Water Damage Restoration in Riverside, CA

RIVERSIDE, CA — Civil Air Patrol cadets, joined by current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, volunteers from nonprofit organizations and families throughout Riverside County, will fan out across Riverside National Cemetery on Saturday to place Christmas wreaths at graves in an annual salute to the fallen.

The cemetery walk will coincide with nearly 4,700 similar deployments nationwide in recognition of "National Wreaths Across America Day," in which the Civil Air Patrol, also known as the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, takes a leading role.

"National Wreaths Across America Day is an event held every December in which millions of volunteers unite to place sponsored veterans' wreaths at the final resting place of millions of service members in thousands of participating locations across the U.S. and abroad," according to the nonprofit Wreaths Across America. "These wreaths are delivered through the generosity of hundreds of volunteer truck drivers and their companies and are sponsored by individuals and businesses."

CAP Squadron 45, based at March Air Reserve Base and composed of cadets ages 12 to 19 years old, has spearheaded the Wreaths Across America campaign for Riverside National Cemetery over more than a decade.

WAA began, informally, in 1992, when the owners of the Harrington, Maine-based Worcester Wreath Co. wanted to do something positive with their surplus holiday wreaths, offering them to Arlington National Cemetery for graveside placements.

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The gesture turned into a yearly tradition, eventually expanding to multiple states, where members of American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts became involved, placing wreaths.

In 2006, the ceremonies were formalized and scheduled for specific days in December, according to wreathsacrossamerica.org.

"Our mission to `Remember, Honor and Teach' is carried out throughout the year," according to wreathsacrossamerica.org. "Wreaths Across America's mission touches the lives of thousands of school, scout, civic and religious groups across the country."

CAP officials said some of the wreaths are sponsored, often by relatives of individuals laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery, and those garlands are taken to specific plots. Otherwise, volunteers try to canvass different segments of the cemetery, where wreaths are placed in orderly arrangements.

Reaching the nearly 250,000 graves at the cemetery has never been possible, so volunteers focus on certain spaces.

Flag walks at the cemetery in honor of Memorial Day and Veterans Day involve CAP cadets, Boy Scouts, police Explorers and other groups, who generally are able to erect miniature American flags at every grave.

Unlike the wreaths, which are heavier, more expensive and have to be carefully preserved for one-time use, the flags are compact, cost less than a dollar apiece and can be reused.

Squadron 45 and other nonprofit entities seek donations year-round to support the WAA cause.

Before the deployment begins Saturday, there will be a formal ceremony at the cemetery Amphitheater highlighting the meaning of the occasion.

More information is available at https://ca007.cap.gov.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The Board of Supervisors is slated Tuesday to approve a new three-year contract with the union representing Riverside County sheriff's deputies and District Attorney's Office investigators, guaranteeing pay increases to members totaling 19% over the duration of the compact.

The $164 million collective bargaining agreement between the county and the Riverside Sheriffs' Association, if ratified, would be in effect from this week until Dec. 9, 2027.

The highlight of the contract is the automatic pay hikes, which would apply to members in the "minimum and maximum range of all classifications," according to the terms.

The first across-the-board hike, totaling 9%, would take effect immediately. The next auto hike, totaling 5%, would take effect on Dec. 11, 2025, and the final 5% hike would be added to members' paychecks beginning Dec. 11, 2026, according to the agreement.

The county General Fund would cover roughly half the contract costs, while the sheriff's departmental budget would cover the other half.

More than 1,600 employees would be covered under the compact, which is specifically with RSA's Law Enforcement Unit, encompassing patrol deputies, school resource officers, aviation personnel, basic-level investigators and District Attorney's Office investigators who are below the executive level.

The Law Enforcement Unit's prior five-year collective bargaining agreement expires this week. Negotiations on the new one have been underway since August.

The members have different schedules, some assigned to the standard five-day, 40-hour work week, while others are assigned to 4/10 schedules — four 10-hour days — and others are on 3/12 schedules, or three 12-hour days.

