🍊 Friday Gazette: August 15, 2025

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!

POLITICS

Christen Montero Announces Bid for Ward 2 City Council Seat

Montero joins Aram Ayra in race for seat currently held by Clarissa Cervantes, who is not seeking re-election.

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.

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COMMUNITY

Riverside Medical Charitable Foundation Awards $20,000 in Scholarships

Foundation holds first in-person ceremony for healthcare students.

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.

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COMMUNITY

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.

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.

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Adoptable Pet of the Week

Meet Button!

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.

Noteworthy

Mario's Place and Mission Inn's Duane's Prime Steaks & Seafood earned spots on OpenTable's 2025 Most Romantic Restaurants list, with the downtown Riverside Italian restaurant claiming second place in the Inland Empire.

What's Happening in Riverside

Friday, August 15

• Volunteer Interest Hour at Riverside Meals on Wheels, Inc
• Special Topics Half-Price Sale at Friends of the Library Bookstore
• Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
• Electric Feels (18+) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
• Godspell: The Musical at Antioch
• The Linkin Park Tribute Band at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove
• Open Mic Night/Karaoke at Euryale Brewing Company 2060 Chicago Ave.
• Tech Assistance for Seniors at Arlington Library
• Teo Gonzalez & Mario Aguilar: 90 vs 60 La Comedia Perfecta at Fox Performing Arts Center

Saturday, August 16

• Bingo at the Janet Goeske Center at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
• Cars and Coffee at Harvest Church at Harvest Church
• Riverside Psychic and Healing Arts Fair at Riverside Convention Center
• Crochet/Knitting Club at Arlington Library
• Historic Churches of Downtown Riverside at Chinese Pavilion ($20)
• Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles at Culver Center of the Arts
• The Guana Batz, Bebo & the Good Time Boys and No Que No at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
• Ripperside Cinema Galore & See It On 16mm Presents Pink Flamingos at Back to the Grind
• Botanic Gardens Twilight Tour at UCR Botanic Gardens

Sunday, August 17

• Cars & Coffee at The Historic Riverside Auto Center
• National Thrift Shop Day at Assistance League Riverside Thrift Shop
• Your Place: The Unexpected Power of Writing About Place at Inlandia Institute ($150- $350)

Save the Date 

• August 21: AT&T Connected Learning Center Launch at Janet Goeske Center
• August 22: Goeske Talent Show at Janet Goeske Foundation ($10)
• September 10: Beginning Square Dance Lessons with Line Dancing at Cowtown Square Dance Center ($5- $7)
• October 18: The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Ride at Riverside Plaza ($15- $80)

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