This spring, we're doing something we've never done before — and that's been the whole story of the Gazette. Five years in, and we're still waking up every day trying to be a little more worthy of this city than we were the day before. This cycle we're publishing our most comprehensive election guide yet — and for the first time, we're hosting forums.
Three forums, three wards, one format: residents hear directly from the people running for City Council, and the questions come from their neighbors. And moderating during the series is someone whose name belongs on a Riverside stage.
Dan Bernstein spent 32 years at the Press-Enterprise, the newspaper that made me fall so in love with Riverside. He spent most of those years writing a must-read column, which meant he could call things as he saw them and say what needed to be said. What made him different is that his opinions were grounded in real reporting discipline. His name has meant something in this city for a long time, and I'm honored he said yes.
We assembled a planning panel of six community members spanning party lines and generations to shape what gets asked and how. When residents register, they can submit questions directly to the candidates; the panel reconvenes closer to each event to make the final selections. Fairness isn't something you can just declare. You have to build it into the process.
For most Riversiders, deciding how to vote looks something like this: a yard sign goes up, a mailer arrives, maybe a quick Google search. That's it. A forum is something different — a chance to be in the same room with the people who want to represent you, watching them answer real questions from their actual neighbors. And whoever you are, whatever you know about local politics right now, you belong in that room.
These forums are made possible with support from UCR's School of Public Policy, the Friends of California Citrus State Historic Park, and Altura Credit Union. We're grateful to all three.
"Hosting this event for the Candidate Forum Series is just one more way we are thrilled to contribute to making our local community stronger and more engaged," said Chris Andrus, Altura's chief marketing officer.
"The park is here for everyone," said Susan von Zabern of the Friends of California Citrus State Historic Park, "and it's a perfect place for the community to gather and make informed decisions about who represents them."
For a lot of Riversiders, this will be their first candidate forum. I'd love for it to be yours.
Ward 2 Forum — April 23, 2026
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Doors open 6 p.m. · Forum 6:30-8 p.m.
UCR Alumni and Visitors Center · 3701 Canyon Crest Dr, Riverside, CA 92521
Ward 2 covers neighborhoods including Eastside, Canyon Crest, Mission Grove, Sycamore Canyon, and the University District.
Candidates: Aram Ayra · Christen Montero · Gracie Torres · Mike Vahl
Ward 4 Forum — April 29, 2026
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Doors open 6 p.m. · Forum 6:30-8 p.m.
California Citrus State Historic Park · 9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503
Ward 4 covers neighborhoods including Alessandro Heights, Mission Grove, Orangecrest, and the Greenbelt. Following Riverside's 2023 redistricting, the Greenbelt — including California Citrus State Historic Park — became part of Ward 4 for the first time, meaning many residents in this area will be voting in a Ward 4 race for the first time in 2026.
Candidates: Chuck Conder (incumbent) · Jessica Qattawi · Rich Vandenberg
Ward 6 Forum — April 30, 2026
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Doors open 6 p.m. · Forum 6:30-8 p.m.
Altura Credit Union Magnolia Branch · Riverside, CA
Ward 6 covers neighborhoods including Arlanza, La Sierra, La Sierra Hills, La Sierra South, and portions of Arlington.
Candidates: Norma Berrellez · Luis Hernandez · Oz Puerta
More Information: All forums are free and open to the public — no prior knowledge of city politics required. Each forum is ward-specific, though you're welcome to attend any of them; residents of the relevant ward will have priority for question submission. Not sure which ward you live in? Use the City of Riverside's ward lookup tool. Questions? Reach us at contact@raincrossgazette.com.
