A gentle rainbow settles over Downtown after Tuesday’s surprise thunderstorm, casting a soft glow on the hills beyond. (Ken Crawford)
Thursday Gazette: June 5, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! This week brought some unexpected beauty—from moody cloud cover to Tuesday’s surprise thunderstorm that ended with a peaceful rainbow over Downtown just before sunset. It’s been a lovely reminder of how magical Riverside skies can be. With warm, sunny days ahead this weekend, now’s a great time to browse our community calendar if you’re looking for something to do.
Council Committee Considers Revamping Public Comment Rules
Committee discusses optional speaker cards and automatic time reductions when large numbers sign up to speak.
The Riverside City Council is considering eliminating mandatory speaker cards for public comments, as the current requirement conflicts with state law. Officials are reviewing public comment procedures to ensure compliance with the Brown Act.
Driving the news: The Governmental Processes Committee is examining Resolution 24255, which establishes council rules of procedure, to align with state regulations protecting the public's right to comment.
City Clerk Donesia Gause emphasized that the Brown Act prohibits making speaker cards a mandatory condition for addressing the council.
Why it matters: The proposed changes aim to balance legal requirements with practical considerations, potentially impacting how residents engage with their local government.
Committee members are considering changing the language from "shall" to "may" regarding speaker cards, or using "recommend" to encourage their use without making them mandatory.
The big picture: Other proposed changes include adjusting time limits for public comment, consolidating public comment provisions, and modifying the summer meeting schedule.
The committee is also considering implementing a dress code for council members and establishing time limits for council member comments during discussions.
What's next: The committee voted unanimously to direct staff to prepare a redline draft of the proposed changes for further review before presenting recommendations to the full City Council.
Energy Storage Innovator SPT Relocates to Riverside, Strengthening City's Clean Tech Hub Ambitions
AI-powered battery company's move from Corona highlights Riverside's strategic push to become sustainable technology center.
Dr. Alex Liu, Head of SPT AI Lab addresses crowd. (Ken Crawford)
Stored Power Technology (SPT) inaugurated its new headquarters in Riverside, marking a significant step in the city's plan to become a global hub for clean and sustainable technology. The AI-powered solar battery manufacturer relocated from Corona, bringing innovative energy management solutions to the area.
Driving the news: SPT's ribbon-cutting ceremony drew city officials, state representatives, and participants in the "Future Forward: Energy Management Innovation Challenge."
Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson emphasized Riverside's commitment to supporting clean tech companies.
Why it matters: SPT's relocation aligns with Riverside's strategic transformation into a sustainable technology hub, creating local opportunities and partnerships with UC Riverside.
The company's AI-controlled systems optimize energy flow, potentially offsetting the tech sector's growing power demands.
The big picture: SPT joins a growing roster of clean technology companies choosing Riverside as their base of operations.
The city's economic development team and state representatives attended the ceremony, demonstrating ongoing support for the sector.
What's next: SPT plans to release version 2.0 of its AI control system in the coming months, further advancing capabilities in microgrid control and intelligent battery management.
Canyon Crest Ice Cream Counter Sits Empty as Rite Aid Faces Bankruptcy
Riverside's last Thrifty ice cream counter starts summer behind an 'out of order' sign.
It looks like the last scoop has been scooped at the Canyon Crest Rite Aid. (Ken Crawford)
The iconic Thrifty ice cream brand faces an uncertain fate as parent company Rite Aid navigates Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The Canyon Crest Rite Aid location, one of the last holdouts in the region, now displays an "Out of Order" sign on its ice cream case.
Driving the news: Thrifty ice cream, a staple of Riverside childhood memories for generations, may soon disappear from local Rite Aid counters.
The brand's survival in packaged form is likely, but the ritual of getting scoops at the counter is already fading.
Why it matters: Thrifty ice cream represents more than just dessert for Riverside residents. It's a symbol of childhood rewards, family outings, and first dates.
The distinctive cylindrical scoops and stacking method created a unique experience that can't be replicated by grocery store alternatives.
The big picture: While other ice cream options exist, including nearby Handel's, Thrifty's nostalgia factor is unmatched.
The loss of Thrifty counters marks the end of a local tradition, even as the brand may continue in packaged form.
What's next: The future of Thrifty ice cream remains uncertain as Rite Aid's bankruptcy proceedings unfold.
Even if the brand survives, the experience of getting scoops at the counter is unlikely to return in its traditional form.
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