Councilmember Philip Falcone

05/25/2026

For generations Riverside has honored our country’s fallen on Memorial Day, or its precursor, Decoration Day. Evergreen Cemetery has long since been at the center of such commemorations.

In 1927, a memorial was dedicated in the cemetery to honor the fallen. It was American Legion Post 79—which is still active in Fairmount Park today—that established this “Lest We Forget” stone monument. Today it is still adorned in patriotic finery as it was in this 1953 New York Herald Tribune clipping.

05/22/2026

Riverside is making budget decisions to live within our means—as evidenced by $18 million in spending reductions. However, cuts to public safety, Public Works, and General Services (facilities department) are non-negotiable for me. And the residents of Ward 1 expect nothing less!

During an initial review of Riverside’s proposed budget for the next two years, Councilmember Philip Falcone pushed back against plans to reduce public works spending.

05/18/2026

A slew of scoopers were serving up sweet treats today at the Heritage House Ice Cream Social! A celebrity spotting may have occurred when rock n’ roll George Washington came by our ice cream tent—in honor of America 250.

Thank you to the Museum of Riverside and Riverside Museum Associates for hosting this event for four decades. Always free and always fun for the family!

05/09/2026

I recently joined Spectrum News’ “In Focus” program to discuss happenings in Ward 1 —from leading Riverside’s America 250 celebrations, to reflecting on Downtown’s state designation as a California Cultural District, to how we are working to protect and preserve our historic landmarks for future generations of Riversiders, this interview was a grand tour of all things Ward 1.

Here’s a small snippet, but the full discussion is at: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/me/maine/in-focus/2026/05/02/in-focus-socal--riverside

05/06/2026

We’re welcoming California Preservation Foundation to Riverside!

For five decades, the California Preservation Foundation has brought together historic preservationists and advocates for California’s iconic built environment at their annual conference. This year, as they celebrate their 50th conference we are proud that they are returning home to Riverside. In 1976, their first conference was in Riverside and now, for their golden anniversary, they are back in the city where it all began.

We hope they enjoy the history, culture, and architecture of downtown Riverside—a California designated cultural district.

04/24/2026

This year the United States observes its Semiquincentennial—250 years since its founding in 1776. The Mission Inn Foundation and all of Riverside joins in this observation because Riverside history is American history, and American history is Riverside history.

To commemorate 250 years of American freedom, the leading role the Mission Inn and Riverside has played in the shaping of American history and politics comes into the spotlight with “Riverside: An All-American City,” a celebratory gallery exhibition of art and artifacts.

Join us for the exhibition opening on Friday, May 1!

04/15/2026

Hot off the press! The latest edition of The Riversider magazine pulls back the curtain of Riverside’s Soldiers Memorial—known as the Municipal Auditorium—in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Rarely photographed rooms and 1930s WPA-era paintings on liberty, government, and peace are published in this edition.

Now available (and free!) at local businesses.

04/14/2026

Captain Tim Strack was a Riverside icon. Few people have had such a lasting impact on our city—and no one has been as consequential for the Riverside Fire Department as Tim.

For a decade, Captain Strack called Station 1 on Lime Street “home” and now his name will adorn Lime Street signs. Join us on 4/21 to memorialize his dedication.

04/09/2026

It has been two years to the day since I began with an extensive and urgent to-do list of nearly 300 items aimed at addressing the everyday needs of Ward 1 residents.

Just as we hit the ground running at the start, we have maintained our tireless pace in service, focusing on the primary goals you sent me to City Hall for: a back-to-basics approach to government.

Take a look at our annual Ward 1 Year In Review digital book at https://simplebooklet.com/ward1yearinreview25-26