Riverside firm denied restraining order in shareholder dispute, September ArtsWalk brings a new mural and artist meet & greet, six quick pizza stops across town and the latest on Meliia’s Disneyland fund.
Judge denies Gage Canal's restraining order against whistleblower Jason Hunter, finding no evidence of violence or credible threats in his attempts to become a shareholder.
Riverside firm denied restraining order in shareholder dispute, September ArtsWalk brings a new mural and artist meet & greet, six quick pizza stops across town and the latest on Meliia’s Disneyland fund.
Sunrise over the canal in Arlington Heights offered a peaceful start to the day, with the morning light reflecting off the still water. (Christopher Cox) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Wednesday Gazette: September 3, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! September is National Courtesy Month, a little reminder that kindness never goes out of style. Whether it’s holding the door, letting someone merge in traffic or simply offering a smile, small gestures can make a big difference in our community. When we make those small choices often enough they become habits and when kindness becomes routine our neighborhoods grow stronger, friendlier and more connected.
🧡
Meliia’s GoFundMe Update: So far, $2000 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.
Riverside Company Denied Restraining Order Against Attempted Shareholder
Judge denies Gage Canal's restraining order against whistleblower Jason Hunter, finding no evidence of violence or credible threats in his attempts to become a shareholder.
Jason Hunter outside the Riverside Historic Courthouse on Aug. 29. (Courtesy of Aidan McGloin)
A Riverside Superior Court judge has denied the Gage Canal Company's petition for a workplace restraining order against whistleblower Jason Hunter, potentially opening discussions between Hunter and the company's board.
Driving the news: Judge Daniel Ottolia ruled that Hunter believed he had legitimate reasons for attending company meetings, finding no evidence of violence or credible threats.
The decision comes after a temporary restraining order was obtained against Hunter in March, with staff members testifying he caused them anxiety and fear.
Why it matters: The case highlights issues of governmental transparency, as the Gage Canal Company, majority-owned by the city of Riverside, provides 24% of the city's water.
Hunter claims the company's general manager is targeting him to prevent scrutiny of the company's business practices.
The big picture: Hunter alleges his efforts to join the company as a shareholder and board member have been blocked, with share transfers initiated by existing shareholders failing to go through.
Two shareholders testified they attempted to transfer shares to Hunter, believing he could bring clarity to the company's operations.
What's next: Hunter plans to pursue a case arguing that Riverside's control of the Gage Canal Company makes it a public entity under California's open meetings act.
A motion for a preliminary injunction on that case is scheduled for October 10.
The last Summer ArtsWalk of the season is set to fill downtown with energy and creativity. Visitors can see Riverside’s newest mural honoring Aaron Norris, meet featured artist Mano Mirande, and explore exhibitions at RCAA, RAM, and the Main Library. Palabra at The Cheech brings an evening of powerful poetry and spoken word, while live music and handmade vendors line Main Street. From historic tours to contemporary showcases, it’s a night to celebrate the art, stories, and voices that make Riverside unique.
Riverside's Slice Scene: Six Spots for Pizza on the Go
Local guide to the city's best grab-and-go pizza options, from $2 bargains to award-winning varieties.
(Ken Crawford)
California's slice culture may not match New York's walking neighborhoods. By-the-slice pizza consumption is generally relegated to shopping malls and boardwalks. We tend to eat our pizza at home or in high-decibel backless bench pizza joints, but Riverside has carved out its own pizza-by-the-slice identity across strip malls and shopping centers.
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.
No City Council meeting this week. The Board of Ethics will review open meeting law complaints against four councilmembers. How digital tools from Rivy the chatbot to smarter operations are reshaping city government. Plus, an update on Meliia’s GoFundMe.
Hillcrest, La Sierra and Norte Vista are now in our Back to School collection, meet Neighbor of the Week Katie Wider. Plus, Anthony Solorzano’s series continues and this week’s creative prompt is “New Paint Job.”
Back to School Collection debuts, Planning Commission advances Riverside Alive, former Miss Riverside fights fentanyl crisis and meet Archie, adoptable pet of the week.
