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# 🗞️ Riverside News- September 16, 2026
- URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-news-september-16-2026/
- Published: 2026-09-16T12:00:23.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-16T12:00:26.000Z
- Description: Second-chance entertainment permits backed, Native American Day, South Main St. redesign workshop, La Sierra AI research grant...
- Author: Gazette Staff
- Tags: Newsletter

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/09/3.jpeg)

Getting an early start on a Tuesday morning hike up Mt. Rubidoux. (Erin McIlvenny) 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!

**Wednesday Gazette: September 16, 2026**

**Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday!** Today is National Working Parents Day, so we want to give a quick shout out to every parent in town juggling school drop offs, work deadlines, dinner, and everything in between. It's a lot, and you're doing better than you think.

Here's what else is happening around town:

---

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#### [BUSINESS](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/business/) 

## Committee Backs Second Chance for Businesses with Past Violations Seeking Entertainment Permits 

The Land Use Committee also voted to keep permit appeals with a hearing officer rather than the City Council, over the dissent of its chair. 

[![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/09/RG-Feat-Image-Template-7-4.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/committee-backs-second-chance-for-businesses-with-past-violations-seeking-entertainment-permits/)

Downtown Experiment, at 3601 Orange St. in Downtown, is at the center of a permitting dispute the City Council's Land Use Committee took up Monday. | File photo/Raincross Gazette

Businesses with past code violations could soon qualify for entertainment permits under a Land Use Committee proposal.

**Why it matters:** If you run or frequent downtown entertainment venues, this could ease permit renewals — but appeals of permit denials will still bypass the City Council.

**Driving the news:** The committee voted 2-1 on Sept. 14 to let the police chief approve permits for businesses that fix past violations and accept added conditions.

- The change follows the Downtown Experiment case, where past police calls, a shooting and other incidents nearly cost the nightclub its permits before it agreed to compliance steps.

**Yes, but:** Committee Chair Clarissa Cervantes cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing elected council members should keep a role in permit decisions.

- Cervantes wants "that opportunity for it to still land before council," saying members know their wards' businesses best.

**By the numbers:** Riverside has **eight** active entertainment permits citywide, with two more businesses waiting in the pipeline.

- A city survey of 30 California cities found 15 send permit appeals to a hearing officer, while nine send them to a city council.

**What's next:** The full City Council takes up the proposal next. Staff must first report on cost differences between permit types and the workload impact on police.

[Read and share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/committee-backs-second-chance-for-businesses-with-past-violations-seeking-entertainment-permits/)

---

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#### [HISTORY](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/history/) 

## California Native American Day: The Fourth Friday of September 

State holidays like Sept. 25 give the public a chance to learn about the tribal nations of their region and break the stereotypes they hold. 

[![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/09/RG-Feat-Image-Template-5-4.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/california-native-american-day-the-fourth-friday-of-september/)

In 1939, then-Gov. Culbert Olson declared Oct. 1 as "Indian Day" to recognize the contributions and culture of California's Native tribes. California was the first state to do so. In 1968, during Ronald Reagan's governorship, the date changed to the fourth Friday of September and renamed "California Native American Day." A few years later in 1970, Riverside's Mayor Ben H. Lewis proclaimed Sept. 25 as "American Indian Day."

The purpose for such emphasis on California Native people has much to do with the way they have been historically talked about and documented by non-natives. Always in past tense and never fully understood for the diverse communities that exist across the state. Native tribes are not monoliths, and stereotypes that perpetrate this narrative are being dismantled; rightly so. California is historically home to the most tribes in the country – both federally and non-federally recognized. According to [worldpopulationreview.com](http://worldpopulationreview.com/?ref=raincrossgazette.com): "While Alaska leads in federally recognized tribes, California has the largest combined total of both federally recognized and non-recognized tribes, reflecting its deep and diverse heritage." Similar in ways, yet each has unique languages, beliefs, traditions, food ways and customs.

[Read and share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/california-native-american-day-the-fourth-friday-of-september/)

---

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#### [PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/planning-and-development/) 

## Sept. 29 Workshop To Cover South Main Street Redesign Plans 

The meeting will cover proposed traffic calming measures, bike lanes and parking changes along the busy corridor near Third Street. 

