> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # ๐ŸŠ Wednesday Gazette: September 18, 2024 - URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/wednesday-gazette-september-11-copy/ - Published: 2024-09-18T12:00:22.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-09T02:24:44.000Z - Author: Gazette Staff - Tags: Newsletter ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2024/09/240917-banner-1.jpg) Let's play a game called **Where's Baldo?* and try to spot the Gazette's publisher, Justin, in the crowd at last Friday's Poly High School football return to RCC's recently updated Wheelock Field. (Ken Crawford) **Wednesday Gazette: September 18, 2024** Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! Now that fall is back in swing, I'm excited to follow Riverside teams with [Ken's sports coverage](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/sports/). As an RCC Tiger and a proud Poly Bear dad, I'm admittedly biased, so I want to hear from other local sports enthusiasts: what local teams are you following this fall that we need to pay attention to? Please reply to this email and let us know. *PS. We're trying some new formatting out in today's newsletter experimenting on ways to improve your experience. If you spot the changes, please hit reply and let me know what you think.* [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2023/12/author_banner-justin-pardee.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/about/) --- #### [GOVERNMENT](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/education/) ## Riverside Launches Emergency Trash Pickup Service City partners with private haulers to address critical backlog. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2024/09/RG-Feat-Image-Template-7-1.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-launches-emergency-trash-pickup-service) City trash cans on a Hawarden Hills curbside. (Ian Crawford) Riverside is partnering with Athens Trash Services to address a critical backlog in waste collection. The emergency measure aims to expedite service and implement long-term solutions for the city's trash management issues. **Driving the news:** The City Council approved an emergency trash pickup service to help residents facing delays in waste collection. - Recent heat waves exacerbated the problem, causing truck breakdowns and service interruptions. **Why it matters:** Uncollected trash poses public health and safety risks, attracting vermin and impacting street sweeping services. - Mayor Patricia Lock-Dawson emphasized the city's responsibility to deliver essential public services. **The details:** Athens Services will begin pickup on Thursday, covering routes that city crews would otherwise miss. - The company already provides services in some areas not handled by city crews. **What's next:** The emergency declaration is likely to remain in place for at least six months, with a potential review at the end of the year. - Ten new trucks are expected to arrive by March 2025 to bolster the city's waste management fleet. [Read or share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-launches-emergency-trash-pickup-service) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169513/image/0?seed=)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169513/click/0?seed=&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [GOVERNMENT](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/education/) ## City Council Votes to Repeal Commemorative Flag Policy Supporters argue for unity under official flags, while opponents warn of diminished visibility for minority groups. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2024/09/240917-cittyhallflags-1.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/city-council-votes-to-repeal-commemorative-flag-policy) The U.S., California, and Riverside flags hang still outside the City Council chambers as councilmembers voted to end commemorative flag displays on City property. Riverside City Council votes 5-1 to end its policy allowing commemorative flags at City Hall, reverting to flying only U.S., California, and Riverside flags. The decision comes after an 18-month period of displaying flags representing various groups alongside official flags. **Driving the news:** Councilmember Chuck Conder introduced the motion to repeal, arguing that displaying flags for specific groups is divisive rather than unifying. - The policy, adopted in May 2023, had allowed flags representing groups like the LGBTQ community and Black History Month. **Why it matters:** The repeal has sparked debate about representation and inclusivity in local government. - Supporters of the repeal argue it promotes unity, while opponents view it as a setback for marginalized communities. **The opposition:** Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes, who initially proposed the commemorative flag policy, strongly opposed its repeal. - Cervantes cited personal accounts from residents about the significance of these flags to various community members. **What they're saying:** "This decision is not about ignoring or diminishing our city's diversity," said Councilmember Steven Robillard. - Councilmember Jim Perry added that the repeal won't prevent opportunities for events or recognition of diverse groups. **What's next:** The repeal takes effect immediately, ending Riverside's experiment with flying commemorative flags at City Hall. [Read or share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/city-council-votes-to-repeal-commemorative-flag-policy) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169515/image/0?seed=)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169515/click/0?seed=&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [COMMUNITY](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/education/) ## Celebrating Excellence: 12th Annual Riverside Neighborhood Awards Dinner The Riverside Neighborhood Partnership event on September 26 at the Evergreen Masonic Lodge will feature live entertainment and complimentary dinner, honoring those who contribute to community spirit and improve the quality of life in Riverside. