Thursday Gazette: September 24, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Today is National Horchata Day, a good excuse to talk about aguas frescas, the light, fruit-forward drinks Mexico is known for, cool, colorful, and endlessly refreshing on a warm afternoon. The name means "fresh water," and the drinks are made by blending fruit, seeds, flowers, or grains with water and a touch of sugar before serving over ice. Horchata is the rice, milk, and cinnamon version, but you'll also find versions made from watermelon, cantaloupe, hibiscus flowers, or tamarind around town. Where do you get yours?
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CITY HALL
E-bike Ordinance Heads Back to Committee After Councilmember Says Trail Ban Was a Mistake
Councilmember Sean Mill said banning e-bikes from the Santa Ana River Trail was never the intent. Another councilmember also asked for crash data broken down by e-bike class.
Proposed e-bike rules that would have barred riders from the Santa Ana River Trail are headed back for rewrites.
Why it matters: As written, the ordinance would have banned e-bikes from city trails, barred e-bikes and scooters from parks, and made riders walk them through city-owned parking lots.
Driving the news: Council voted unanimously Tuesday, Sept. 22, to return the ordinance to committee after council members and residents said it could shut out responsible riders.
- Riverside Bicycle Club President Greg Marrujo said many older members ride e-bikes on the trail.
- Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kevin Dawson, speaking as an individual, asked the city to weigh the impact on riders with mobility disabilities.
What they're saying: Councilmember Sean Mill, who worked on the proposal with Councilmember Chuck Conder, said the trail ban stemmed from a miscommunication with police and the City Attorney's Office.
- "It wasn't supposed to be there," Mill said.
By the numbers: Police logged more than 200 e-bike-related calls to dispatch and 311 from Jan. 1 through July 1, plus 22 crashes.
- That count excludes a more recent collision that killed two riders, Lt. Chad Chinchilla said.
What's next: Council asked staff to revisit where restrictions apply, including Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park trails and Fairmount Park roads.
- Mill's Safety, Wellness and Youth Committee could weigh exceptions at a public meeting. No date is set.
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EDUCATION
Riverside Unified Honors First 10 Students of the Semester
The new program, created with the Riverside County Office of Education, honored one senior from each of RUSD's 10 high schools at a Monday breakfast event.
Riverside Unified honored one senior from each of its 10 high schools for character, not just grades.
Why it matters: The new award recognizes resilience and community involvement, not just academic performance — giving families and neighbors a fresh way to celebrate seniors before graduation.
Driving the news: RCOE and RUSD launched the inaugural Student of the Semester program Monday, honoring one senior from each of RUSD's 10 high schools at a breakfast event at the RCOE Conference Center.
- Staff at each campus selected a student who showed character, integrity, resilience or a commitment to school and community.
What they're saying: RUSD Superintendent Sonia Llamas praised the honorees for their "character, resilience, leadership and a commitment to making a difference."
The honorees:
- Abby Hernandez, Arlington
- Marinna Sanchez, Abraham Lincoln
- Allisson Godinez, John W. North
- Lekha Aji, Martin Luther King
- Amareli Campos, Raincross
- Zabdiel Bustos, Ramona
- Chauncey Clark, Riverside Polytechnic
- James Havercroft, Riverside STEM Academy
- Laeyllonie Pineda, Riverside Virtual School
- Daniel Davalos, Summit View
What's next: The next Student of the Semester ceremony is Friday, March 26, 2027, with the Student of the Year scholarship awards event following Tuesday, May 18, 2027 — both at the RCOE Conference Center.
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COMMUNITY
LULAC to Host Riverside City Council Candidate Forum for Wards 2, 4
The nonpartisan forum will take place Oct. 1 at UDW Hall, giving residents a chance to hear directly from candidates.
Riverside voters can question Ward 2 and 4 council candidates face-to-face at a community forum Thursday.
Why it matters: If you live in Ward 2 or 4, this forum is your chance to hear candidates address housing, public safety and city services before you vote.
What's happening: LULAC Riverside Council #3190 is hosting the nonpartisan forum with the Women's League of Riverside and backing from the CIELO Fund.
- Candidates will field questions on seven topics, from workforce development to civic engagement.
What they're saying: "This forum is about creating space for informed civic participation," LULAC's Uribe said.
What's next: The forum runs 6-7:30 p.m. Oct 1. at UDW Hall, 1445 Spruce St., Suite A. Free and open to the public.
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Noteworthy
A traffic stop near Magnolia Avenue and McKinley Street led officers to a probation search that turned up four assault rifles, five handguns, and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition, with two Corona brothers now booked on suspicion of impersonating police in the Magnolia Corridor.
Riverside Plaza's free Halloween Spooktacular runs October 10 from 12–2 p.m., with trick-or-treating store to store, music, and character meet-and-greets for costumed families.
UCR biomedical scientists have identified a brain protein that drives HIV-related brain injury and memory problems, called neuroHIV, pointing toward a possible new treatment target.
What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Where are Riverside County's Ballots and How Secure Are Its Elections? at The Cheech Marin Center
- Bluey's Big Play at Fox Performing Arts Center
- DIY Bird Seed Feeders at Marcy Library
- Financial Aid Fall Refunds Disbursed at University of California, Riverside
- The Front Bottoms - 11 Years of Back On Top at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
- History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21)
- Remnants of a Century-Old Japantown: Historic Wintersburg, Huntington Beach at Riverside Main Library
Tomorrow
- Moon Festival at Heritage House
- National Comic Book Day | DIY Comic Book at Marcy Library
- My Hero Academia in Concert at Fox Performing Arts Center
- Red NOT Chili Peppers at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
Save the Date
- Sep 26: FREE YOGA - The Art of Vinyasa with Catherine Murray at Community Yoga Center
- Sep 26: FREE YOGA - Yin Yoga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Sep 27: FREE YOGA - The Evolution of Ashtanga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Sep 28: FREE YOGA - Moody Mondays with Cherie Amour at Community Yoga Center
- Sep 30: FREE YOGA - Seated Yoga with Kristin Varner at All Saints Episcopal Church
- Oct 2: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- Oct 3: Aquamotion Aquathon at Shamel Pool
- Oct 4: Riverside Historical Society Local History Book Fair at Villegas Community Center
- Oct 7: Fifty & Better Health Fair at Janet Goeske Center
- Oct 17: Spooky Music Organ Concert at First Congregational Church of Riverside ($30.00)
- Oct 22: Experience RUSD, Riverside Unified State of the District at Riverside Municipal Airport
- Oct 24: Vintage Car and Warbird Show at Riverside Airport - Commemorative Air Force Hanger and Museum
- Nov 14: Riverside Veterans Parade - Downtown Riverside/Market St.
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