Sign Protest: Threat to My Business and Community

A Message from Adrian Aros. My name is Adrian Aros, and I am the owner of FC Riverside County, a local youth soccer organization. We operate a facility that boasts a state-of-the-art turf field, a playground, and a safe, private setting for our families. It is a place where students learn teamwork and our community connects through the beautiful game.

But there is a major problem: FC Riverside County is hidden. We operate on church property, paying market-rate rent. While we have built a fantastic community, getting people to find us has always been a challenge. That is 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 aggressively remove the yard signs I placed in front of my business. This was not just a minor inconvenience; it was a direct blow to my ability to operate and thrive. Imagine pouring your heart, your time, and your limited resources into building a valuable service for your community, only to have the very tools you need to reach customers stripped away by your own city.

• 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. Every sign the city pulls out of the ground is a family that might never find the opportunity we provide for their child.
• An Uneven Playing Field. What makes this even more frustrating is the blatant double standard. 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 is a targeted attack on businesses that don't fit into the city's "preferred" narrative.
• The Cost of Compliance. The time and effort spent dealing with sign removal, deciphering complex and restrictive ordinances, and now building this movement is time I could be spending growing my business and serving my customers. The threat of heavy fines and continued enforcement only adds to the immense pressure on local entrepreneurs like me.

 

More Than Just Signs: It's About Control

 

This isn't about aesthetics. If the City Council truly cared about the city’s appearance, they would have addressed this before they used signs to win their own seats. Why is it only now, once they are in power, that they are 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. It is 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 is my livelihood. It is how I support my family, employ my staff, and contribute to the local economy. When the city removes our signs, they aren't just removing plastic and wire—they are chipping away at my ability to earn a living and serve the children of Corona. This isn't an abstract policy debate; it's personal. It’s about fighting for my right to run my business fairly and preventing the City of Corona from stifling free expression.

Join My Fight. Join Our Fight.

 

I refuse to let the city silence us. If you are a business owner struggling to be seen, a non-profit fighting to spread your message, or a concerned citizen who believes in freedom of expression and a fair environment for local enterprise, 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.