> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 🍊 Friday Gazette: February 28, 2025 - URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/friday-gazette-february-28-2025/ - Published: 2025-02-28T13:00:29.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-09T02:23:10.000Z - Author: Gazette Staff - Tags: Newsletter [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2025/02/250228-banner.jpg)](http://raincrossgazette.com/submitphoto?ref=raincrossgazette.com) One of the many awesome "Day After a Storm" photos of City Hall. **Friday Gazette: February 28, 2025** Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! Tonight is the beginning of Ramadan for Muslims. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims who fast in honor of the First Revelation to Muhammad and the beginning of Islam. A traditional greeting for your Muslim friends at work or school is “Ramadan Mubarak,” which is Arabic for “Blessed Ramadan.” Of course, a “Happy Ramadan” will do just fine. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2024/04/author_banner-ken-crawford.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/author/ken-crawford/) --- #### [COMMUNITY](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/community/) ## Riverside Public Library Launches New Book Locker Service Innovative program provides 24-hour access at seven community locations, extending library reach beyond traditional hours. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2025/02/250228-libnrarylockers.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-public-library-launches-new-book-locker-service) Riverside City Councilmember Philip Falcone (left), Library Director Erin Christmas (center), and Assistant City Manager Kris Martinez cut the ribbon at the new Library Locker program installation at the Main Library. (Ken Crawford) The City of Riverside Public Library launches a new book locker program at seven locations across the city, extending library services beyond traditional hours and branches. **Driving the news**: The library held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Main Library to celebrate the introduction of the Library Locker program, designed to enhance accessibility for patrons. - The service allows users to reserve books online and pick them up from convenient locker locations using their library card number. **Why it matters**: This initiative reflects the library's commitment to adapting to community needs and changing expectations of access. - It provides a flexible solution for residents with busy schedules who may not be able to visit during regular library hours. **The details**: Book lockers are now available at seven locations throughout Riverside, including: - Main Library - Stratton Community Center - Orange Terrace Community Park - Marcy Library - La Sierra Senior Center - Arlanza Community Center - Renck Community Center **What they're saying**: "We're bringing the library closer to where people live and spend their time," said Library Director Erin Christmas, emphasizing the convenience of the new system. **What's next**: The library encourages residents to take advantage of this new service, which is now operational at all seven locations. [Read or share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-public-library-launches-new-book-locker-service) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169513/image/0?seed=)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169513/click/0?seed=&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [SPORTS](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/sports/) ## Sports Shorts: Rams March to CIF Finals While Former Lancer Makes NBA History Our sports roundup features championship basketball, wrestling excellence, and can't-miss weekend matchups. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2025/02/250228-sportsshorts.jpeg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/sports-shorts-rams-march-to-cif-finals-while-former-lancer-makes-nba-history) Local athletes continue to make headlines with championship runs, historic milestones, and crucial matchups ahead. ## Boy’s CIF Basketball ### Ramona Ramona Basketball got the semifinal win away at Elsinore. It will compete for the CIF-Southern Section Division 4AA Championship against Santiago (Garden Grove) This Saturday, March 1, at Toyota Arena in Ontario. Senior Forward duo Troy Terell and Andrew Green lead the Rams with a combined total of over 800 points scored this season. Tickets can be found [here](https://gofan.co/event/3298494?schoolId=CIFSS&ref=raincrossgazette.com). ### Poly After their dramatic win against Rancho Verde in the quarterfinal, Poly was unable to get it done against Fairmont Prep in the Semis. They have been eliminated from the Southern Section playoff but have qualified for the state tournament in Sacramento. We will keep you updated on their upcoming games when the bracket is drawn on March 2. ## Going Back to Cali Taran Armstrong is returning to California after signing a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors. There have been many exciting players to come through the Lancers basketball program in the NCAA era. Among the most exciting is Taran Armstrong. He was known for his maximum effort and flashy passes. Even though he was injured for much of his two-year tenure at CBU, he was able to win WAC Freshman of the Year and second-team WAC Conference awards. He left CBU to sign a professional contract in his home country of Australia. His contract with the Warriors is the first NBA contract signed by a former Lancer. Congratulations, Taran! ## Games of the Week - **RCC Invitational Track Meet** Friday, February 28\. 