Council subcommittee urges trust in Inspector General formation, international art exhibition opens at Immanuel Lutheran and Meliia’s Disneyland fundraiser grows.
A City Council subcommittee has recommended a $765,000 budget and set the framework for Riverside’s new Office of Inspector General, even as residents question whether the role will remain truly independent and transparent.
Council subcommittee urges trust in Inspector General formation, international art exhibition opens at Immanuel Lutheran and Meliia’s Disneyland fundraiser grows.
The Riverside Municipal Auditorium marquee now honors the late Vicky Tafoya, a beloved local treasure whose soulful voice and vibrant spirit enriched our community. (Isabelle Lopez)
Wednesday Gazette: August 27, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! It was well over a year ago when I first learned about Dexreaux House, a pop-up style restaurant from the team behind Arcade Coffee Roasters, hosted in the evenings on the patio at the Backstreet Cafe, a famously lunch-only operation. Lindy and I finally went for the first time last Friday night after everyone we know and love in town had told us they couldn’t believe we hadn’t been yet. It was honestly one of the best experiences we’ve had in town this year. I only wish we had gone sooner.
For nearly two years, since the Penrose Record Room first opened, Ken Crawford has been telling me I had to go see local singer Vicky Tafoya perform. He called her something like a “rare gem of Riverside” and reminded me every single time she was performing in town. I wish I had gone, because she passed away Sunday night and I no longer have the chance to hear how “love defeats pain” in her voice when she sang.
Listen, life is short. It will be gone before we know it, and far too many of us are simply coasting without intention. Maybe today is the day for you to say yes to something that has been on your list for far too long.
Booking tickets to see a local play, concert or art show
Visiting that new spot you’ve been hearing so much about
Calling that friend or family member, you know the one
Quitting your job to commit to that fire in your soul
Taking a risk and asking for help
I don’t know what it is for you, but I’m willing to bet there’s something on your list that came to mind while reading this. Don’t wait, because none of us is guaranteed tomorrow.
🧡
Meliia’s GoFundMe Update: So far, $1660 has been raised to help 9-year-old Meliia and her family visit Disneyland. Every contribution brings her closer to making this dream come true! You can still help here: Support Meliia’s Dream.
Despite Public Concerns, Council Subcommittee Urges Trust in Forming Inspector General Role
A City Council subcommittee has recommended a $765,000 budget and set the framework for Riverside’s new Office of Inspector General, even as residents question whether the role will remain truly independent and transparent.
Riverside is moving forward with plans for an independent Office of Inspector General, approved by voters last November, but some residents worry about transparency and independence.
Driving the news: A City Council subcommittee recommended a $765,000 annual budget and a $210,000 salary for the Inspector General, with the full council set to discuss staffing and recruitment in October.
The office will replace the city's Internal Audit Division and have broad oversight across city government.
Why it matters: Riverside is unique among California charter cities in creating this type of independent oversight office, aiming to investigate fraud, waste, abuse, and inefficiency.
Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes emphasized the need to ensure the office is "independent of the council and a voice of the Riverside community."
The big picture: The Inspector General will report directly to the mayor and council while maintaining operational independence, with full access to city records and the ability to place items on the council's agenda.
Yes, but: Some residents, including environmental attorney Malissa McKeith, have raised concerns about the office's setup, urging for true independence and confidentiality.
What's next: The City Council is expected to finalize staffing, budget, and recruitment details at its October 21 meeting.
International Art Exhibition Brings Sacred Contemporary Works to Immanuel Lutheran Church
Over 100 pieces by Russian-Swedish artist transform traditional iconography through abstract expressionism.
Artist Ludmila Pawlowska with her work “Icons in Transformation.” (Courtesy of Ludmila Pawlowska)
A traveling exhibition featuring over 100 modern interpretations of Russian Orthodox iconography will be on display at Immanuel Lutheran Church & Schools in Riverside from September 8 to November 16.
Driving the news: "Icons in Transformation," created by Russian-Swedish artist Ludmila Pawlowska, combines traditional religious imagery with abstract expressionism and mixed-media techniques.
The free exhibition will be installed in both the church sanctuary and Graumann-Pingel Hall.
Why it matters: The exhibition offers a unique blend of contemporary expression and sacred tradition, inviting spiritual reflection and emotional connection.
It has been displayed in over 40 cathedrals and churches across the U.S. and Europe since 2011.
The details: The installation includes large-format wood panels, sculptures, and paintings using materials such as steel, fabric, and Plexiglas.
12 large-scale wood panels will be displayed alongside 15 traditional icons from the Vassilevsky Monastery workshop.
What's next: An opening gala takes place on September 7 at Victoria Country Club, with tickets priced at $75.
The exhibition opens to the public on September 8, with free admission on Saturdays and Sundays.
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City reviews downtown redevelopment and $4M road repair contract, Museum of Riverside explores Victorian medical quackery and Meliia’s GoFundMe update.
