Friday Gazette: September 25, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! Today is California Native American Day, marked each year on the fourth Friday of September. The observance dates back to 1939, when Gov. Culbert Olson first proclaimed October 1 as Indian Day, and it took its current form and date in 1968 under Gov. Reagan. It became an official state holiday in 1998. Riverside County is home to 12 federally recognized tribes, one of the highest concentrations in the state, and there are plenty of ways to mark the day locally. Head to Main Street between 10th and 11th streets to see the 'Still Here' mural, the city's largest Native American mural, created by Rosy Cortez in collaboration with local Native artists.
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CITY HALL
Sewer Rates Could Rise for First Time Since 2017 Under Five-Year Plan
Public Works says aging pipes and rising costs require the increases. Ratepayers can block them under Proposition 218.
Sewer customers could see their first rate increase in nearly a decade, unless a majority of affected ratepayers protest.
Why it matters: Single-family homes outside pumping zones would pay $55.19 a month by 2030, $15.60 more than today's $39.59. Apartments, businesses and industrial customers would pay more, too.
Driving the news: Council voted unanimously Tuesday to send the plan to a public hearing, but didn't approve the rates.
- The first increase would take effect Jan. 1, 2027, followed by four more each July 1.
- In pumping zones, home to 27% of residential customers, single-family bills would reach $61.97 by July 2030.
The backstory: Riverside hasn't raised sewer rates since the 2017–18 budget year. Public Works says the money would repair aging pipes and treatment facilities, cover rising costs and meet bond obligations.
- 55% of the sewer collection system is more than 50 years old.
- Without higher rates, the city couldn't make full debt payments in the 2027–28 budget year, staff warned.
Yes, but: Councilmember Sean Mill questioned the need for five years of increases and asked whether staff had exhausted every cost-cutting option.
- Deputy Public Works Director Kevin Street said staff had "exhausted every practical efficiency and restructuring option."
- The plan includes no low-income help through the city's SHARE program, which would need council approval and a funding source.
What's next: Staff expects the public hearing Nov. 17. Written protests from a majority of affected ratepayers, submitted before or at the hearing, would block the plan.
- The city will mail notices and hold community meetings before then.
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2026 ELECTION
Ward 2 Primary Rivals Vahl, Montero Endorse Aram Ayra Ahead of Runoff
The third- and fourth-place finishers from the June primary are backing Ayra against Gracie Torres in the Nov. 3 election for the open council seat.
Ward 2's third- and fourth-place primary finishers are backing Aram Ayra in his Nov. 3 runoff against Gracie Torres.
Why it matters: Ward 2 voters will choose who replaces Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes, who's running for state Assembly instead of reelection. The ward covers the Eastside, Canyon Crest, Mission Grove, Sycamore Canyon and the University District.
Driving the news: Mike Vahl, who finished third, and Christen Montero, who finished fourth, endorsed Ayra, his campaign announced Thursday.
- The campaign calls it a bipartisan coalition. Council races are officially nonpartisan, so party labels don't appear on the ballot.
- Montero cited Ayra's "genuine commitment to the people of Ward 2."
Yes, but: Vahl and Ayra split on the $20 million Homekey+ grant for permanent supportive housing at the University Avenue Quality Inn.
- The council rejected it in January. At an April Gazette forum, Ayra said he'd have supported it. Vahl said he'd have voted no, citing long-term costs.
- Vahl says they agree on fiscal responsibility, reforming the City Attorney's Office and reducing reliance on the General Fund Transfer.
Who's backing whom: The campaigns list endorsements from city, county and labor leaders.
- Ayra: Councilmember Cervantes, state Sen. Sabrina Cervantes, County Supervisor Jose Medina, former Mayor Ronald Loveridge and Inland Empire United.
- Torres: Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, Councilmembers Philip Falcone, Steven Robillard and Sean Mill, and the police officers' and firefighters' associations.
What's next: Ayra, a Budget Engagement Commission member, faces Torres, a Western Municipal Water District director, on Nov. 3.
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EDUCATION
Poly High Opens 'Grizzly Grill' Culinary Classroom for Career Technical Students
The new kitchen classroom gives students in the school's culinary pathway professional-grade equipment and a demonstration area with cameras and screens.
Poly culinary students now cook in Grizzly Grill, a classroom modeled on a professional commercial kitchen that opened Sept. 9.
Why it matters: The Culinary Arts & Services pathway prepares students for jobs as chefs, caterers, food truck operators and restaurant managers. Their classroom now mirrors a commercial kitchen.
What's new: The room includes stainless steel equipment, specialized cooking stations, cold storage and freezer units.
- A chef demonstration area with cameras and screens faces tables for up to 30 students, who follow along in real time.
On the menu: Students cook dishes like honey garlic chicken, Korean BBQ chicken tacos and crème brûlée.
- They also plan full menus, work alongside professional chefs and cater events as a team.
The big picture: The pathway is one of RUSD's Career Technical Education programs, which pair academics with hands-on job training.
- The district offers 25 programs and 52 pathways, including culinary arts at Ramona High School.
What they're saying: The space gives students "a realistic environment where they can refine their craft," Principal Steven Ybarra said.
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What's Happening in Riverside
Friday, September 25
- 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
Saturday, September 26
- Little LandUse Learners Spring/Summer Programming at LandUse Learning Center
- Highgrove & University City Cleanup at Sycamore Highlands Park
- International Coffee Day at Marcy Library
- Joel Mejia Smith: It's been a while… at Culver Center of the Arts
- Women's Soccer vs. California Baptist at UCR Soccer Stadium
- Punchis! Punchis! Banda Rave Experience(18+) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
- Walk and Write with Inlandia at California Citrus State Historic Park at California Citrus State Historic Pakr ($50- $65)
- Golden Moments of Care Fundraising Gala at Canyon Crest Country Club ($135)
- Riverside Oktoberfest 2026 at Palenque kitchen by Mezcal
- Sip'n Sing Karaoke Paint party at Passion Net Studios ($35)
- Sonic the Hedgehog Pinball Launch Party at Riverside Game Lab
- BrincosDieras - El Desmadre Continua Tour(18+) at Fox Performing Arts Center
Sunday, September 27
- FREE YOGA - The Evolution of Ashtanga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Rise Against Hunger food packing event at Magnolia Presbyterian Church
- Prayers and Public Information Meeting at Riverside Baha'i Center
- Reel Faith: God & Country Film Screening at Civil Rights Institute Inland Southern California
- Men I Trust at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
- Sonic Live In Concert at Fox Performing Arts Center
Save the Date
- Sep 28: FREE YOGA - Moody Mondays with Cherie Amour at Community Yoga Center
- Sep 28: FREE YOGA - The Evolution of Ashtanga with Kristin Varner 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 3: FREE YOGA - The Art of Vinyasa with Catherine Murray at Community Yoga Center
- Oct 3: FREE YOGA - Yin Yoga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- 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)
- 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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