🍊 Tuesday Gazette: August 12, 2025

Tuesday Gazette: August 12, 2025

Hello Riverside, and Happy Tuesday! The sound of cheerful crossing guards and the honk of yellow buses are back to brighten our mornings. As our streets fill with eager walkers, bikers and bus riders, let’s all slow down, smile and give a little extra care to keep our young neighbors safe. After all, a wave and some patience go a long way in making the first days back feel just right for everyone. Here’s to a great school year ahead!

COMMUNITY

Lemonade Stand Brings Community Together

Young entrepreneur's Disney dream shows local impact of community action.

A 9-year-old Ukrainian refugee's lemonade stand has become more than just a business venture. Meliia's entrepreneurial spirit and determination to fund her Disney dreams have inspired the community to rally behind her cause.

Driving the news: Meliia's lemonade stand on Victoria Avenue has attracted customers even during triple-digit temperatures, with residents offering support beyond purchasing drinks.

• The young entrepreneur has also created an estimated 167 handmade dragons inspired by popular animated films.

Why it matters: Meliia's story offers an immediate and meaningful way for the community to make a positive impact amid global conflicts that often feel distant and unchangeable.

• Residents can contribute to a GoFundMe campaign organized by Mike Gardner to send Meliia's family to Disneyland.

The big picture: Meliia embodies qualities valued by Riversiders, including initiative, work ethic, and determination.

• Her efforts demonstrate how small acts of kindness can create significant change in a community.

What's next: As the campaign gains traction, more residents are expected to contribute to Meliia's Disney dream, showcasing the power of community support in transforming one child's aspirations into reality.

Read and share the complete story...

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GOVERNMENT

Committee Advances Time Limits for Council Debate, Public Comment Flexibility

Proposed changes would establish 15-minute caps for initial Councilmember remarks and allow presiding officers to shorten public comment during crowded meetings.

Riverside's Governmental Processes Committee is advancing proposals to streamline City Council meetings. The changes include time limits for councilmember debates and flexibility in managing public comment periods.

Driving the news: The committee voted Aug. 6 to move forward with new rules aimed at improving meeting efficiency as part of its biennial review of council procedures.

• The proposals will now go to the full City Council for consideration.

Why it matters: The changes could significantly alter how council meetings are conducted, potentially shortening lengthy sessions and balancing time between elected officials and the public.

The details: Councilmembers would face time restrictions on their remarks during meetings: • 15 minutes for initial comments • 10 minutes for subsequent remarks • 5 minutes for final statements

Public comment changes: Presiding officers would have discretion to reduce the standard three-minute speaking time when meetings draw large crowds.

• This replaces an earlier proposal to automatically cut speaking time to two minutes when 25 or more speakers sign up.

What they're saying: Committee Chair Philip Falcone argues the restrictions create parity between elected officials and the public, while Vice Chair Jim Perry expresses hesitation but willingness to try the new system.

Read and share the complete story...

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Noteworthy

A Riverside artist documented ICE raids' impact by photographing melting ice blocks at nine Inland Empire locations, using 36 blocks weighing 25 pounds each as metaphors for communities disrupted by recent immigration enforcement actions.

Riverside Public Works urges drivers to slow down, avoid fire lanes, and use designated drop-off areas as students return to school, emphasizing that "no destination is worth a life" in their safety campaign.

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What's Happening in Riverside

Today

• Find Your Voice in Picture Books at Inlandia Institute ($150- $350)
• Inland Empire Chorus Rehearsal at Temple Beth El Synagogue
• Inspector General Committee at Riverside City Hall
• Tuesday Karaoke at The Hideaway

Tomorrow

• Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
• Stretch & Dance at Janet Goeske Senior Center
• Left Handers Day at Marcy Library
• Building Our Region's Korean Communities Exhibition Opening at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
• Commission of the Deaf at Riverside City Hall
• Riverside Open Mic Music Series at Back to the Grind

Save The Date

• August 16: Bingo at the Janet Goeske Center at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
• August 22: Goeske Talent Show at Janet Goeske Foundation ($10)
• Sepember 10: Beginning Square Dance Lessons with Line Dancing at Cowtown Square Dance Center ($5- $7)
• October 18: The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Rideat Riverside Plaza ($15- $80)

🗓️ See More Events     📝 Submit Your Event

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🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.