Friday Gazette: January 31, 2025
When I tasked myself with seeking beauty and wonder in the places around me, I didn’t know how easy it would come. I’ve had a crazy couple of weeks, but I’ve managed to seek and find some incredibly wonderful things along the way. I was able to take the newly minted tour by the Mission Inn Museum of the Universalist Unitarian and First Congregational Churches on Lemon and Mission Inn. The docents are enthusiastic, and the churches are spectacular.
Riverside has a way of making its most beautiful elements easily accessible. This Sunday is First Sundays, a monthly event that highlights some of the art institutions downtown by offering free admission to many of the museums and galleries.
There is always a lot to check out but make sure you stop by the Riverside Art Museum for a special presentation at the Wild Seeds on the Beach exhibition The exhibition documents a retreat attended by Black, Women poets and artists. Attendees of the retreat will be present to share their work and tell their stories in Taylor Gallery on the second floor from 1-4 p.m.
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GOVERNMENT
Mayor Declares "Our Time is Now" in State of the City Address
Patricia Lock Dawson highlights city's economic growth, public safety improvements, and leadership in green technology during her fourth annual address.
Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson delivered a rousing State of the City address, highlighting Riverside's achievements and unveiling ambitious plans for the future. The speech emphasized the city's growth, economic development, and leadership on the state stage.
Driving the news: Lock Dawson declared, "Our time is now," pointing to Riverside's rise as a major California city and its increasing influence in tackling statewide issues.
- The city welcomed 1,600 new businesses in the past year, bringing over 13,500 jobs.
Why it matters: Riverside is positioning itself as a leader in green technology, attracting major manufacturers and fostering innovation.
- Four major green tech companies, including Ohmio and Hyundai Rotem Tech, have chosen Riverside for new facilities.
What's next: The mayor announced 2025 as the "Year of Arts and Culture" in the newly branded Arts and Culture District downtown.
- Over 300 events are planned, including a revival of the Mayor's Ball for the Arts.
Lock Dawson unveiled plans for an Agricultural Innovation Centre on the north side and a reimagining of the Santa Ana River as a recreation destination.
- The city secured $2.5 million in federal funding to transform the Armoury at Fairmount Park into a civic space.
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SPORTS
CBU And UCR Men’s Basketball Both Look to End Season with Statement Wins Entering March Madness
CBU Women’s Stunt looks to extend a Remarkable 80-0 streak as the season begins this weekend.
Men’s Basketball
- UCR beat conference leader UCI for their third straight victory to secure a share of third place in the Big West
- CBU Men also share third place with a 3-3 record but need to improve their consistency if they expect to compete with Utah Valley and Grand Canyon in the WAC Tournament
Women’s Basketball
- CBU Women are 3-3 in conference play Grand Canyon leads the conference at 6-0
- UC Riverside Women are 5-4 in the conference, but that only puts them two games behind the UCI anteaters at 7-2
CBU Stunt
Lancers Stunt is the undisputed best program in the sport’s short history. The emergent sport’s season starts this Saturday and the CBU program has never lost in the four years of the program’s existence.
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COMMUNITY
Riverside Looks to Expand Successful Mural Project
Selected artists will seek input from the neighborhood on murals to increase community acceptance.
The City of Riverside and Riverside Arts Council are launching an Artist in Residency (AIR) program to create new murals across the city. Six Riverside-based artists will be selected to work closely with local communities over 18 months.
Driving the news: The program aims to enhance public spaces and make Riverside a destination for art enthusiasts while ensuring community involvement in the creative process.
- Selected artists will receive up to $25,000 plus production costs.
Why it matters: Community-driven murals foster a sense of ownership and pride among residents, leading to increased respect for the artwork and improved neighborhood safety.
- Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes emphasizes the importance of resident participation in the project's success.
The big picture: The AIR program expands on Riverside's existing mural projects, which have already significantly upgraded public spaces.
- Artists will be responsible for creating at least one mural and organizing four community input events.
What's next: Interested artists can apply for the program by February 21, 2025.
- Applications must be emailed to specialevents@riversideca.gov.
- For more information or to apply, visit the Riverside AIR Program website.
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Adoptable Pet of the Week
Meet Bubbles!
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.
Bubbles lives life and loves life to its fullest. This gal is sweet as can be. She loves showing and receiving affection. In fact, giving hugs is one of her signature moves and favorite things to do. Bubbles does great interacting with new people (even kids) and new dogs. She just wants to be BFFs with everyone she meets. Bubbles is 1 year old and weighs 40lbs. She is currently enjoying a break from her kennels; if you’re interested in meeting her, please email Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center’s foster department at foster care@petsadoption.org.
UPDATE: Chofis (left), Steven (right), and Lottie (not pictured) have been adopted and found their forever homes!
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Noteworthy
Riverside County supervisors voted Tuesday to explore measures to support immigrant residents amid President Trump’s deportation plans.
Thanks to feedback from Gazette readers, Riverside’s Thriving Thrift Scene: A Treasure Hunter’s Dream has been updated with even more amazing thrift stores.
What's Happening in Riverside
Friday, January 31
- Riverside Sunrise Rotary at Zacatecas Mexican Cafe
- College Expo FREE at Riverside Convention Center
- Volunteer Interest Hour at Riverside Meals on Wheels
- The Killing Floors, Wyld Gooms, Thee Almighty Majestics, Los Lonely Stars at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
Saturday, February 1
- Downtown Certified Farmers Market at Main Street at 5th
- Cars and Coffee at Harvest Church
- Drag Queen Storytime is back to celebrate Valentine's Day! at Cellar Door Bookstore
- Scion Exchange & Backyard Fruit Growing at RCRCD Land Use Learning Center
- DIY Makeup class, Make your own pressed powder eye shadow and lip gloss) at Riverside Rustic
- Cal Poly Mustangs at UC Riverside Highlanders Mens Basketball at SRC Arena
- Riverside Arts Academy: Rising Stars Galaat Coil School for the Arts ($125 - $175)
- Rage Against the Machine Tribute at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove
Sunday, February 2
- First Sundays at Downtown Riverside
- First Sundays with Inlandia and RAM Present: Soar with Dragons! at Inlandia Institute
- Plant Pop Up Shop & Orchid Presentation at UCR Botanic Gardens
- Riverside Historical Society Talk on the History of La Sierra University at Riverside Medical Clinic (Basement)
Save the Date
- February 19: Galentine's Day - Women's Health Event at Janet Goeske Center
- February 28: Booker T. Washington - Frank A. Miller Tablet Dedication at Mt. Rubidoux Summit
- March 7: Pardi Gras Pub Crawl 2025 at Loft 84 Wedding & Event Center ($35)
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🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.
