City Hall in silhouette through the June gloom, seen from across the Tequesquite Arroyo. (Ken Crawford)
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Tuesday Gazette: June 17, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Tuesday! Juneteenth is coming up this Thursday—a day to honor freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. While the official holiday falls midweek, there are two great community events to add to your calendar now.
Budget Engagement Commission Approves $62 Million for New Police Headquarters
Commission unanimously backs architectural design and budget increase for Orange Street facility renovation.
Preliminary renderings of the $62M Riverside Police HQ, approved June 12 by the Budget Engagement Commission. (Courtesy of RiversideCA.gov)
The Budget Engagement Commission unanimously approved a $62 million budget and architectural design for the new Riverside Police Department headquarters. The project, slated for 4102 Orange Street, will update the existing building and add secured parking spaces.
Driving the news: The current police headquarters, built in 1963, faces recurring infrastructure issues and lacks adequate power and secure parking.
Chief Larry Gonzalez emphasized the department's preference for staying at their current location despite exploring other options.
Why it matters: The project has faced delays and budget reallocations since its inception in 2017 under Measure Z.
The original $45 million allocation was reduced by $9 million for a new library in October 2017.
What's next: The City Council will review preliminary renderings for the new headquarters on Tuesday, June 17.
Public Information Officer Ryan Railsback notes that all renderings are subject to change.
The bottom line: Despite concerns about potential cost increases due to inflation, Assistant Chief Finance Officer Kristie Thomas assures the budget is sufficient for now.
If additional funding is needed, the department will have to request it separately.
Thousands Join 'No Kings Day' Protest in Downtown Riverside
Riverside becomes part of global movement drawing 10 million participants worldwide.
Protesters fill Market Street at Mission Inn Avenue during Saturday’s “No Kings Day” rally Downtown. (Ken Crawford)
A massive demonstration against the current federal administration's policies drew an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 people to Downtown Riverside on Saturday. The "No Kings Day" protest was part of a global movement with over 10 million participants worldwide.
Driving the news: Indivisible Riverside organized the local event, which featured live readings of the U.S. Constitution, protest songs, and a sea of American flags and creative signs.
The peaceful gathering lasted from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with safety monitors and police coordination ensuring order.
Why it matters: The protest highlights growing public concern over perceived threats to democratic principles and the separation of powers.
Demonstrators emphasized the importance of constitutional rights and checks on executive power.
The big picture: Similar rallies took place in over 2,100 locations across the United States and internationally, including London and Mexico City.
What's next: Police are investigating a hit-and-run incident that occurred after the official event, resulting in significant injuries to a protester.
No arrests have been made as of Monday morning in connection with the incident.
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