The new compact makes allowances for extra duty pay assignments and overtime. There is also a pay allowance for "standby duty," during which an employee can be designated as ready for deployment but may never actually be summoned. For each eight hours in standby mode, the law enforcement officer would receive one-hour of regular pay, according to the terms.

There is additionally extra pay for bilingual capabilities and education incentives compensation, as well as premiums for SWAT, the bomb squad and canine management.

Increased pay would also be permitted for patrol personnel "permanently assigned" to the Palm Desert and Thermal stations.

Only retiring Supervisor Kevin Jeffries has questioned the sustainability of double-digit percentage pay hikes for public safety personnel, along with general escalating costs tied to pensions for all county employees.

Tuesday will be his second-to-last meeting on the board. It's expected that while he'll comment on the proposed memorandum of understanding with RSA, he won't formally oppose it.

"This is an ambitious journey to shape the future of higher education in our region," said Dr. Lisa DeForest.

Toni McAllister, Patch Staff

TEMECULA, CA — A coalition of educators and local leaders aims to bring a public four-year university to Southwest Riverside County, and the group is seeking people who want to get involved.

"This is an ambitious journey to shape the future of higher education in our region," said Dr. Lisa DeForest, chair of the Southwest Higher Education Coalition. "With only 21% of our population over 25 years old holding a bachelor’s degree, compared to a national average of 54%, our greatest export cannot be our talent, skill, and future."

The coalition's most immediate priority is expanding California State University, San Marcos, at the Mt. San Jacinto College Temecula location — a campus referred to as University Center — at 43890 Margarita Road.

"The expansion of CSUSM’s programs will help us develop a comprehensive curriculum in fields such as nursing, business, education, and STEM," said Dr. Roger Schultz, superintendent/president of MSJC. "This is about more than growing a campus; it’s about investing in our community’s future, keeping talent here, and fueling economic vitality in one of California’s fastest-growing areas."

Students currently enrolled at the University Center campus can earn bachelor's degrees in nursing, business administration, and software engineering.

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DeForest said that by expanding the offerings, "we aim to create a magnet for talent that will attract and retain skilled individuals in Southwest Riverside County."

DeForest is a local chiropractor who also serves on the Murrieta City Council.

MSJC serves over 30,000 students annually, yet less than 30% of its graduates pursue a four-year degree due to the distance to existing universities, officials said. The coalition seeks to bridge the gap by offering expanded four-year degree opportunities locally.

To this end, the coalition has raised over $6.5 million toward the $18 million needed for campus improvements that could accommodate future expansion.

"We invite everyone to join this effort — whether through funding, partnerships, or spreading awareness," Dr. DeForest said. "Together, we can build a brighter future for Southwest Riverside County."

The coalition’s next meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Murrieta Public Library, 8 Town Square. For more information on how to get involved, visit MSJC.edu/UniversityCenter.

25PTS9/17FG5/8FT20PTS4/12FG9/10FT

Full Box Score

Team Stats

UCRCBU

Field Goal %

44.3

40.0

Turnovers

6

10

Rebounds

38

37

Full Team Stats

Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center

7:00 PM, November 12, 2024Coverage: ESPN+

Riverside, CA

Attendance: 3,607

— Barrington Hargress had 25 points in UC Riverside's 70-69 victory against Cal Baptist on Tuesday.

UC Riverside

CA Baptist

UCR 100%

UCR 70CBU 69

0:00 - 2ndEnd of Game

Betting Results

Odds by

OpenSpreadTotalML

UCR

(1-2)

o150.5

-115

+3.5

-120

o145.5

-115

CBU

(2-1)

-1.5

-115

-3.5

EVEN

u145.5

-105

-155

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Full Standings

Texas builds big early lead, cruises to 91-67 win over New Mexico State

— Arthur Kaluma scored 12 of his 18 points in the first half when Texas took a big lead and the Longhorns went on to beat New Mexico State 91-67 on Thursday night.

