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.
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.
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...
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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.
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...
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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, 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 to help maintain heart health during Thanksgiving, while using simple ingredient swaps like olive oil instead of butter.
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What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Give Hope. Give Food. at Coldwell Banker Realty
- Kind Moments Begin with You Giving Drive at RMC Charitable Foundation
- Riverside City Teacher Association's Holiday Canned Food Drive at Riverside City Teachers Association
- Economic Development Committee at Riverside City Hall
- Planning Commission at Riverside City Hall
- Commission on Disabilities at Riverside City Hall
- Purpose Workshop at Blue Zones Project Riverside Office
- Cash for College Mini Series at Riverside City College
- UC Riverside Highlanders Women's Volleyball vs. CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners at UCR Student Recreation Center
- Friendsgiving Pizza Making Night at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
- BVRNT/TOUR Jakobs Castle and Strawberry Fuzz with Strange Case at The Barn
- History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at The Mission Inn Foundation ($49.87)
- Perfume De Gardenia at Fox Performing Arts Center
Tomorrow
- Holiday Donation Drive for Homeless Pets at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center
- Holiday Pet Pictures with Santa or the Grinch at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center ($40)
- Movies on the Lawn: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941) at Heritage House
- Riverside City Chorale Concert at Riverside City College
- BOLO (18+) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
- Live Norteño at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
- Yuri - Iconica US Tour at Fox Performing Arts Center
Save the Date
- November 29: Holiday Marketplace at Arcade Coffee Roasters - Tasting Room
- December 6: Home and Story: Growing Up with the Museum at Riverside City College | Salvatore G. Rotella Digital Library and Learning Resource Center ($35- $50)
- December 13: Olivewood Memorial Park Historical Cemetery Tour at Olivewood Memorial Park ($20)
- December 13: Wreaths Across America at Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery
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