Message WARD 1Y E A R - I N - R E V I E WAPRIL 9, 2024 - APRIL 9, 2025COUNCILMEMBERPHILIP FALCONE
Page 1Dear Riversider,Time has flown by! A year ago today we went to work for the people of Ward 1.On day one I had a 268-item to-do list—and we wasted no time getting towork. Since then we have made historic investments in road repaving,corrected the delay in solid waste collection, strengthened local ordinances onencampments, attracted several game-changing businesses and newdevelopments to the ward, and more. The way we operate in Ward 1 is simple:we are clear-eyed and laser-focused on getting stuff done every day. I do not take for granted the true privilege of serving the city’s most populousward, and I will continue to treat this part-time job as a full-time commitment.As we continue to move forward with purpose, let's take a moment to reflecton how far we have come, from my first time sitting at the dais to thecompletion of my first year in office. Much remains to do over the next three years as we continue to serveRiverside with purpose and joy.Councilmember Philip Falcone, Ward 1In service,
Page 2Community OutreachEmailsGrand OpeningsWard 1 Office Led Community MeetingsNeighborhood MeetingsPhone CallsCommunityEvents108106 33 156535,100+The numbers above offer insight into how frequently we engage with the community toidentify our achievements and gather feedback from residents. Notably, these figures excludemeetings held with city staff behind the scenes, conversations with residents in the field, oremails sent directly to the Ward 1 staff.
Page 3ARPA Business GrantTotal Grant MoneyAwarded in Ward 1103Total BusinessesAwarded Grant in Ward 1$1,107,500Total New Business LicensesApril 2024 - March 2025City Planners WelcomedAPA Conference 3171900+The Aspire Project - 33 units for foster youth housing Complete & occupied Mulberry Gardens Senior Apartments - 59 affordable units Groundbreaking August 2024The Exchange in the Northside - 482 unitsAdditional 100+ units in entitlements or under constructionArt & Culture District branding2024 HighlightsNorthside Agricultural Innovation Center groundbreaking Riverside Adventure Center &mixed-use village negotiationsunderwayRiverside Convention Center expansion study underwayWard 1 Means Business
Page 4Parks, Parks, ParksWard 1 boasts a dozen parks, more than any other ward in the city. Millionshave been invested in these parks, and I have spent hours surveying eachone alongside our parks director. Together, we have identified immediateneeds as well as mid-term and long-term improvements for some of ourcity’s most iconic locations. Parks remain one of the top Ward 1 priorities.New rubberized surfaces forplaygroundsResurfacing of parking lots inmultiple Ward 1 parksNew pool heaters installed atReid ParkNew shaded playground forDario Vasquez ParkWhite ParkPlanted over 75 rosesNew Sendai Garden signageMore lighting for securityChavez Community Center $25 million renovationNew Bordwell Park Gym$8.4 million approved fundingFairmount Park Master plan firm selected Lake dredging concludes Return of pedal boatsNew wayfinding signage
Page 5City Infrastructure & ServicesHunter Substation Project $62 Million project to improve systemreliability and increase capacity Funding approved June 2024Emergency action to alleviate the years-long solid waste collection delaysWood Streets sewer replacement projectunder construction nowDiagonal crosswalks at University & MarketAve and Mission Inn & Market AveA dozen residential Eastside streets repavedLime Street pedestrian bridge repaired,bridge mural coming soonOrange Street and Redwood Drivereconfiguration projects implementedMain Street Mall & Downtown parkingstructures refreshedNew landscaping for Mission Inn Ave andBuena Vista Bridge entry point to the CityHistoric streetlights replaced, a near $10 million invested4658,506 Trees Trimmed215 New Trees Planted143 Problem Trees Removed1,400+Graffiti Removed1,972 Potholes Repaired
Page 6City Council PolicyThe recent Supreme Court decision on the GrantsPass, OR case re-affirms the City’s ability to enforcelocal ordinances designed to deter illegal activity byhomeless people—something that occupies 80% ofour public safety professionals’ time. City Councilvoted to expedite removal requirements to 24 hours.To clarify the language in the City's sign code,modifications will be made to specify whichsigns are encouraged/discouraged. This updatewill also include a visual guide for businessowners to assist in understanding theintentions of the sign code.The City Council unanimously voted in favor ofthe removal of a 1.5% surcharge on monthlywater rates. Times are challenging with fees andrates seemingly always on the rise. This is onesmall way to provide some financial relief toRiversiders.The City Council voted to limit cannabisstorefronts to seven citywide, with one per ward.The updated regulations expand sensitivereceptors to include parks, schools, and ABC-licensed businesses, and prohibit storefronts inDowntown and Midtown areas.
Page 7Special Projects & MoreSignal box murals in the Wood Streets alongMagnolia Ave Historic Wood Streets monuments on Oakwood, Linwood, andHistoric Wood Streets monuments on Oakwood, Linwood, andBandini restored, historic signage recreated from 1924 pictureBandini restored, historic signage recreated from 1924 pictureNative plant garden installation on Main Street MallPrivately sponsored signal box wraps in DowntownHistoric monument and markercataloging and restoration projectSmall business beautification projectsLoring building & Fox Theater window wraps with historic images
To learn more, visit: RiversideCA.gov/Council(951) 826-5242 Ward1@RiversideCA.gov.Council AssistantsSarai ArellanoMatthew MaldonadoWARD 1 TEAMPage 8Councilmember Philip Falcone