Gas Prices Spike, Tax Talks Loom, and Wind Advisory Sweeps Riverside

Riverside is feeling the squeeze at the pump, inside City Hall, and even in the forecast this week.

Gas Prices Reach Highest Level Since 2023

The average price of a gallon of regular gas in Riverside County climbed to $5.22 on Tuesday, the highest mark since October 2023. Prices have risen nearly every day for more than a month, jumping more than a dollar during that stretch.

Drivers are now paying significantly more than they were just a week ago, continuing a sharp upward trend tied to global oil market volatility. While analysts note oil prices dipped slightly Tuesday morning, relief at the pump may take time.

City Council Weighs Revenue Options

Riverside leaders are also facing big financial decisions. According to a local city newsletter, the City Council is considering whether to place new revenue measures before voters in June.

Options include extending Measure Z beyond its current 2036 sunset, adding a quarter-cent sales tax, increasing the hotel tax, combining those ideas, or choosing none at all. Measure Z currently generates more than $80 million annually and supports fire, police, and other essential services.

The discussion comes as officials look for ways to stabilize funding for public safety staffing and long-term city needs.

Wind Advisory Hits Mountain Areas

Over the weekend, strong northeast winds prompted a Wind Advisory for the Riverside County mountains and the San Gorgonio Pass. Gusts reached up to 55 miles per hour in some foothill areas.

The advisory expired Sunday evening, but the blustery conditions made for difficult driving, especially for high-profile vehicles, and raised the risk of isolated power outages.

Calmer weather has returned for now, though residents should expect continued seasonal swings as March moves forward.

Sources

https://www.nbcpalmsprings.com/2026/03/10/average-riverside-county-gas-price-rises-to-highest-amount-since-oct-31-2023
https://kesq.com/weather/alerts-weather/2026/03/08/wind-advisory-issued-march-8-at-553am-pdt-until-march-8-at-500pm-pdt-by-nws-san-diego-ca/
https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-news-march-9-2026/