[![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/09/RG-Feat-Image-Template-12.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/sept-29-workshop-to-cover-south-main-street-redesign-plans/)

Ward 1 residents and business owners study an aerial map of the South Main Street corridor during a May 21 community workshop at the Salvation Army Riverside Corps, placing stickers to identify current conditions and concerns as planners looked on. | Amy López/Raincross Gazette

South Main Street between Third Street and Highway 60 is getting new bike lanes, sidewalks and diagonal parking under a city redesign.

**Why it matters:** If you drive, bike, walk or run a business along that stretch of South Main, you can review the design and weigh in before it's finalized.

**Driving the news:** The city will present its preferred design for South Main Street at a public workshop this month, seeking resident feedback before finalizing plans.

- The South Main Street Complete Streets Project is funded through the federal Safe Streets for All grant and builds on the Northside Specific Plan.

**What's new:** Plans add diagonal parking down the center of the street, wider sidewalks and painted bike lanes on both sides.

- Traffic-calming features include high-visibility crosswalks, curb extensions, speed feedback signs, pedestrian signals and reduced speed limits.

**What's next:** The workshop runs **Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m.** at Salvation Army Riverside Corps, 3695 1st St. Spanish and ASL interpretation and refreshments will be available.

[Read and share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/sept-29-workshop-to-cover-south-main-street-redesign-plans/)

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#### [HIGHER EDUCATION](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/higher-education/) 

## La Sierra Professor Selected for DOE Genesis Mission AI Research Grant 

The Riverside university is the only Seventh-day Adventist institution and one of two Inland Empire schools selected nationwide. 

[![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/09/RG-Feat-Image-Template-4-6.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/la-sierra-professor-selected-for-doe-genesis-mission-ai-research-grant/)

Dr. Fuhao Li, assistant professor of computer science, poses in front of a banner featuring the DOE Genesis Mission grant awards. | Courtesy of Fuhao Li

A La Sierra University professor will help lead national research into securing electric vehicle battery systems from cyberattacks.

**Why it matters:** La Sierra is one of just 13 California schools tapped for the federal initiative — a rare win for Inland Empire higher education and the region's only Adventist university in the program.

**What's new:** The U.S. Department of Energy selected assistant professor Fuhao Li's team for Phase I of its new Genesis Mission — a nine-month grant to secure the AI systems that manage EV batteries against cyberattacks.

- Li's collaborators include researchers from the University of North Dakota, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Clean Republic SODO, LLC.

**By the numbers:** DOE chose **278 projects** out of more than 5,000 applications submitted nationwide for the initiative, announced in July.

- La Sierra is one of only 13 California higher-ed institutions selected, and one of two from the Inland Empire.

**What they're saying:** Li said keeping AI models "secure, reliable and resilient" is critical as they take on a bigger role in energy systems.

**What's next:** Researchers spend nine months testing AI defenses against simulated battery attacks, then hope to try them on real batteries and expand the work to smart grids.

[Read and share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/la-sierra-professor-selected-for-doe-genesis-mission-ai-research-grant/)

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[](https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2026/08/31/washington-monthly-ranks-ucr-top-3-us-universities?ref=raincrossgazette.com)

📣

****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/).

---

## What's Happening in Riverside

### Today

- [About Writing](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/about-writing/18335813/2026-09-16T10) at Janet Goeske Center
- [Stretch & Dance Class](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/stretch-dance-class/17541755/2026-09-16T09) at Janet Goeske Senior Center
- [FREE Beginning Square Dance Lessons with Line Dancing](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-beginning-square-dance-lessons-with-line-dancing/19511049/2026-09-16T18) at Cowtown Square Dance Center
- [FREE YOGA - Seated Yoga with Kristin Varner](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-yoga-seated-yoga-with-kristin-varner/19504145/2026-09-16T17) at All Saints Episcopal Church
- [History on the Rocks - Round Two! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/history-on-the-rocks-round-two-presented-by-the-mission-inn-foundation/19516291/2026-09-16T17) at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21)
- [National Play-Doh Day at the Marcy Library](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/national-playdoh-day-at-the-marcy-library/19764106/2026-09-16T10) at Marcy Library
- [Riverside East Rotary Club](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-east-rotary-club/13565436/2026-09-16T07) at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
- [Riverside Jams](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-jams/19764406/2026-09-16T19) at Carbon Nation Brewery
- [Riverside Mission Belles](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-mission-belles/18883483/2026-09-16T09) at Victoria Presbyterian Church ($25)

