Tuesday Gazette: October 6, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Tuesday! It's Taco Tuesday, and it's also National Taco Day. Everyone in the Gazette newsroom has a go-to spot. A few local standbys are Tacos y Mas at 10203 Hole Ave., Pier 76 in the Riverside Plaza and Arts Bar & Grill at 3357 University Ave. in Downtown. On a busy Taco Tuesday, you'll find one of Riverside's favorite servers working the room at Arts. Where do you go for yours? Reply and let us know.
P.S. Highs are expected to stay in the triple digits through Thursday. Drink plenty of water, keep afternoon errands short and check in on neighbors who may need help staying cool. City cool centers open as drop-in spots whenever temperatures reach 97 degrees or higher.
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CITY HALL
RPU Taps More Climate Auction Money for Power Costs as Board Debates Refunds
Board members debate whether to amend the city charter so customers can get direct refunds from the utility's greenhouse gas allowance sales.
Riverside Public Utilities has used $34 million in carbon auction money for 2026 renewable power — more than triple 2025.
Why it matters: That money covers power costs electric customers would otherwise pay through rates. Direct bill credits likely won't arrive until 2029.
Driving the news: The Board of Public Utilities unanimously received RPU's annual report Monday but approved no new spending.
- The restricted reserve held about $50 million at the end of 2025.
Yes, but: Staff says City Charter Section 1204 could bar refunds from existing proceeds unless state law requires them.
- A new state rule requires refunds from extra allowances transferred to RPU starting in 2028.
- Board member Tom Evans urged charter language allowing refunds: "We need to find a way to make it happen."
Charging stations are advancing while a planned 36-megawatt battery project stalls.
- RPU could put up to $10 million toward fleet charging, with work expected to take about two years.
- The battery still lacks a site far enough from homes, and staff now favors developer financing.
What's next: Staff brings proposed policy updates to the board by year-end or January, then to City Council.
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COMMUNITY
Leave the Porch Light On for National Night Out Tuesday
Neighbors across Riverside gather Tuesday for National Night Out, with six free events and plenty of fun for kids.
Riverside Police and Fire will meet residents at four city park events, and you can join from your porch.
Why it matters: It's a free chance to meet your neighbors and the officers and firefighters who serve them. Every gathering is open to everyone.
Where to go: All events are Tuesday, Oct. 6.
- Bordwell Park, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 2008 Martin Luther King Blvd. (the only midday option)
- Hunt Park, 4–8 p.m., 4015 Jackson St.
- Reid Park, 5–7 p.m., 701 N. Orange St.
- Fairmount Park Lawn Bowling Club, 5–8 p.m., 2601 Fairmount Blvd.
- Wood Streets, 5:30–8 p.m., 4725 Brockton Ave. parking lot
- Orange Terrace Park, 6–8 p.m., 20010 Orange Terrace Parkway
What to expect: The four city park events feature emergency vehicles up close, demonstrations, info booths and kids' activities.
- Wood Streets offers free tacos, live music, a Nintendo game truck and a community raffle.
- The Downtown Area Neighborhood Alliance brings food, music and games to Fairmount Park.
Staying home? The city asks residents to lock their doors, turn on porch lights and spend time outside with neighbors Tuesday evening.
- Porch lights were the event's original tradition when it began in 1984.
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This Week in Riverside
Today
- Volunteer Orientation at UCR Botanic Gardens
- ScotSurplus Sale at ScotSurplus Store
- 2nd Annual Cutest Pets Contest at Marcy Library
- FREE YOGA - Mandala Yoga with Alejandro at Community Yoga Center
- Veterans Resource Center Open House at Veterans Resource Center, Costo Hall 125 - Veterans Resource Center
- NOWS 2026 National Night Out: Tacos, Tunes & Teamwork for Safety at Eden Lutheran Church Parking Lot
- 2026 National Night Out at National Night Out Orange Terrace Community Center
- Karaoke Tuesday Competition at The Hideaway
Tomorrow
- Fifty & Better Health Fair at Janet Goeske Center
- Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
- Adult Ballet Class at Riverside Ballet Arts LLC
- FREE Reading Assistance Program (RAP) at My Learning Studio
- FREE YOGA - Seated Yoga with Kristin Varner at All Saints Episcopal Church
- History on the Rocks - Round Two! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21)
- Men's Soccer vs UC San Diego at UCR Soccer Stadium
- Military & Veterans Alumni and Student Welcome Mixer at The Barn
- PEP: Mastering Mending with REPEAT, Reuse at Farm House Collective ($5)
- Riverside Jams at Carbon Nation Brewery
- Riverside Mission Belles at Victoria Presbyterian Church ($25)
Save the Date
- Oct 9: FREE YOGA - The Evolution of Ashtanga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Oct 9: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- Oct 10: FREE YOGA - The Art of Vinyasa with Catherine Murray at Community Yoga Center
- Oct 10: FREE YOGA - Yin Yoga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Oct 10: The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Ride at Riverside Plaza ($15- $80)
- Oct 12: FREE YOGA - Moody Mondays with Cherie Amourat Community Yoga Center
- Oct 14: FREE YOGA - Seated Yoga with Kristin Varner at All Saints Episcopal Church
- Oct 17: Spooky Music Organ Concert at First Congregational Church of Riverside ($30)
- Oct 22: Experience RUSD, Riverside Unified State of the District at Riverside Municipal Airport
- Oct 24: Magic Underground at Back to the Grind ($30- $45)
- Oct 24: Vintage Car and Warbird Show at Riverside Airport - Commemorative Air Force Hanger and Museum
- Oct 25: A Glorious Celebration of America at 250 at Calvary Presbyterian Church ($15- $25)
- Nov 5: Les Miserables at Woodcrest Christian School ($15- $20)
- Nov 7: Art in the Gardens at UCR Botanic Gardens
- Nov 14: Riverside Veterans Parade - Downtown Riverside/Market St.
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