RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson will try to secure a second term by overcoming a challenge from a local advertising agency proprietor in Tuesday’s election.
Dawson is pitted against Riverside resident Jessica Qattawi.
The incumbent, who was first elected in 2020 following then-Mayor Rusty Bailey’s decision not to seek reelection, is touting her efforts to procure funding for homeless relief programs, law enforcement and neighborhood beautification as accomplishments over the last four years.
The former Riverside Unified School District Board of Trustees member and environmental scientist has vowed to persist in her efforts to address the city’s ongoing challenges with the transient population if re-elected.
“I will continue to partner with police, fire and community organizations to overcome these challenges,” Dawson said in campaign literature. “Together, we must continue moving Riverside forward with innovative solutions and responsible decision-making.”
Despite regulatory measures to discourage homeless encampments along the city’s side of the Santa Ana River bottom, squatter camps remain. The downtown area also continues to be a draw for homeless individuals, as well as the University Avenue corridor.
Dawson entered office promising to work toward fortifying municipal finances, declaring the city would be bankrupt by 2023 without a change of course.
“We balanced the city’s budget,” she said in her campaign statement.
Qattawi was in the broadcast industry prior to establishing her advertising company, NV Media LLC, in downtown Riverside.
She’s also a member of The Unforgettables Foundation-Inland Empire Board of Directors. The nonprofit provides financial assistance to grieving families facing difficulties covering funeral and related costs after losing a child.
The candidate said in campaign literature that she will “engage with residents and organizations to shape (policies) based on their needs and aspirations,” emphasizing “inclusivity, transparency and dedication to Riverside’s well-being.”
Qattawi indicated a laser focus on homelessness, escalating utility costs and providing assistance to seniors unable to cope with inflationary pressures.
She envisions establishing a “comprehensive support campus” to give the transient population a central place to set up tents, receive therapeutic assistance and potential paths to job training.
Qattawi was not specific on a possible location and suggested that the means of funding it would entail procuring more state and federal grants, expanding the city’s public-private partnerships and relying on nonprofits.
She said annual increases in utility costs are “burdening families and impacting their daily lives,” demanding remedies.
“I’ve delved into the matter, and it’s clear: our city lacks the right to impose such drastic increases,” Qattawi said. “As your elected representative, I will address this immediately.”
She said general cost pressures squeezing seniors’ incomes need to be addressed through “essential aid” programs, one of which would entail consolidating “housing, utilities” and grocery costs into a “a single monthly fee” to ensure affordability.
“Acknowledging the necessity for change as the city faces challenges, I am committed to implementing solutions,” Qattawi said.