### Tomorrow

- [2026 Turfgrass and Landscape Research Field Day](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/2026-turfgrass-and-landscape-research-field-day/19706221/2026-09-17T08) at Agricultural Operations
- [Constitution Day](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/constitution-day/19794810/2026-09-17T00) at University of California, Riverside
- [Faith Chat with Mother Kelli Grace Kurtz](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/faith-chat-with-mother-kelli-grace-kurtz/19849280/2026-09-17T13) at Online via Zoom
- [Family Storytime](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/family-storytime/17755264/2026-09-17T11) at Lincoln Park
- [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/19516284/2026-09-17T17) at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21)
- [Men's Soccer vs UC Irvine](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/mens-soccer-vs-uc-irvine/19563249/2026-09-17T19) at UCR Soccer Stadium
- [Women's Soccer vs. Northern Colorado](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/womens-soccer-vs-northern-colorado/19702618/2026-09-17T16) at UCR Soccer Stadium

## Save the Date

- Sep 18: [FREE YOGA - The Evolution of Ashtanga with Kristin Varner](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-yoga-the-evolution-of-ashtanga-with-kristin-varner/19060739/2026-09-18T08) at Community Yoga Center
- Sep 18: [Open Mic Night](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/open-mic-night/19553682/2026-09-18T19) at Riverside Baha'i Center
- Sep 18: [Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-sunrise-rotary-club-meeting/18634391/2026-09-18T07) at Zacatecas Café
- Sep 19: [FREE YOGA - The Art of Vinyasa with Catherine Murray](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-yoga-the-art-of-vinyasa-with-catherine-murray/19503669/2026-09-19T07) at Community Yoga Center
- Sep 19: [FREE YOGA - Yin Yoga with Kristin Varner](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-yoga-yin-yoga-with-kristin-varner/19503829/2026-09-19T09) at Community Yoga Center
- Sep 19: [Magic Underground](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/magic-underground/19874508/2026-09-19T18) at Back to the Grind ($30.00 - $45.00)
- Sep 21: [FREE YOGA - Moody Mondays with Cherie Amour](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-yoga-moody-mondays-with-cherie-amour/19504166/2026-09-21T19) at Community Yoga Center
- Sep 23: [FREE Beginning Square Dance Lessons with Line Dancing](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-beginning-square-dance-lessons-with-line-dancing/19511049/2026-09-23T18) at Cowtown Square Dance Center
- Sep 23: [FREE YOGA - Seated Yoga with Kristin Varner](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-yoga-seated-yoga-with-kristin-varner/19504145/2026-09-23T17) at All Saints Episcopal Church
- Sep 24: [Where are Riverside County's Ballots and How Secure Are Its Elections?](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/where-are-riverside-countys-ballots-and-how-secure-are-its-elections/19898438/2026-09-15T22) at The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture
- Sep 25: [Moon Festival](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/moon-festival/19501541/2026-09-25T18) at Heritage House
- Oct 3: [Aquamotion Aquathon](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/aquamotion-aquathon/19617601/2026-10-03T09) at Shamel Pool
- Oct 4: [Riverside Historical Society Local History Book Fair](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-historical-society-local-history-book-fair/19902224/2026-10-04T11) at Villegas Community Center
- Oct 7: [Fifty & Better Health Fair](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/fifty-better-health-fair/19338673/2026-10-07T10) at Janet Goeske Center
- Nov 14: [Riverside Veterans Parade](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-veterans-parade/19624354/2026-11-14T10) \- Downtown Riverside/Market St.

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