Thursday Gazette: September 3, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Last week we asked where you go for your go-to burger, and reader Alice Augusto pointed us to Art's Bar & Grill. Today's their Bomb Diggity Burger Thursday special, with singles, doubles, and triples on the menu each Thursday. 🍔
Here's what else is happening around town.
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CULTURE
A Possible Path to the Return of the Mission Inn Artifacts Laid Out in Council Comments Session
The Old Riverside Foundation says three removed objects were designated by the city in the 1970s, which would make their removal a question of city code rather than contract law.
The Old Riverside Foundation says decades-old landmark rules may bar removal of three Mission Inn artifacts sold with the historic hotel.
Why it matters: The Taft Chair and two paintings left the Mission Inn before its May 28 sale — whether Title 20 applies could decide if Riverside can compel their return regardless of who legally owns them.
What's new: Old Riverside Foundation President Dave Stolte told the City Council Tuesday that the objects were individually designated Cultural Heritage Landmark Objects in 1976 and 1977, triggering separate protections under the city's Title 20 preservation ordinance.
- Ownership disputes over the May sale don't resolve the regulatory question, Stolte argued: "Just because I might own a residential property doesn't mean I can turn it into a slaughterhouse."
The backstory: Two paintings, "California Alps" and "Charge Up San Juan Hill," were removed from the lobby May 20; the Taft Chair, made for President Taft's 1909 visit, had reportedly been gone since as early as 2023.
- Duane Roberts signed a 2021 Mills Act agreement committing the property to follow all of Title 20, Stolte said.
Yes, but: Kelly Roberts maintains through attorney Patrick O'Brien that the objects were excluded from the May sale and lawfully hers, and that she left most of the hotel's historic collection in place.
- The Gazette has not independently verified the 1976, 1977, or 2021 designations underlying Stolte's argument.
What's next: Stolte asked the council for a public determination on whether Title 20 applies and what remedies exist. "My understanding is that simply returning the objects is one potential remedy in the event a violation is determined to have occurred," he said.
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HOUSING
Riverside Seeks Renewal of Prohousing Status Amid State Review of City's Housing Decisions
State officials are examining whether Riverside's rejection of a supportive housing project jeopardizes its Prohousing status as the city moves to reapply.
Riverside will seek renewal of a state housing designation worth millions, despite an ongoing state review of the city's housing decisions.
Why it matters: The Prohousing Designation has already brought $2.44 million to Riverside, funding 172 affordable units — losing it could jeopardize future housing and homeless-services funding.
Driving the news: The council's Housing and Homelessness Committee voted unanimously Monday to reapply before the designation expires, directing staff to begin the process.
- The vote comes as the state reviews Riverside's compliance following the council's rejection of the University Terrace supportive housing project.
By the numbers:
- Cities need 30 points to qualify; staff estimate Riverside could reach 39, but only 16 are considered likely without state pushback
- The council rejected $20.1 million in state funding for University Terrace, a 114-unit project, in January
Yes, but: State housing officials warned in February that the University Terrace rejection could put Riverside's Prohousing status at risk, and the California Civil Rights Department has since opened an investigation.
- Principal Planner Matthew Taylor told the committee he couldn't say whether the designation is currently in jeopardy.
What's next: Staff will conduct public outreach and bring a resolution to the full City Council before the designation expires Jan. 1, 2027.
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HOUSING
Motel 6, Days Inn Could Become 148 Units of Affordable Senior Housing
The projects still need financing and city approval, with one carrying an unresolved multimillion-dollar funding gap.
Two long-troubled motels could become 148 affordable apartments for Riverside seniors under a new proposal.
Why it matters: More than 80 low-income seniors are already waiting for housing like this — but the earliest units won't open until late 2029.
Driving the news: The Housing and Homelessness Committee reviewed developer Allied Argenta's plan Monday to convert a La Sierra Avenue Motel 6 and a Magnolia Avenue Days Inn into senior apartments.
- The 188 combined motel rooms would become 148 units, mostly reserved for seniors earning 30-60% of area median income.
By the numbers: The two projects carry a combined $64.4 million price tag, and the La Sierra site isn't expected to finish until October 2029.
- Allied Argenta is seeking $9 million in state affordable-housing funds for the La Sierra project alone.
Yes, but: Some want faster relief. Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes pointed to Ward 2's stalled University Terrace project, which lost its funding after the council rejected it in January.
- Resident Dan Hoxworth said the city has built only 47 of 242 needed supportive-housing units since 2021.
What's next: The committee took no vote, directing staff to keep working with Allied Argenta. No formal approval vote is scheduled.
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Noteworthy
The Main Library kicks off Let's Get Ready, Riverside! this Saturday at 9:30am with a Firefighter Storytime, crafts, and prep info tables, part of a month of free events marking National Preparedness Month.
TruEvolution, the Riverside-based nonprofit, will open its new TruHealth & Wellness Clinic this fall, part of a leadership expansion strengthening health, housing, and advocacy services across the Inland Empire.
What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Backroads of the Americas: a Spanish Guitar journey at The Avenue Church ($32- $79)
- Board of Ethics at Riverside City Hall
- FREE ADMISSION - First Thursday of every month during Riverside ArtsWalk at Riverside Art Museum
- Orange Street Mural Unveiling at Main Museum Pedestrian Walkway (Orange Street)
Tomorrow
- Eastside Library at Lincoln Park | Tech-nically Senior: Senior Tech Help at SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library
- Orange Terrace Library | Lego Club at Orange Terrace Library
- Seeking Mentors: First-Generation Mentorship Program at University of California, Riverside
Save the Date
- Sep 11: FREE YOGA - The Evolution of Ashtanga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Sep 11: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- Sep 12: FREE YOGA - The Art of Vinyasa with Catherine Murray at Community Yoga Center
- Sep 12: FREE YOGA - Yin Yoga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Sep 13: Welcome Back Party! at First Congregational Church of Riverside
- Sep 14: FREE YOGA - Moody Mondays with Cherie Amour at Community Yoga Center
- Sep 16: FREE Beginning Square Dance Lessons with Line Dancing at Cowtown Square Dance Center
- Sep 16: FREE YOGA - Seated Yoga with Kristin Varner at All Saints Episcopal Church
- Sep 18: Open Mic Night at Riverside Baha'i Center
- Sep 25: Moon Festival at Heritage House
- Oct 3: Aquamotion Aquathon at Shamel Pool
- Oct 7: Fifty & Better Health Fair at Janet Goeske Center
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