City Council unanimously voted to ask Riverside voters in June to raise the Measure Z sales tax from 1% to 1.25% — and extend it indefinitely — to fund fire staffing and emergency services. Why it matters: Riverside firefighters are responding nearly 90 seconds slower than the national standard, and the department needs 84 more firefighters. The Riverside Arts Council named him its March Artist of the Month, and it is hard to argue with the pick. (Courtesy of Human Migration Institute)The Human Migration Institute hosts its free International Women's Day gathering this Sunday, uniting refugee newcomers and longtime Riverside residents in shared celebration. Why it matters: This free, family-friendly event is open to all Riverside residents — and it's one of the few public spaces where refugee and established communities intentionally mix.

Source: The Guardian March 04, 2026 13:04 UTC