9:30 a.m.- All day Wheelock Stadium at RCC Free with paid parking - **Ramona Rams vs. Santiago(GG)** Saturday, March 1, 9:30 a.m. Toyota Arena, Ontario [Tickets](https://gofan.co/event/3298494?schoolId=CIFSS&ref=raincrossgazette.com) ### NCAA Basketball Senior Nights **UC Riverside** - Women vs CSU Fullerton March 8, 4 p.m. - Men vs. CSU Northridge March 6, 7 p.m. - [Tickets](https://highlandertickets.com/tickets/events?ref=raincrossgazette.com) **California Baptist University** - Women vs Utah Tech March 1, 1 p.m. - Men vs. UT Arlington March 8, 5 p.m. - [Tickets](https://cbulancers.evenue.net/?ref=raincrossgazette.com) [Read or share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/sports-shorts-rams-march-to-cif-finals-while-former-lancer-makes-nba-history) --- #### [Adoptable Pet of the Week](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag//) ## Meet Spellman! 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. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2025/02/2-6.jpg) If you’re ready to take on a dog that takes on the world with enthusiasm, curiosity, and excitement, then Spellman is your guy. He loves a good walk (his tail wag will confirm) but also enjoys a good talk (you’ll be surprised by the conversations you may find yourself having with him). Spellman can’t wait to take on the world with his new family; is that you? He is 2 years old, 66 lbs, and has been available to adopt since December. Spellman is currently in a foster home; email [foster care@petsadoption.org](mailto:fostercare@petsadoption.org) to set up a time to meet him. --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169515/image/0?seed=)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169515/click/0?seed=&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- ## Noteworthy Mayor Lock Dawson, as chair of California's Big City Mayors coalition, pledged accountability for [Governor Newsom's $920 million in state homelessness funding](https://www.kvcrnews.org/local-news/2025-02-25/newsom-demands-results-on-homelessness-riversides-mayor-confident-cities-will-meet-the-challenge?ref=raincrossgazette.com). UC Riverside's new Middle School Initiative aims to boost college attendance rates in the Inland Empire by [teaching seventh-graders about university admissions](https://calmatters.org/education/2025/02/early-exposure-college-inland-empire/?ref=raincrossgazette.com), addressing the region's college graduation rate of just 17.5%, which falls significantly below the state average. The recently restored Rubidoux Heights Monument at 11th and Redwood is now complete following the renovation project [covered in our earlier story](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/labor-of-love-brings-historic-monument-back-to-rubidoux-heights/). California's new "daylighting" law (AB 413) prohibits parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk as of January 1, 2025, aiming to [increase pedestrian safety](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/new-daylighting-law-what-drivers-need-to-know) by improving visibility at intersections throughout Riverside and other California cities. 📣 ****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](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/contact/). --- ## What's Happening in Riverside ### Friday, February 28 - [Riverside Sunrise Rotary](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-sunrise-rotary/13854741/2025-02-28T07) at Zacatecas Mexican Cafe - [Booker T. Washington - Frank A. Miller Tablet Dedication on Mt. Rubidoux](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/booker-t-washington-frank-a-miller-tablet-dedication-on-mt-rubidoux/14902432/2025-02-28T14) at Mt. Rubidoux Summit - [Baseball](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/baseball-at-california-baptist/14962396/2025-02-28T18) at California Baptist - [The Book of Will](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/the-book-of-will/14623072/2025-02-28T19) at The Wallace Theatre at California Baptist University ($9 - $14) - [DOT by Colman Domingo](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/dot-by-colman-domingo/15093519/2025-02-28T20) at The Box Riverside ($22 - $25) - [The Emo