City council votes, mayoral races, county measures, and state legislation — all the political news shaping Riverside.

Every election cycle, politicians dress up new taxes and bonds with feel-good names — "for the children," "for public safety," "for our roads." Don't be fooled. A tax is a tax. A bond is debt your children will pay back with interest. Riverside residents are already among the most taxed in the nation. The problem is not that government doesn't have enough of your money — the problem is that government refuses to stop spending it. We don't have a revenue problem. We have a spending problem. Before Sacramento or City Hall asks you for one more dime, demand they open the books, cut the waste, and live within their means — just like every Riverside family has to do.

Reform California is one of the state's most powerful grassroots conservative organizations, fighting every day to hold Sacramento accountable. Founded by political activist Carl DeMaio, Reform California leads ballot initiative campaigns, voter education drives, and taxpayer protection efforts across the state. They have been on the front lines opposing billions in wasteful spending, fighting back against job-killing regulations, and exposing government corruption. If you're tired of Sacramento's out-of-control spending, sky-high taxes, and politicians who answer to special interests instead of you — Reform California is your organization. Sign up, donate, and get involved at www.reformcalifornia.org. California can be fixed — but only if we fight for it.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department has expanded its fentanyl enforcement task force with 12 additional deputies and new partnerships with the DEA and Border Patrol. Sheriff Chad Bianco announced the expansion at a press conference, calling fentanyl "the greatest public safety threat facing our communities" and pledging zero tolerance for dealers targeting youth.

A parental rights bill co-authored by Riverside-area Republican Assemblymembers is advancing in Sacramento, requiring schools to notify parents before introducing new curriculum on gender identity or sexual orientation. Supporters say parents have a fundamental right to know what their children are being taught. The bill passed its first committee vote 6-3 along party lines.

More than 800 Riverside residents gathered at Fairmount Park Saturday for a Second Amendment rally organized by the Riverside County Republican Party. Speakers included local gun shop owners, veterans, and county supervisors who called on Sacramento to repeal recent firearm restrictions they say infringe on constitutional rights. Attendees signed a petition opposing the state's new handgun roster regulations.

The Riverside Business Alliance has endorsed three Republican candidates for the November 2026 City Council races, citing their support for reducing business regulations, cutting permitting delays, and opposing new commercial taxes. Alliance president Tom Hargrove said the endorsed candidates "understand that a thriving economy is the foundation of a strong community."

A recall effort against two Riverside Unified School Board members has surpassed 5,000 signatures, driven largely by conservative parents opposed to new social-emotional learning curriculum and book selections they say are inappropriate for elementary-age students. Recall organizers say they want board members who prioritize reading, math, and parental transparency over political agendas.