New Mexico State Aggies vs. Texas Longhorns: Game Highlights

New Mexico State Aggies vs. Texas Longhorns: Game Highlights

Are you considering buying or selling a home in Riverside, California? The Riverside CA housing market has shown some interesting trends recently, making it a good time to understand the current situation. Riverside CA housing market trends indicate that the market is somewhat competitive, with home prices rising and inventory levels remaining tight. However, there are some nuances that are important for both buyers and sellers to consider. Let's dive deeper into the key aspects of the Riverside housing market in 2024.

Riverside CA Housing Market Trends:

In October 2024, the Riverside CA housing market saw a significant increase in the number of homes sold compared to the same time last year. According to Redfin, there were 177 homes sold in October 2024, up from 133 in October 2023, representing a 33.1% year-over-year increase. This suggests that demand for homes in Riverside remains relatively strong, with buyers eager to take advantage of opportunities in the market.

Having lived in Riverside for several years now, I've noticed the gradual increase in the number of buyers. There's a mix of families looking for larger houses with good school districts and young professionals who are drawn to the city's growing economy and affordability compared to nearby cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. This influx of buyers has undoubtedly contributed to the increase in home sales.

Based on my observations, the increased sales could also be linked to the improved economic conditions and lower interest rates that we've experienced in recent months. A combination of these factors could be stimulating buyer activity and contributing to this upswing in home sales.

However, it's essential to note that while sales have risen, the average time it takes for a home to sell has also increased slightly. Homes are now taking about 35 days to sell, up from 31 days in 2023. This suggests that the market might be starting to cool down a bit compared to the rapid pace seen earlier in 2023.

The Riverside CA housing market has experienced a steady rise in home prices over the last year. As of October 2024, the median sale price of a home in Riverside was $650,000, reflecting a 5.7% increase from the previous year. This upward trend in prices is in line with broader regional and national trends, with the housing market in Southern California still experiencing a strong demand.

It's crucial to understand that while prices are increasing, the median sale price per square foot has decreased slightly by 3.3% year-over-year to $383. This potentially indicates that price growth might be slowing down or that buyers are becoming more price-sensitive.

I believe that the rise in home prices can be attributed to a number of factors. Firstly, the relatively limited housing supply in Riverside continues to create a competitive environment where buyers are often forced to make offers above the asking price to secure a home.

Secondly, the growing popularity of Riverside as a more affordable alternative to other major cities in the region has also contributed to increased demand and price appreciation.

One of the key factors influencing the Riverside CA housing market is the limited supply of available homes. While there has been an uptick in sales, the inventory of homes for sale remains relatively constrained. This scarcity of inventory is contributing to the competitiveness of the market and the upward pressure on home prices.

I've spoken to many real estate agents in Riverside, and they consistently confirm that the housing supply is a significant challenge. We haven't seen a dramatic increase in new construction in recent years to accommodate the growing population and demand for housing. This limited supply is expected to continue for some time, leading to a prolonged period of competition in the market.

Several trends are shaping the Riverside CA housing market in 2024. As I mentioned earlier, the market is currently considered somewhat competitive. This is reflected in several factors:

The Riverside CA housing market is evolving, and these trends suggest a shift from the rapid appreciation and intense competition of the past few years to a more balanced state.

Given the current trends, I would say that the Riverside CA housing market is leaning towards a more balanced or potentially a buyer's market compared to the recent past. Although home prices are still rising, the pace of appreciation seems to be slowing down, the number of homes with price reductions is increasing, and the time it takes to sell a home has slightly extended. This creates a slightly more favorable environment for buyers who can negotiate better deals and take their time to find the right property.

However, it's important to remember that the market is still competitive due to the limited housing supply. Sellers still hold a degree of leverage, but they may need to be more flexible with their pricing and strategies.

