Golden light fades over the palms of Hawarden Hills. (Rosalyn Anderson) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Wednesday Gazette: September 17, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! Responsible Dog Ownership Day is today, a reminder of the love and responsibility that comes with our four-legged friends. Our friends at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center work every day to give dogs and cats the care they deserve while helping them find loving homes. Be on the lookout in our Friday newsletters for the “Adoptable Pet of the Week”, a Riverside animal looking for a place to call home.
City Council Approves Emergency Moratorium on New Smoke Shop Permits
45-day ban targets establishments selling illegal products including cannabis, psilocybin mushrooms and nitrous oxide tanks amid rising criminal activity.
(File photo)
The Riverside City Council unanimously approved a 45-day moratorium on issuing new tobacco retail establishment permits, targeting smoke shops linked to criminal activity and public safety issues.
Driving the news: Police investigations since January uncovered widespread illegal activities at smoke shops, including sales of cannabis, illegal tobacco, nitrous oxide, and psilocybin mushrooms.
13 smoke shops were investigated, with 12 remaining open despite ongoing abatement efforts.
By the numbers: Riverside has 226 known tobacco-selling locations, with 159 holding active permits and 31 classified as smoke shops.
42 establishments operate with expired permits, while 20 sell tobacco products without any permit.
Why it matters: The moratorium aims to address immediate public health and safety threats posed by smoke shops operating throughout the city.
A three-year analysis revealed significant public safety impacts, with some locations generating over 250 calls for service.
What's next: City staff will engage with stakeholders to consider policy priorities for tobacco retail regulations and potential municipal code revisions.
The moratorium can be extended for up to 10 months and 15 days, followed by a potential one-year extension.
City Council Awards $19.7 Million Contract for Cesar Chavez Community Center Renovation
Century-old Eastside facility to receive new roof, windows, elevator and expanded arts spaces in state-funded restoration.
(File photo)
The Riverside City Council unanimously approved a $19.7 million contract to renovate the historic Cesar Chavez Community Center, despite a troubled bidding process that disqualified eight of nine contractors.
Driving the news: PCN3 Inc. of Los Alamitos won the contract with a $15.2 million base bid and a $4.6 million contingency for the nearly 100-year-old building.
The project aims to modernize the Spanish colonial-era structure while preserving its historic character.
Why it matters: The renovation will transform the Eastside facility into a modern arts hub and community space, funded by $25 million in state grants.
Improvements include a new roof, windows, HVAC, and expanded arts programming areas.
The big picture: The project faced scrutiny due to the bidding challenges and concerns about historic preservation.
Councilmember Phillip Falcone emphasized the need for oversight to maintain the building's historic integrity.
What's next: Construction is set to begin soon, with no specific timeline provided.
The renovation will accommodate current facility users, including the Riverside Arts Academy and various community organizations.
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.
This week’s agendas include a Council vote on a 45-day smoke shop moratorium and a $19.7M Chavez Center renovation, plus earthquake prep tips and a water update.
91 Freeway-Adams Street interchange project advances with 2028 construction on the horizon, and Riverside TV delivers network-quality sports coverage to the community.
