One year after Riverside’s largest fire, part one of this two-part series looks at what happened—and how the city is working to prevent it from happening again.
A patriotic tradition: Fireworks light up the sky above Mount Rubidoux in these snapshots from past Fourth of July celebrations. (Bob Sirotnik)
Friday Gazette: July 4, 2025
Hello Riverside, Happy Friday — and Happy Fourth of July!
We're almost at the end of our weeklong summer membership campaign.
As we celebrate our nation's independence, it's worth reflecting on the critical role independent local journalism plays in a healthy democracy.
If you've lived in Riverside for any length of time, chances are you've heard someone say, "Riverside is like a big city with small-town charm," or something like it. If you're newer to town, you might not know that sense of community exists largely because, for over 100 years, there was a newspaper doing the work of telling Riverside’s story—connecting neighbors to one another and to their local leaders.
Unfortunately, as economic realities changed for newspapers at the end of the last century, Riverside lost local, independent ownership of that newsroom, and our city has slowly suffered in the wake.
The Gazette exists to rebuild what this city once had—adapted for an ever-changing digital age—and we rely on support from readers like you to produce our hyperlocal, independent journalism.
Since we launched this membership campaign on Tuesday, 13 people have chosen to support us with recurring subscriptions. Thank you! It's a big task, but I'm hoping 96 more readers will do the same before the end of the day on Sunday.
If you're able, I’d truly appreciate it if you signed up for a monthly or annual donation today and helped build the newsroom Riverside deserves.
Some of the best Independence Day things to do in Riverside.
A scene from last year's Concert for Heroes, held each July 3 at Riverside National Cemetery—one of the city’s cherished Independence Day traditions. (Brenda Flowers)
Main Event: 4th of July Spectacular
Friday, July 4, at 9 p.m. – FREE
The City of Riverside presents fireworks at two locations:
La Sierra Park
5215 La Sierra Ave. • Park is closed all day for safety • Alternative viewing: Doty Trust Park and Myra Linn Park
Mt. Rubidoux
Ryan Bonaminio Park, 5000 Tequesquite Ave. • Offers a more scenic/elevated viewing experience • Iconic Riverside location with panoramic views
Both locations feature entertainment, food vendors and family activities before the fireworks.
Be sure to be neighborly: watch from a safe spot and leave sidewalks and driveways clear.
Calvary Presbyterian Church Festival | 7 -10 p.m. Traditional community July 4 festival with activities and refreshments.
Gates for the festival open at 7:00 pm and everything is FREE but the food trucks. Food trucks will have shredded beef tacos, burritos, tostadas, and tortas.
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.
Say hello to Rudy, a sweet and mellow 2-year-old pup who’s learning the world isn’t such a scary place after all. He walks nicely on a leash, loves exploring, and finds comfort in the company of other dogs. With a little patience and a calm environment, Rudy will blossom into the loyal, loving friend you’ve been waiting for. Visit petsadoption.org for more information on Rudy and all adoptable pets.
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.
