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.

Catch a free performance of Romeo & Juliet in the park, explore the curious world of bugs at Heritage House, or take a guided cemetery history tour. You can also cool off with some classic Bingo at the Janet Goeske Center, take a sunrise stroll with the Blue Zones Hiking Moai, or reflect on your surroundings through a writing workshop like Your Place: The Unexpected Power of Writing About Place.

Wherever the weekend takes you—stay cool and stay connected, Riverside!

PUBLIC SAFETY

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.

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.

Read and share the complete story...

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COMMUNITY

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.

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.

Read and share the complete local bucket list...

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Adoptable Pet of the Week

Meet Blaze!

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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Noteworthy

Riverside Neighborhood Partnership hosts a lunch fundraiser Saturday, July 12 from 11am-4pm at Antone's Italian Eatery, featuring music and raffles, with 15% of proceeds benefiting RNP's Good Neighbor Awards Gala.

What's Happening in Riverside

Friday, July 11

• Riverside Sunrise Rotary at Zacatecas Mexican Cafe
• What’s Bugging You? At Heritage House at Heritage House
• Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
• Big Bubble Rave (18+) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
• Fridays are Fun! at My Learning Studio ($247- $277)
• Open Mic & Karaoke at Euryale Brewing Company
• Tiny Tots and Pre Ballet at Riverside Ballet Arts ($25.00 - $52.00)
• Cruise Night at Tuxie's Drive In
• Free Shakespeare in the Park, Romeo and Juliet at California Citrus State Historical Park

Saturday, July 12

• Riverside People's Free Market at Fairmount Park (near the tennis courts)
• Olivewood Memorial Park Historical Cemetery Tour at Olivewood Memorial Park ($20)
• Cars and Coffee at Harvest Church at Harvest Church
• Hello Kitty Comedy Painting Party at Back to the Grind
• Kitty's Rave (18+) - 2 Year Anniversary at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
• Tiny Tots and Pre Ballet at Riverside Ballet Arts ($25- $52)
• Virtual Book Launch for SEARCH PARTY by René Solivan at Inlandia Institute
• Youth Writer's Camp at Bourns Family Youth Innovation Center
• Free Shakespeare in the Park, Romeo and Juliet at California Citrus State Historical Park

Sunday, July 13

• Blue Zones Project Riverside Hiking Moai at Mt. Rubidoux
• Gardening for Butterflies at UCR Botanic Gardens
• Learn Origami at UCR Botanic Gardens
• Storytime in the Gardens at UCR Botanic Gardens
• Your Place: The Unexpected Power of Writing About Place at Inlandia Institute ($150- $350)

Save the Date

• July 14: Bingo at the Janet Goeske Center at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100) 
• July 26: Bye Bye Summer Bash at First United Methodist Church of Riverside
• October 18: The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Ride at Riverside Plaza ($15- $80)

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