waste into renewable natural gas.
• Considering introducing an ordinance reducing speed limits on streets throughout Riverside under a new citywide program, with new signage and pavement markings to follow on affected roads including Victoria Avenue.
• Conducting a closed session to evaluate the performance of the City Manager, as permitted under California law governing personnel matters.

Human Resources Board

The Human Resources Board meets on Monday, May 4, at 5 p.m. (agenda) to hold public hearings on two proposed City personnel policy updates — one addressing benefits for temporary and seasonal employees, and one covering disability accommodations for job applicants and city workers.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission meets on Thursday, May 7, at 9 a.m. (agenda) to review the city's two-year Capital Improvement Program to determine whether planned public projects are consistent with Riverside's General Plan 2025, as required by California state law.

Board of Ethics

The Board of Ethics meets on Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m. (agenda) to consider an educational review of City ethics rules governing confidential information and use of City resources, discuss the formation of working groups under its 2026 work plan and receive an update on a potential ballot measure related to Charter review.

Read and share the complete story...

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FROM THE MAYOR'S DESK

Opinion: How Outside Partnerships are Shaping Riverside's Economic Future

A nonprofit "do-tank," Bloomberg Philanthropies and a Harvard fellowship are among the collaborations the mayor says are moving the city forward.

Riverside’s is putting its strengths to work, telling our story to deliver progress that will expand opportunity for generations to come. We are home to three universities that support businesses with research and talent. We have a greenbelt and a river that connect us with nature. We have beautiful neighborhoods where families can thrive, and a rich history reflected in our architecture and culture.

But as a Riverside native, I find myself constantly striving for more for my city. While we are great, we can be even better. We can build a more resilient and diversified economy that creates jobs so people can live where they work. We can create civic spaces where our community gathers and connects. We can ensure there is enough housing and supportive services so that homelessness becomes a thing of the past. These ambitions drive my work every day, because Riverside residents deserve a life filled with opportunity, connection, and pride in their community.

Since taking office, my strategy has been simple: seek out opportunities and resources that make Riverside better. Everyday I am pursuing the avenues and supports that will create jobs, support businesses, improve services, address homelessness, and expand recreation and access to nature. This strategy has resulted in strong partnerships with philanthropy, funding from state and federal governments, and collaboration with organizations that share our commitment to improving quality of life for our residents.

Read and share the complete story...

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Noteworthy

Riverside's Park and Recreation Commission received an update Wednesday on a community engagement process to gather public input on the Cesar Chavez Community Center's name, with staff emphasizing no renaming has been proposed and a multicultural forum scheduled for June 3.

This Week in Riverside

Today

• Volunteer Interest Hour at Riverside Meals on Wheels
• Goeske Bingo at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
• Monday Carillon Recitals at UCR Bell Tower

Tomorrow

• Power Up Your Morning with May's Pick Power Hour! at The Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce (free- $10)
• ScotSurplus Public Sale at ScotSurplus, UCR Corporation Yard
• THE GAME : a Monthly Megagame experience at Nevermore Game Club ($7.18)
• Karaoke Tuesday Competition at the Hideaway at The Hideaway

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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