The Ragged Robin Rose is a big contributor to the beauty of one of Riversideās signature roadways. (Ken Crawford)
Friday Gazette: April 18, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday!
Inspiration has strange ways. Sometimes itās a trek through the mire, and sometimes it floats in on the ether. This week, twice, in separate and very different contexts, I was told the story of the Ragged Robin Roses of Victoria Avenue. Thatās a hint obvious enough for even me. Iāve plucked inspiration from the wind and am passing along the story of the rugged Ragged Robin Rose.
When you drive down Victoria Avenue, you see many kinds of flowering plants, strategically planted to ensure that every section has something in bloom each season. One of the more ubiquitous blooms is the Ragged Robin Rose. Itās bright pinkābordering on redāand a bit rustic and rough around the edges.
While it makes sense to have such durable flowers on one of the more dusty and well-traveled cross-town thoroughfares, it wasnāt the flower that earned the Ragged Robin its job. The Ragged Robin grows on particularly hearty rootstock. āPrettierā roses were once grafted onto that rootstock to benefit from its durability.
Over time, the Ragged Robin made clear it had no intention of living as a vehicle for other roses. Season after season, it took back its rootstock and cast aside its precious passengers. Now, when a rose needs replacement, no effort is made to gild the Ragged Robināitās planted proudly, allowed to shine on its own terms.
Next time you're walking or driving the Avenue, notice the Ragged Robin. Recognize that it had to fight its way into becoming the most prominent flower along the median. The Ragged Robin Rose is not just a survivor, but a conqueror.
You can see the Ragged Robin Rose and many more stunning blooms at the Riverside Community Flower Show on April 26 and 27 at the Elks Lodge on Brockton.
For more on the Ragged Robin Roseāand the work it takes to keep Victoria Avenue one of the most beautiful streets in Southern Californiaāvisit Victoria Avenue Forever.
And speaking of conquerors, if you missed Wednesday's announcement, a member of the Raincross Gazette family is fighting a battle with cancer. Justinās wife, Lindy, has won this battle before, and we have faith sheāll win again. We all know this journey can drain a family in many ways, including financially. A GoFundMe has been set up to help Justin, Lindy, and their kids get through this one more time. You can also sign up to provide a meal for the family. Every bit of help makes a difference.
City Attorneyās Termination Comes with Six-Figure Price Tag
Termination without cause could cost Riverside taxpayers up to $163,000 following years of council conflict.
The City Council voted to terminate City Attorney Phaedra Norton, just months after she filed a whistleblower retaliation complaint against the city.
Driving the news: The council's 5-0 decision on April 15 comes after Norton accused Councilmember Charles Conder of retaliating against her for filing a legal petition against him on behalf of the city.
Norton's complaint alleges Conder shared confidential information about the city's legal defense with a litigant opposing Riverside.
Why it matters: The firing raises questions about the relationship between city officials and legal counsel, especially given Norton's recent positive performance reviews and contract extensions.
In April 2024, the council unanimously agreed to give Norton a 5% pay increase and extend her contract for four years.
The backstory: Norton filed a legal petition in February 2023 against Conder and ex-Councilmember Steven Adams, accusing them of disclosing confidential information to a litigant opposing the city.
What's next: Assistant City Attorney Jack Liu will continue as interim city attorney until the council selects a replacement.
The council is scheduled to consider candidates for the interim position on April 22, 2025.
Diocese Plans to Close Historic Riverside Catholic School
Parents mobilize to save 107-year-old St. Francis de Sales amid financial challenges, declining enrollment.
The Diocese of San Bernardino has announced to closure of St. Frances De Sales School. (Ken Crawford)
Parents are organizing to save St. Francis de Sales School in Riverside after the Diocese of San Bernardino announced its closure at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Driving the news: Declining enrollment, rising costs, and financial challenges led to the decision to close the school, which has served the community since 1918.
Current enrollment has dropped to 94 students, down from approximately 300 in 2018-2019.
Why it matters: Neighboring Catholic schools are already at capacity, leaving students and teachers with limited options.
Parents were given approximately 30 days' notice of the closure.
What's next: A parent meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. to discuss potential solutions.
Options include applying for grants, requesting donations, and potentially increasing tuition.
The bottom line: The school administration has scheduled a town hall meeting for April 15 at 6 p.m. to provide information about transfer opportunities and application procedures for other Catholic schools.
High School Boys Volleyball moves into the postseason with several Riverside teams in the mix.
CBU STUNT celebrates final home victory against Vanguard before heading to National Championships in Nashville. (Ryley Collom CBU Athletics)
CBU Stunt Team Completes Perfect Season, Heads to Nashville
California Baptist University's STUNT team finished their perfect season with a 24-6 victory over Vanguard. The Lancers now head to Nashville, Tennessee, to defend their historic perfect record and pursue a fifth consecutive national championship.
The four-time defending champions will compete in May, looking to extend their dynasty in collegiate STUNT competition.
Playoff Picture Sharpens as Ivy League Title Hangs in Balance
First- and second-place Riverside Poly and Hillcrest face off Tuesday in a championship-deciding Ivy League volleyball rematch. Poly's only loss came against Hillcrest in their previous encounter. The Bears have dominated at home this season but must play at Hillcrest in this season finale.
The game will determine first place entering the playoffs. Both teams have already secured postseason spots.
The Ramona and Woodcrest Christian volleyball teams have also qualified for postseason play.
Historic 77-Year-Old Flower Show and Garden Tour Celebrates Citrus Heritage and Spring in Riverside
The Elks Lodge on Brockton will host the show, with best-of awards given in a variety of categories. A self-guided garden tour offers access to some of Riversideās best gardens and on-site Master Gardeners.
These award winning Geraniums represent just one of many amazing flower categories at the Riverside Community Flower Show. (Stanley Fry)
The Riverside Community Flower Show returns this spring, celebrating the city's citrus heritage and showcasing local gardens. The event, nearly canceled after COVID-19, has rebounded to become the largest flower show in the Inland Empire.
Driving the news: The 77th annual show features displays from local horticultural societies, 50 vendors, and a self-guided tour of six private gardens highlighting water-wise landscaping and citrus plantings.
Free seminars on citrus cultivation will run throughout the event.
Why it matters: The show continues as Riverside's longest-running community event, funding school grants and promoting local gardening expertise.
Competitive categories for roses, iris, fruits, and arrangements are open for free entry.
What's new: This year's theme, "Celebrating Our Citrus Heritage with Zest," aims to inspire visitors with ideas for incorporating citrus trees into backyard gardens.
The details: The free flower show takes place April 26-27 at the Elks Lodge, 6166 Brockton Avenue. Garden tour tickets are available for $10, with free admission for children under 16 accompanied by a paying adult.
Meet this weekās featured furry friend from the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center. Dedicated to eliminating pet homelessness, the center provides compassionate care and facilitates adoptions for animals in need of loving homes. Find your new companion and help support their mission of humane care and responsible pet ownership.
Jax is a gentle soul with a heart full of love to give. This sweet boy is about a year and a half old, weighs 42 pounds, and has been patiently waiting for over two months to find his forever family. Give him just a few minutes to warm up, and heāll be all ināready to share a snuggle session, a couch cuddle, or any excuse to relax by your side. He thrives on being with people and makes a loyal, loving companion. If you're looking for your next best friend, Jax might be the perfect match.
Come meet Jax and all the adoptable pets at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center in person. Stop by any day except Tuesdays, from 12 p.m. ā 7 p.m., or learn more at petsadoption.org.
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Update! Double the happy endingāfeatured past pets Sparky and Spellman have been adopted!
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