> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 🗞️ Riverside News- November 20, 2025 - URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-news-november-20-2025/ - Published: 2025-11-20T13:00:03.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-09T02:16:54.000Z - Description: 2026 voter guide, Council OKs $16.8M animal services deal... - Author: Gazette Staff - Tags: Newsletter ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2025/11/RG-Feat-Image-Template-2-9.jpg) 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](https://goldstandardca.notion.site/13eef165d2ee80fa91c3de069cc9ec29?ref=raincrossgazette.com) 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](mailto:newsroom@raincrossgazette.com). We always love to shine a light on those who are serving our community. --- #### [2026 ELECTION](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/2026-election/) ## 2026 Election: Voter Guide 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. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2025/11/RG-Feat-Image-Template-3-3.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/2026-election-guide) 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. [Read and share the complete 2026 Election Guide...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/2026-election-guide) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169513/image/0?seed=20251120)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169513/click/0?seed=20251120&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [GOVERNMENT](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/government/) ## 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. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2025/11/RG-Feat-Image-Template-4-1.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/city-council-approves-16-8-million-animal-services-agreement-despite-cost-concerns) 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. [Read and share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/https://www.raincrossgazette.com/city-council-approves-16-8-million-animal-services-agreement-despite-cost-concerns) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169515/image/0?seed=20251120)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169515/click/0?seed=20251120&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- ## Noteworthy UCR psychology professor Misaki Natsuaki will lead a four-year child abuse prevention research program funded by [a $1 million gift from the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center Foundation](https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2025/11/19/1-million-gift-barbara-sinatra-childrens-center-foundation-will-support?ref=raincrossgazette.com), addressing the more than 2 million U.S. children reported abused annually. Riverside cardiologist Dr. Ramy Sadek recommends [filling half your plate with vegetables and taking a 10-15 minute post-meal walk](https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2025/11/12/have-heart-healthy-thanksgiving?ref=raincrossgazette.com) to help maintain heart health during Thanksgiving, while using simple ingredient swaps like olive oil instead of butter. 📣 ****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](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/contact/). --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [ ![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169514/image/0?seed=20251120) ](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169514/click/0?seed=20251120&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- ## What's Happening in Riverside ### Today - [Give Hope. Give Food.](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/give-hope-give-food/17423408/2025-11-20T08) at Coldwell Banker Realty - [Kind Moments Begin with You Giving Drive](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/kind-moments-begin-with-you-giving-drive/17396444/2025-11-20T09) at RMC Charitable Foundation - [Riverside City Teacher Association's Holiday Canned Food Drive](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-city-teacher-associations-holiday-canned-food-drive/17330299/2025-11-20T08) at Riverside City Teachers Association - [Economic Development Committee](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/economic-development-committee/17125600/2025-11-20T15) at Riverside City Hall - [Planning Commission](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/planning-commission/17125599/2025-11-20T09) at Riverside City Hall - [Commission on Disabilities](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/commission-on-disabilities/16610435/2025-11-20T17) at Riverside City Hall - [Purpose Workshop](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/purpose-workshop/17325012/2025-11-20T18) at Blue Zones Project Riverside Office - [Cash for College Mini Series](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/cash-for-college-mini-series/17079879/2025-11-20T13) at Riverside City College - [UC Riverside Highlanders Women's Volleyball vs. CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/uc-riverside-highlanders-womens-volleyball-vs-csu-bakersfield-roadrunners/16745839/2025-11-20T18) at UCR Student Recreation Center - [Friendsgiving Pizza Making Night](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/friendsgiving-pizza-making-night/17461646/2025-11-20T19) at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa - [BVRNT/TOUR Jakobs Castle and Strawberry Fuzz with Strange Case](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/bvrnttour-jakobs-castle-and-strawberry-fuzz-with-strange-case/16765957/2025-11-20T20) at The Barn - [**History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation**](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/history-on-the-rocks-presented-by-the-mission-inn-foundation/17085742/2025-11-20T17) at The Mission Inn Foundation ($49.87) - [Perfume De Gardenia](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/perfume-de-gardenia/16610560/2025-11-20T16) at Fox Performing Arts Center ### Tomorrow - [Holiday Donation Drive for Homeless Pets](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/holiday-donation-drive-for-homeless-pets/17426967/2025-11-21T00) at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center - [Holiday Pet Pictures with Santa or the Grinch](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/holiday-pet-pictures-with-santa-or-the-grinch/17283316/2025-11-21T13) at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center ($40) - [Movies on the Lawn: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/movies-on-the-lawn-dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde-1941/17178971/2025-11-21T18) at Heritage House - [Riverside City Chorale Concert](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-city-chorale-concert/17079838/2025-11-21T19) at Riverside City College - [BOLO (18+)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/bolo-18/16924381/2025-11-21T21) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium - [Live Norteño](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/live-norteo-the-hideaway-riverside/17316874/2025-11-21T21) at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge - [Yuri - Iconica US Tour](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/yuri-iconica-us-tour/15519767/2025-11-21T19) at Fox Performing Arts Center ### Save the Date - November 29: [Holiday Marketplace](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/holiday-marketplace/17343251/2025-11-29T08) at Arcade Coffee Roasters - Tasting Room - December 6: [Home and Story: Growing Up with the Museum](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/home-and-story-growing-up-with-the-museum/16978374/2025-12-06T14) at Riverside City College | Salvatore G. Rotella Digital Library and Learning Resource Center ($35- $50) - December 13: [Olivewood Memorial Park Historical Cemetery Tour](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/olivewood-memorial-park-historical-cemetery-tour/17114266/2025-12-13T10) at Olivewood Memorial Park ($20) - December 13: [Wreaths Across America](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/wreaths-across-america/17260238/2025-12-13T09) at Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery 🗓️ [See More Events](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/)📝 [Submit Your Event](https://hub.cityspark.com/Event/Submission/Raincross?ref=raincrossgazette.com) 📸 [Submit a photo](http://raincrossgazette.com/submitphoto?ref=raincrossgazette.com) to be featured in our newsletters and social media accounts. 🏆 [Nominate a remarkable Riversider](https://rgnotw.paperform.co/?ref=raincrossgazette.com) as Neighbor of the Week.