This isn't merely about "beautification" or "less clutter." If the City of Corona council truly cared about reducing signs, why didn't they propose these strict regulations before they were elected?
Adrian Aros
My name is Adrian Aros, and I'm the owner of FC Riverside County, a youth soccer organization. We operate at a facility that boasts a state-of-the-art turf field, a playground, bleachers, and a safe, private setting. It's a place where families gather, students learn teamwork, and the community connects through soccer.
But there's a problem: FC Riverside County is hidden. We operate on church property, paying market-rate rent. While we've built a fantastic community, getting people to find us has always been a challenge. That's where yard signs came in – they were a crucial, cost-effective way to direct families to our location and let them know we exist.
My Battle with the City of Corona
Recently, the City of Corona decided to remove the yard signs I placed in front of my business. This wasn't just a minor inconvenience; it was a direct blow to my ability to operate and thrive.
Imagine pouring your heart, time, and resources into building a valuable service for your community, only to have the very tools you need to reach customers taken away by your own city. That's what's happening to me.
- A Hidden Gem, Now Harder to Find: Without our signs, new families struggle to locate our facility. This directly translates to fewer registrations, less revenue, and a constant uphill battle to keep our program viable.
- An Uneven Playing Field: What makes this even more frustrating is that many of my competitors receive subsidized rates from the government and enjoy marketing promotions through city channels like community magazines and email lists. While they benefit from public support, my private enterprise is being actively hindered by public policy. This isn't just a disadvantage; it feels like a targeted attack on businesses that don't fit into the city's preferred narrative.
- The Cost of Compliance (and Non-Compliance): The time and effort spent dealing with sign removal, understanding complex ordinances, and now building this movement, is time I could be spending growing my business and serving my customers. The threat of fines and continued enforcement only adds to the immense pressure.
More Than Just Signs: It's About Control
This isn't merely about "beautification" or "less clutter." If the City of Corona council truly cared about reducing signs, why didn't they propose these strict regulations before they were elected? Why is it only now, once they're in power, that they seem determined to control the flow of information?
I believe this sign ban is a deliberate move to make it harder for businesses, non-profits, and independent causes to express themselves and share information within our city. It’s about limiting public discourse and controlling the narrative, rather than fostering a vibrant, competitive business environment and a truly free community.
My Livelihood is on the Line
FC Riverside County is not just a business; it's my livelihood. It's how I support my family, employ staff, and contribute to the local economy. When the city removes our signs, they aren't just removing a piece of plastic and wire – they are chipping away at my ability to earn a living and provide a valuable service to the children and families of Corona.
This isn't some abstract policy debate for me. This is personal. This is about fighting for my right to run my business fairly, to compete on a level playing field, and to prevent the City of Corona from stifling free expression.
Join My Fight. Join Our Fight.
I refuse to let the city silence us. If you're a business owner struggling to be seen, a non-profit fighting to spread your message, or simply a concerned citizen who believes in freedom of expression and a fair environment for local enterprise, then your voice is crucial.
Help us send a clear message to the City of Corona: We will not be controlled. We will not be silenced.