The City Council's Land Use Committee failed to achieve quorum Monday, extending the wait for regulatory changes aimed at smoke shops linked to illegal drug activity.
Hello Riverside, and Happy Tuesday! Today we honor all who have served our nation, including the many veterans who call Riverside home. Military service runs deep in our community. If you see a veteran today, a simple "thank you" goes a long way. And if you're a veteran reading this, we're grateful for your service and proud to have you as our neighbor.
Land Use Committee Cancels Meeting After Failing Quorum, Delays Smoke Shop Policy Review
The City Council's Land Use Committee failed to achieve quorum Monday, extending the wait for regulatory changes aimed at smoke shops linked to illegal drug activity.
Committee Chair Sean Mill opened the meeting at 9:01 a.m. and immediately announced the cancellation due to lack of quorum.
The City Council approved a moratorium on new smoke shop permits in September, later extending it through September 2026 to allow time for policy development.
"I apologize to those that came in public and to those of you that were planning to participate in the meeting," Mill said. "We will get this meeting rescheduled for December and hope to see you all then."
The city has 226 tobacco retailers operating citywide, including 20 businesses selling tobacco products without any permit. Police investigations at 13 smoke shops this year resulted in the seizure of almost 80,000 illegal tobacco products, along with nearly 5,000 cannabis products, over 500 nitrous oxide cylinders and 182 units of psilocybin mushroom products.
The committee's next scheduled meeting is Dec. 8 at 9 a.m.
La Sierra University Hosts Free Archaeology Weekend Exploring Alexander the Great
The Nov. 15-16 event features international scholars, hands-on activities, and a children's archaeological dig at the university's archaeology center.
Children practice archaeological excavation techniques during a previous La Sierra University Archaeology Discovery Weekend. This year's event on Nov. 15-16 will include similar hands-on activities. (Courtesy of La Sierra University)
La Sierra University opens its doors for the 17th annual Archaeology Discovery Weekend, featuring free lectures, hands-on activities, and cultural experiences centered on Alexander the Great and his impact on the ancient world.
Driving the news: The two-day event combines scholarly presentations from six international experts with family-friendly activities including simulated archaeological digs, Greek name writing, pottery puzzles, and mosaic making.
Registration is required but admission is free for all activities.
The details: Saturday runs 3-6 p.m. at the Zapara School of Business Troesh Conference Center with lectures and an evening reception featuring guests from Madaba, Jordan. Sunday continues with lectures from 1-4 p.m., followed by family activities from 4-6 p.m. at the Lawrence T. Geraty and Douglas R. Clark Center for Near Eastern Archaeology.
Why it matters: The weekend offers Riverside families an accessible educational experience that connects scholarly research with interactive learning opportunities for all ages.
Featured speakers: Dr. Andrea M. Berlin of Boston University discusses "The Alexander Effect: An Archaeology of Celebrity," while Dr. Rachel Kousser of CUNY examines how Alexander transformed everyday life. La Sierra's Dr. Kent Bramlett opens with "Alexander and the Great Cultural Exchange."
The extras: A Bedouin tent will offer Middle Eastern refreshments and cultural activities, including traditional songs and dances. The weekend concludes with a screening of "Night at the Museum."
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