Meliia’s Disneyland dream gets a boost, Christen Montero enters Ward 2 race, $20,000 in scholarships awarded and a call for better late-night dining in Riverside.
Meliia’s Disneyland dream gets a boost, Christen Montero enters Ward 2 race, $20,000 in scholarships awarded and a call for better late-night dining in Riverside.
Riverside’s Summer Postcards – Day 4: Teresa Wassman captured this moment during her trip to Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley, spotting a graceful pronghorn in its natural habitat.
Friday Gazette: August 15, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! We made it through the week — time to kick back, relax and enjoy the weekend vibes. Whether you’re planning to catch up with friends, explore a new spot or just savor some well-deserved downtime, we hope your weekend is full of good times and great memories. Thanks for being part of our community — here’s to a fantastic weekend ahead!
See you Sunday!
🧡
Meliia’s GoFundMe Update: So far, $1,250 has been raised to help 9-year-old Meliia and her family visit Disneyland. Every contribution brings her closer to making this dream come true! You can still help here: Support Meliia’s Dream.
Christen Montero, a Riverside native and business owner, enters the race for Ward 2 City Council seat, promising "a New Direction for Riverside" with focus on community values and economic opportunities.
Driving the news: Montero, founder of marketing agency MCA and co-founder of software company Blue Social, aims to address rising costs, affordable housing, and job creation in her campaign.
The seat is open following Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes' decision not to seek re-election.
Why it matters: Montero's platform targets core challenges facing working families, emphasizing support for small businesses, neighborhood affordability, and public safety.
She pledges to leverage assets like The Cheech to boost Riverside's cultural presence.
The big picture: With private sector experience and community involvement, Montero serves on boards for the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and local nonprofits.
Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina has endorsed her campaign.
What's next: The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.
Montero commits to maintaining regular contact with residents and business owners throughout her campaign.
Riverside Medical Charitable Foundation Awards $20,000 in Scholarships
Foundation holds first in-person ceremony for healthcare students.
Ayleen Puente of Cal State Fullerton receives a College Pathway Award during the ceremony. (Courtesy of Riverside Medical Charitable Foundation)
The Riverside Medical Clinic Charitable Foundation celebrated its inaugural scholarship reception, awarding $20,000 to 17 students pursuing healthcare careers. The event, held at the UCR Alumni and Visitors Center, marked the first in-person celebration since the program's 2017 launch.
Driving the news: Two students received the inaugural Dr. Robert H. Joseph Memorial Scholarship, worth $2,500 each, while 15 others received $1,000 awards.
The foundation doubled the original $500 amount for most recipients, thanks to additional funding.
Why it matters: The scholarship program recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service, with many recipients being first-generation college students.
Financial relief for families was cited as a primary benefit by many recipients.
The big picture: The foundation's efforts aim to enhance health and quality of life in the Inland Empire through education, service, and community engagement.
More than 80 guests attended, including representatives from local healthcare and education institutions.
What's next: The foundation continues its mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supporting future healthcare professionals in the region.
With Love: Riverside Deserves Better Late-Night Dining
In this column we offer advice, with love, on where the city falls short and what we think could make it better.
This unmistakable roofline houses one of the last available places to sit and eat for Riverside night owls. (Ken Crawford)
Riverside, you know I love you, right? Of all the things you do right, finding a place to eat after 10 p.m. isn’t one of them. You can find a food truck or drive-through. But sometimes I don’t want to eat outside or in my car. There are chain diners like Denny’s and Norm’s. You’re capable of more. I’d like a place to sit with a friend and a club sandwich while they’re in town for a wedding. Maybe I can’t sleep and want to people-watch or talk to a stranger at the counter over pie. You’re a city of 300,000 people. You deserve places with soul, where stories live in the walls. This isn’t about finding fault. This is about seeing your potential.
Meet this week’s 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.
Button, kid tested and parent approved, is one of the sweetest, most mellow dogs you could meet. She’s incredibly affectionate and very people-friendly. Button attended kids camp at the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center and enjoyed meeting the children just as much as they enjoyed meeting her.
Her favorite activities include relaxing walks, evening strolls, spending time with her family, and plenty of cozy naps. She is currently in a foster home. Email fostercare@petsadoption.org to arrange a meeting.
See something? Say something. Your tips and ideas are what fuel The Raincross Gazette. If you know of something newsworthy happening in our city, please share it with us.
Council subcommittee approves Inspector General framework, CBU women defend WAC title as UCR men energize home opener and August rains bring Riverside’s own tumbleweed species.
Back-to-school routines return with safety reminders, young entrepreneur’s lemonade stand inspires community and committee moves to limit Council debate and public comment.