While home prices in Riverside are increasing overall, the pace of growth has slowed down, and we have seen an increase in the number of homes with price reductions. It's important to note that a drop in home prices is not expected at this point in time. However, the current trends indicate that buyers have a slightly better opportunity to negotiate and potentially secure a home at a price that is more favorable compared to the previous year.

In my view, a substantial drop in home prices is unlikely in the immediate future. The limited housing supply and the continued demand from both local and out-of-state buyers will likely continue to support home values. Nevertheless, buyers who are strategic and patient could find themselves in a position to negotiate a better deal or perhaps avoid bidding wars that were prevalent in recent years.

The Riverside CA housing market is also influenced by migration patterns. Data from Redfin suggests that a significant portion of buyers are looking to stay within the Riverside metropolitan area. About 79% of homebuyers in Riverside are looking to stay within the region. However, a notable number of buyers are also searching to move into Riverside from other areas, including San Francisco, New York, and Hermiston.

Riverside's appeal as a relatively affordable option compared to surrounding areas like San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County plays a role in attracting homebuyers. Many individuals and families are seeking a more cost-effective lifestyle while still enjoying the amenities and job opportunities in the Inland Empire.

On the other hand, a significant number of Riverside residents are looking to move to other locations. The most popular destinations for outbound migration include San Diego, Las Vegas, and Bakersfield. The reasons for these moves could be diverse, from job relocations to a desire for a change in lifestyle or proximity to family.

Table 1: Riverside Inbound and Outbound Migration

Riverside, like many parts of California, faces several natural hazards that could impact the Riverside CA housing market. These include:

It is vital for potential buyers to be aware of these potential risks when considering a purchase in Riverside. While these factors might not directly impact the immediate trends in the housing market, they could influence long-term values and insurance costs.

Furthermore, these potential risks can also influence the decisions of homeowners who are considering selling. If they are concerned about climate risks, they might be inclined to sell sooner rather than later. This could potentially impact the overall inventory and price trends in the future.

Riverside Housing Market Forecast 2025-2026

The Riverside housing market forecast looks pretty stable, with home values expected to see a gradual rise. In fact, Zillow's latest forecast anticipates a 2.9% increase in home values by October 2025. This indicates that the Riverside housing market, while not experiencing explosive growth, will continue to be a relatively stable and desirable place to invest in real estate. Let's take a deeper look at what this forecast means and how Riverside compares with other California areas.

I've been following the real estate market for several years, and I always rely on credible sources like Zillow for their forecasts. Looking at the data from Zillow's forecast for Riverside, we can see the projected change in home values over the next year:

Based on this, it suggests that the Riverside housing market may be slower to recover than other parts of California in the near future. It's important to remember that these are simply predictions. While Zillow has a good track record in real estate forecasting, several factors can impact the market that even the most sophisticated models might not fully capture.

When I look at how the Riverside housing market is expected to perform in comparison to other regions in California, it’s evident that the Riverside housing market forecast is more optimistic than certain areas of the state. Let's look at a few of the major metro areas:

As you can see, the Riverside housing market looks relatively promising in comparison to other major California metro areas.

Based on Zillow's current forecast, it doesn't seem likely that Riverside will experience a major drop in home prices. It is predicted that home prices will slowly but steadily climb. While there is no guarantee, the forecast suggests that a housing crash, or a significant price drop, is not expected.

Predicting so far into the future is tricky. However, it's likely that the Riverside housing market will continue to see steady growth, perhaps at a pace similar to that of 2025. However, I would advise people to keep an eye on the national and regional economy. Interest rates, inflation, and employment figures will be major factors that influence the real estate market.

I hope this overview of the Riverside housing market forecast has given you a better understanding of what might be in store. It's vital to remember that real estate market forecasts are just that – forecasts. If you're thinking about your real estate future in Riverside, doing your own research and consulting with a real estate agent is crucial for making informed decisions.

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