Your Neighbors Are Shaping Riverside's Future

When Natasha Ferguson wanted to continue serving Riverside after two terms on the Cultural Heritage Board, she saw an opening on one of the city's most demanding volunteer positions: the Community Police Review Commission.

Seven months into the role, Ferguson reviews extensive agenda materials, analyzes police reports, and examines body-worn camera footage to investigate complaints of alleged officer misconduct. She's participated in a ride-along with a K9 officer to better understand what law enforcement faces daily. The work is intense, she says, but deeply rewarding.

"Our team of commissioners takes its responsibility very seriously," Ferguson said. "CPRC acts as a mediator for the citizens of Riverside, assessing and investigating cases of alleged misconduct and complaints to ensure a fair and just outcome."

Ferguson is one of dozens of Riverside residents who volunteer their time on city boards and commissions—advisory bodies that guide City Council decisions on everything from building design and park improvements to ethics policies and police oversight. And right now, the city is looking for more people like her.

The City Clerk's office is accepting applications through November 14 for openings on 13 different boards and commissions. Ward 6 residents face particularly little competition: 10 of the 13 boards have Ward 6 vacancies, an unusual concentration that Ward 6 Councilmember Jim Perry says has been a persistent challenge throughout his 12 years in office.

"We've been talking when we're in community meetings. We're asking people to consider it," Perry said. "I put it in [my monthly] newsletter on a regular basis to try to attract people, to generate interest."

What Commissioners Actually Do

The impact of these volunteer bodies extends beyond advice. Several boards and commissions—including the Human Resources Board, the Community Police Review Commission, and the Budget Engagement Commission—recently recommended updates to the city's Code of Ethics. The City Council will hold a public hearing on December 2 to discuss those recommendations.

Miles Ward, who serves on the Budget Engagement Commission, said he spends roughly four hours a month on commission work, though that increases during budget season. He approaches the role as providing oversight rather than rubber-stamping city proposals.

"It's up to the BEC whether it wants to operate as a rubber stamp," Ward said. "In my role, I try to get at the root cause of issues so that City Staff reports and recommendations receive proper scrutiny."

The commission's influence can be concrete. Shortly before Ward joined, the commission successfully recommended that City Council include a $500,000 line item in the Measure Z budget to support seniors and individuals with disabilities—a recommendation the Council adopted. Ward said Council staff regularly seek clarification on the commission's proposals, evidence that their work is taken seriously.

Still, Ward said the time investment is worthwhile: "The investment is absolutely worth it, it's an honor to serve, and I take the position seriously. Any small role I can play in furthering Riverside's future is one worth the dedication required to make it happen."

A Range of Commitments and Interests

The time commitment varies significantly depending on the board. Most meet monthly, according to City Clerk Donesia Gause, though the Planning Commission convenes every other week and the Board of Public Utilities meets twice monthly. Overall, commissioners can expect to spend anywhere from two to 20 hours per month depending on the specific role.

The work itself also varies. Ferguson's role on the Community Police Review Commission requires computer literacy because commissioners must use specialized software to review body-worn camera footage. The 13 boards and commissions with openings cover topics ranging from aging and disabilities to planning, utilities, ethics, and cultural heritage.

All appointees receive training and are assigned a City staff liaison for support.

The Ward 6 Challenge

Perry said he's selective about appointments—he won't fill a position just to fill it. But he's also clear about what he doesn't want: commissioners who simply echo his own views.

"I make it pretty clear to people that they are their own person," Perry said. "They make their own decisions. All I ask is that they research, participate in the board or commission, and make their best independent decision that they feel is best for the community."

Over 12 years, Perry said he's turned down only "two or three" applicants who he felt weren't qualified or didn't have the community's interest at heart.

Why does Ward 6 consistently struggle to fill these positions? The City Clerk's office attributes it to "a lack of awareness regarding civic engagement opportunities," while Perry notes that current vacancies stem from both completed terms and life changes—residents moving outside the ward, new jobs creating longer commutes, and other shifts that make volunteering difficult.

The City has been working to address the awareness gap. The City Clerk's office has attended community meetings to promote the opportunities, and Perry regularly includes information in his newsletter.

Applications are accepted year-round for unscheduled vacancies that arise when members resign, though the annual recruitment aims to fill positions from completed terms. Applications are due November 14. More information is available at riversideca.gov/cityclerk/boards-commissions or by calling the City Clerk's Office at (951) 826-5557.