Government
This Week in City Hall: October 27, 2025
City Council will review a River District feasibility study for Santa Ana River improvements and PFAS water treatment upgrades requiring customer surcharges starting at $1-4 monthly in 2026.
Inside Riverside's Immigration Enforcement Transparency Debate
Councilmembers explain their votes on immigration enforcement transparency—including why some who supported banning protest masks now object to masked federal agents.
Smoke Shop Permit Freeze Extended as City Tackles Illegal Sales
Unanimous vote allows 10-month study period after police seized nearly 80,000 illegal tobacco products from 13 smoke shops this year.
Council Adopts Stricter Meeting Rules Despite Public Concern on Comment Limits
Procedures updated for first time in two years give presiding officer broader discretion to curtail speaker time, with six-month review added after residents raise concerns about reduced public access.
Inspector General Approval Delayed Nearly Year After Voter Mandate, Council Cites Independence Language
Four council members vote to push decision to mid-November, citing need to strengthen language about independent legal counsel.
This Week in City Hall: October 20, 2025
City Council will establish the voter-approved Office of the Inspector General with expanded oversight authority, consider meeting rule changes including Mayor scheduling authority, and review extending the tobacco retail permit moratorium through 2026.
City Proposes Tenfold Increase in Fines for Trucks Using Restricted Streets
Police say $100 penalties fail to deter commercial vehicles from residential areas; new $1,000 fines would target drivers who view current citations as 'cost of doing business'.
City Council Passes Resolution on Immigration Enforcement Transparency
Resolution calling for clear identification of federal agents passes 4-3 despite concerns about jurisdictional limits and symbolic nature.
Your Neighbors Are Shaping Riverside's Future—And There's Room for You
From park planning to police oversight, volunteer commissioners help make key decisions. Current members share what it's like to serve, and why Ward 6 has unusual openings right now.
This Week in City Hall: October 13, 2025
Councilmember Cervantes will propose a resolution directing police to monitor federal immigration enforcement where legally permitted, establishing data privacy protections, and exploring a $100,000 Legal Justice Fund.
New City Purchasing Reforms to Include Monthly Vendor Workshops, Price Monitoring
Improvements aim to help Riverside businesses compete for city contracts as part of overhaul set for March completion.
City Hall celebrates golden anniversary with officials spanning five decades
Ceremony held 50 years to the minute after 1975 dedication launches initiative to bring 50 school tours to newly landmarked building