From sunset picnics at Sycamore Highlands to legendary Zambian rock at the Farmhouse, community leaders reveal their favorite ways to make the most of long summer days in the City of Arts & Innovation.
Fluffy summer clouds drift over the Farmhouse Collective—Riverside’s charming new hangout for shopping, food, drinks, sweet treats, and live music.(Dawn Carter) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Friday Gazette: July 11, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! We’re heading into a warm weekend with temps in the mid-90s—but there’s no shortage of fun ways to spend it around town. Whether you're looking for something outdoors, educational or just plain entertaining, our community calendar has something for everyone.
Border Patrol Operation at Madison Home Depot Sparks Cervantes Policy Demands
Video shows uniformed federal agents detaining individuals at Home Depot; Cervantes announces community workshops, policy proposals.
Agents in tactical gear with Border Patrol insignia detain individuals near vehicles in the Madison Street Home Depot parking lot. The operation, which was not reported to Riverside police, sparked policy proposals from Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes. (Photo obtained from social media video/Pomona Economic Opportunity Ct)
Federal agents conducted an operation at a Riverside Home Depot, prompting Ward 2 Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes to propose new policies requiring agents to identify themselves to local authorities.
Driving the news: Social media video shows masked Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations agents handcuffing individuals and loading them into unmarked SUVs at the Madison Street Home Depot.
Cervantes mistakenly referred to the agents as ICE in a video statement on her Assembly campaign social media.
Why it matters: The Riverside Police Department was not notified of the operation, highlighting a disconnect between federal and local law enforcement.
The California Values Act prohibits local law enforcement from using resources for immigration enforcement except in serious crime cases.
What's next: Cervantes plans to introduce policy recommendations requiring federal agents to provide their badge number, name, and agency affiliation when operating in Riverside.
She also announced plans for "community defense workshops" to train residents on responding to federal agent presence.
The big picture: Legal experts note that local jurisdictions have limited authority to regulate federal law enforcement operations, potentially challenging Cervantes' proposed policies.
Riverside Summer Bucket List: Local Insiders Share Their Must-Do Picks
From sunset picnics at Sycamore Highlands to legendary Zambian rock at the Farmhouse, community leaders reveal their favorite ways to make the most of long summer days in the City of Arts & Innovation.
(Bob Sirotnik)
Summer in Riverside hits different when you know where to go — and who better to ask than the people who live, work and breathe our city every day? We tapped our Gazette team, city leaders and community partners for their can’t-miss picks for making the most of these long, warm days. From sunset picnics overlooking the canyon to legendary Zambian psychedelic rock concerts, their bucket lists capture the essence of a perfect Riverside summer. Whether you’re a lifelong local or new to town, consider this your insider's guide to everything worth seeing, doing, eating, drinking and experiencing while summer's in full swing.
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.
Blaze is ready to be your sidekick, best friend, and go-anywhere adventure buddy. He’s all in for car rides, games of fetch, long walks, learning new tricks—or just hanging out by your side. He’s also great with other dogs. Blaze is currently in a foster home; to meet him, email fostercare@petsadoption.org.
Now through July 19, adoption fees for dogs are just $70 as part of the Empty the Shelters event.
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