Night Tour](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/the-emo-night-tour/14735553/2025-02-28T20) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium ($15 - $19) - [The Murder Mystery Co’s Dinner Theater Show](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/the-murder-mystery-cos-dinner-theater-show/14846222/2025-02-28T19) at The Old Spaghetti Factory ($59) - [Charity Goth Dance Night](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/nox-lux-feb-28th-charity-goth-dance-night/14904890/2025-02-28T21) at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge ### Saturday, March 1 - [Downtown Certified Farmers Market](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/downtown-certified-farmers-market/12112312/2025-03-01T08) at Main Street at 5th - [Tomato Time](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/tomato-time/14994538/2025-03-01T10) at Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District LandUse Learning Center - [Cars and Coffee](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/cars-and-coffee-at-harvest-church/14943326/2025-03-01T08) at Harvest Church - [FA Awareness Week: Cash for College](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/fa-awareness-week-cash-for-college/14964654/2025-03-01T09) at Riverside City College - [Baseball vs. Utah](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/baseball-vs-utah/14962493/2025-03-01T12) at Riverside Sports Complex - [Utah Tech Trailblazers at California Baptist Lancers Womens Basketball](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/utah-tech-trailblazers-at-california-baptist-lancers-womens-basketball/14435216/2025-03-01T00) at Fowler Events Center - [William H. Reynolds Memorial Carillon Recital](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/william-h-reynolds-memorial-carillon-recital/14970242/2025-03-01T15) at UCR Bell Tower - [Tiki Goth night](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/tiki-goth-night-at-the-hideaway-riverside/15124806/2025-03-01T21) at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge - [Bravo the Bagchaser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/bravo-the-bagchaser/15010733/2025-03-01T19) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium ($35) - [An Evening at the Fox](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/an-evening-at-the-fox/14622643/2025-03-01T17) at Fox Performing Arts Center ### Sunday, March 2 - [First Sundays](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/first-sundays/14993439/2025-03-02T13) at Downtown Riverside - [Museum of Riverside | First Sundays - Science of Scent](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/museum-of-riverside-first-sundays-science-of-scent/15091779/2025-03-02T13) at corner of Main Street and Mission Inn Avenue - [Plática at The Cheech – Amalia Mesa-Bains with Judy Baca](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/pltica-at-the-cheech-amalia-mesabains-with-judy-baca/15148746/2025-03-02T12) at The Cheech Center for Chicano Art and Culture - [DOT by Colman Domingo](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/dot-by-colman-domingo/15093519/2025-03-02T14) at The Box Riverside ($22 - $25) - [Composing Women](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/composing-women/15140013/2025-03-02T16) at Calvary Presbyterian Church ($10 - $15) - [The Murder Mystery Co’s Dinner Theater Show](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/the-murder-mystery-cos-dinner-theater-show/14931001/2025-03-02T18) at The Old Spaghetti Factory ($69) - [Baseball vs. California Baptist](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/baseball-vs-california-baptist/14962485/2025-03-02T17) at Riverside Sports Complex - [Women's Soccer vs. Cal State San Marcos](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/womens-soccer-vs-cal-state-san-marcos/15151950/2025-03-02T14) at UCR Soccer Stadium ### Save the Date - March 6: [Palabra](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/palabra-the-cheech/15148601/2025-03-06T18) at The Cheech Center for Chicano Art and Culture - March 7: [Pardi Gras Pub Crawl 2025](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/pardi-gras-pub-crawl-2025/14812205/2025-03-07T17) at Loft 84 Wedding & Event Center ($35) - April 4: [World Premier Melodrama by Westmont Village Masquers Theatre Club](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/world-premier-melodrama-by-westmont-village-masquers-theatre-club/15120702/2025-04-04T19) at Westmont Village 🗓️ [See More Events](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/)📝 [Submit Your Event](https://hub.cityspark.com/Event/Submission/Raincross?ref=raincrossgazette.com) 📸 [Submit a photo](http://raincrossgazette.com/submitphoto?ref=raincrossgazette.com) to be featured in our newsletters and social media accounts. 🏆 [Nominate a remarkable Riversider](https://rgnotw.paperform.co/?ref=raincrossgazette.com) as Neighbor of the Week.