Everything Riverside voters need to know to cast informed ballots in the June 2026 primary: candidate profiles, ballot measure explanations, and how to register and vote. Updated continuously through Election Day.
Fog blankets downtown Riverside and surrounding neighborhoods in this view from atop Mount Rubidoux. The recent stretch of low-lying clouds and rain has prompted numerous fog photos from readers across the city. (Luke López) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Thursday Gazette: November 20, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Today is Social Enterprise Day, celebrating businesses that operate with heart and purpose. These are the local shops, cafes, and services that don't just turn a profit but actively work to lift up our community.
You probably already support social enterprises right here in Riverside without even thinking about it. That thrift store where you find hidden treasures? The restaurant that trains workers from underserved communities? Today's a good day to take a minute to send them an email or write a review. And if you know a business working hard every day to make Riverside better, let us know at newsroom@raincrossgazette.com. We always love to shine a light on those who are serving our community.
Everything Riverside voters need to know to cast informed ballots in the June 2026 primary: candidate profiles, ballot measure explanations, and how to register and vote. Updated continuously through Election Day.
The County of Riverside Registrar of Voters office at 2720 Gateway Drive will serve as a key resource for residents during the June 2026 election. (Amy López)
Riverside voters will begin choosing City Council representatives for Wards 2, 4, and 6 in the June 2026 primary election, with runoffs in November if no candidate wins at least 50% of the vote. This marks the first time residents in these even-numbered wards will vote under new ward boundaries adopted in 2023.
The Raincross Gazette is interviewing candidates as they announce their campaigns and will continue publishing comprehensive coverage through Election Day, including candidate profiles, ward-specific race analysis, and voting resources.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This voter guide will be updated continuously through the June 2026 primary. We're publishing candidate profiles as we complete interviews, with comprehensive race coverage launching in early 2026. Last updated Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 5 a.m.
City Council Approves $16.8 Million Animal Services Agreement Despite Cost Concerns
Three-year contract with Riverside County includes community programs aimed at reducing shelter intake.
The County of Riverside Department of Animal Services shelter on Van Buren. The City Council approved a $16.8 million three-year agreement with the county for animal control and sheltering services on Nov. 18. (Justin Pardee)
Riverside will pay $16.8 million over three years for county animal control despite councilmembers balking at costs and unusual billing for meetings.
Why it matters: Your pet-related city services—stray pickup, sheltering, and animal control responding to 10-15 daily calls—depend on this agreement. Without it, those services disappear immediately.
Driving the news: Council voted 5-2 Tuesday to approve the contract after the county stopped subsidizing services. Riverside accounts for 24.6% of all impounds countywide—the highest share.
By the numbers:
Sheltering fees jump 17% year one, 44% year two, 20% year three
County euthanized 37% of dogs and cats in 2023—activists say that's the nation's highest rate
County shelters now operate at 200% capacity
What's new: The City allocated $816,000 for programs to reduce shelter intake, including microchip scanners at libraries, free spay/neuter services from local vets, and free adoptions at Festival of Lights Dec. 4 and 18.
Yes, but: Multiple councilmembers called provisions charging Riverside for county staff meeting time "absurd" and "ridiculous." The county uses the same template for all contract cities.
What's next: If Riverside substantially reduces animals kenneled, the county agreed to reevaluate third-year pricing.
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