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2024/09/12RNP.jpeg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/celebrating-excellence-12th-annual-riverside-neighborhood-awards-dinner) Jeff Kraus presenting an award at last yearโ€™s RNP Awards ceremony. (Aram Ayra) Riverside Neighborhood Partnership's 12th Annual Neighborhood Awards Dinner will be held on September 26th from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Evergreen Masonic Center. This event celebrates Riversiders who foster community engagement and improve the quality of life in our city. It's a chance to recognize individuals and groups who work to make their neighborhoods better. The ceremony will feature live entertainment and a free dinner for all attendees, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the community to come together and celebrate. Several awards will be presented to honor neighbors for their service, leadership, and kindness. Join us on September 26th from 5:30-8:00 PM at the Evergreen Masonic Lodge for Riverside's 12th Annual Neighborhood Awards Dinnerโ€”a night dedicated to celebrating the heart and soul of our city. This event honors those who make Riverside the special place it is. Whether you're attending for the free dinner, live entertainment, or simply to cheer on the neighborhood change-makers, this night is all about community. [Read or share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/celebrating-excellence-12th-annual-riverside-neighborhood-awards-dinner) --- ## Noteworthy Public Works is hosting a free [e-waste collection and paper shredding event](https://www.instagram.com/p/C%5F--cohP0ZH/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng%3D%3D&ref=raincrossgazette.com) at the City Corporation Yard at 8095 Lincoln Avenue this Saturday from 8 a.m. - noon. Riveside's first-of-its-kind new college student housing project, a collaboration between RCC and UCR, was featured in [an LAist story](https://laist.com/news/education/uc-riverside-community-college-district-new-dorm?ref=raincrossgazette.com) earlier this month. David A. Garcia, previously RPU's Assistant General Manager of Water Delivery, has been serving as Interim General Manager since April and has been named the official [General Manager of Riverside Public Utilities](https://riversideca.gov/press/david-garcia-named-general-manager-riverside-public-utilities?ref=raincrossgazette.com). ๐Ÿ“ฃ ****See something? Say something.** Your tips and ideas are what fuel The Raincross Gazette. If you know of something newsworthy happening in our city, please [share it with us](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/contact/). --- ## What's Happening in Riverside ### Today - [39th Annual Beautification Awards Nominations](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/39th-annual-beautification-awards-nominations/14174570/2024-09-18T12) at 3985 University Ave - [Beeman for RUSD Area 3 - Neighborhood Meet & Greet](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/beeman-for-rusd-area-3-neighborhood-meet-greet/14174388/2024-09-18T17) at Home of Malissa McKeith - [Beginning Square Dance and Line Dance Lessons -- NO PARTNER NEEDED!](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/beginning-square-dance-and-line-dance-lessons-no-partner-needed/14137314/2024-09-18T19) at Cowtown Square Dance Center - [Community Partner Fair 2024, hosted by UCR Staff Assembly](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/community-partner-fair-2024-hosted-by-ucr-staff-assembly/14109710/2024-09-18T10) at UCR - [Cultural Heritage Board](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/cultural-heritage-board/13995147/2024-09-18T15) at Riverside City Hall - [Enriched Air Nitrox SCUBA Certification](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/enriched-air-nitrox-scuba-certification/13987474/2024-09-18T00) at UCR - [Family Storytime](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/family-storytime/12422339/2024-09-18T15) at Casa Blanca Library - [Free Reading Assistance](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-reading-assistance/13988164/2024-09-18T15) at My Learning Studio OUTREACH - [Main Library| Family Storytime](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/main-library-family-storytime/13653970/2024-09-18T17) at Main Library - [Mini MolMed Symposium "MolMed/Drug Development and Capacity Building"](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/mini-molmed-symposium-molmeddrug-development-and-capacity-building/13987068/2024-09-18T10) at UCR - [Movement for Life](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/movement-for-life/14002441/2024-09-18T14) at Riverside Ballet Arts Studios (Platt College Building 1st Floor) - [Open Mic Music Series](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/open-mic-music-series/12771411/2024-09-18T18) at Back To The Grind - [Riverside East Rotary Club](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-east-rotary-club/13565436/2024-09-18T07) at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern - [Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/safety-wellness-and-youth-committee/14151780/2024-09-18T13) at Riverside City Hall ### Tomorrow - [Blockheads](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/blockheads/13024955/2024-09-19T16) at Marcy Branch Library - [Commission on Disabilities](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/commission-on-disabilities/13953074/2024-09-19T17) at Riverside City Hall - [Economic Development Committee](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/economic-development-committee/13995148/2024-09-19T15) at Riverside City Hall - [Free GED Tutoring](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-ged-tutoring/13988250/2024-09-19T19) at My Learning Studio OUTREACH - [Free Homework Help](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-homework-help/13988903/2024-09-19T15) at My Learning Studio OUTREACH - [Free Math Tutoring (8th - Algebra 2)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/free-math-tutoring-8th-algebra-2/13988892/2024-09-19T19) at My Learning Studio OUTREACH - [Grab 'n' Go: Apple Person](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/grab-n-go-apple-person/14102993/2024-09-19T13) at Marcy Branch Library - [Move Well Series Workshop](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/move-well-series-workshop/14128343/2024-09-19T12) at UCR ### Save the Date - Oct 2: [Fifty & Better Health Fair](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/fifty-better-health-fair/12721488/2024-10-02T10) at Janet Goeske Center - Oct 12: [Aquamotion's Worldwide Aquathon](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/aquamotions-worldwide-aquathon/14137192/2024-10-12T09) at Shamel Park Pool - Oct 12: [Barktoberfest](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/barktoberfest/13937250/2024-10-12T12) at White Park - Oct 17: [Rebirth Homes Fall Gala](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/rebirth-homes-fall-gala/14125786/2024-10-17T17) at Grove Community Church ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ [See More Events](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/)๐Ÿ“ [Submit Your Event](https://hub.cityspark.com/Event/Submission/Raincross?ref=raincrossgazette.com) ๐Ÿ“ธ [Submit a photo](https://rgphotos.paperform.co/?ref=raincrossgazette.com) to be featured in our newsletters and social media accounts. ๐Ÿ† [Nominate a remarkable Riversider](https://rgnotw.paperform.co/?ref=raincrossgazette.com) as Neighbor of the Week.