Sunrises are one of the benefits of insomnia. Orange sky over the Orange Empire. (Ken Crawford)
Wednesday Gazette: May 21, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! We’re halfway to the weekend and it’s National Squirrel Day. But after spending $4,000 to replace a wiring harness chewed through by one earlier this year, let’s just say we don’t celebrate that holiday in my house.
We do celebrate Memorial Day. When you’re mapping out your spot to watch the West Coast Thunder Memorial Day motorcycle parade, remember this year’s event ends at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium. There will be food vendors, a concert and more. Get out, have fun and stay hydrated!
Battle Over Transparency Erupts at Gage Canal Company
Watchdog files Brown Act petition while company seeks restraining order against him.
A clash between watchdog Jason Hunter and the Gage Canal Company, majority-owned by Riverside, has intensified into dueling legal actions. Hunter's Brown Act petition claims the company should operate with public transparency, while the company seeks a restraining order against him for alleged harassment.
Driving the news: Hunter filed a Brown Act petition on April 14, arguing that Riverside's 61% ownership makes Gage Canal subject to open meeting and public records laws.
The company obtained a temporary restraining order against Hunter on March 27, alleging he intimidated and disrupted employees.
Why it matters: The dispute reveals conflicting narratives about public access to a water service company with significant city ownership.
It raises questions about the balance between private entity operations and public transparency obligations.
The big picture: Gage Canal Company, incorporated in 1890, now operates under majority city ownership after Riverside purchased its water rights and infrastructure in 1965.
Hunter claims the company functions as a subsidiary of Riverside Public Utilities without proper oversight.
What's next: Both parties await court hearings later this month to address Hunter's Brown Act petition and the company's request for a permanent restraining order.
Raincross Master Chorale Awards Scholarships to Young Sopranos
Two vocalists receive $1,000 awards at "Poetry in Motion" concert; 2020 winner returns to perform.
Left to right: Tashyanna Simpson, Madison Jones, Rena Maduro and all received scholarships during the Raincross Master Chorale concert May 18. (Bob Sirotnik)
Two sopranos receive $1,000 scholarships from Raincross Master Chorale during its annual "Poetry in Motion" concert. The awards support students majoring in vocal music in college and can be renewed for up to four years.
Driving the news: Tashyanna Simpson, 21, and Madison Jones, 17, are this year's recipients. Both will pursue vocal music degrees at prestigious institutions.
Simpson, a La Sierra University senior, will attend Indiana University Bloomington's Jacobs School of Music for graduate studies.
Why it matters: The scholarship program has supported over 45 young singers from the Riverside area since its inception.
Jones, a Poly High School senior, will study music education at Cal State Fullerton this fall.
The big picture: The concert also featured Rena Maduro, the 2020 scholarship recipient who was unable to perform during her award year due to pandemic restrictions.
Maduro, now a Northwestern University graduate, will begin a master's program in vocal performance.
What's next: Jonathan Osbrink, the chorale's artistic director, expressed delight in witnessing the scholarship winners' growth and maturity during their time in school.
The Raincross Master Chorale, a 45-voice ensemble directed by Osbrink, continues to support young vocal talent in the Riverside area.
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