Riverside moves to interviews for its first inspector general

The Raincross Gazette: Riverside expects to interview candidates for its first inspector general in July, a city spokesperson said Monday. Recruitment opened March 3 and closed April 5; the city has not released applicant numbers or finalists, and interviews will run in closed session under the sunshine ordinance.

The office traces to Measure L, which 64 percent of voters approved in November 2024 and which amended the charter to create a watchdog over fraud, waste, abuse, and inefficiency in city government. The council formally established the office on a 6-1 vote in November 2025 after months of debate over how to keep it independent.

The independence question hasn't gone away. The inspector general gets access to city records, can review public complaints, and can place items on council agendas — but is appointed by the same elected officials it may investigate. Council member Phillip Falcone, who wrote the ballot argument against Measure L and cast the lone dissenting vote, has called the role expensive, untested, and unnecessary.