The Riverside Police Department is using commercial drones to catch illegal fireworks users this Fourth of July, issuing $1,500 citations to property owners without officers physically present at violation sites.
Friday Gazette: June 20, 2025 Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! Today kicks off the 10-day countdown to our Toast to
Payton Aurora Jones, 19, selected from 127 submissions nationwide for play examining community care and systemic racism.
Friday Gazette: June 20, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! Today kicks off the 10-day countdown to our Toast to 10,000 celebration on Monday, June 30 at 6:00 p.m. at Bar Ni Modo inside the new Farmhouse Collective.
After spending my first two years publishing The Gazette fighting to get past 350 subscribers, it's pretty incredible to now reach over 10,000 Riversiders every morning and we're marking the moment. Come raise a glass with our team, meet other Gazette readers, and help us toast to 10k—on my birthday, no less!
Our celebration is open house drop-in style starting at 5:00 p.m., and we'll be toasting together precisely at 6:00 p.m. For the first 50 people to register, I've got your drink covered. Following the toast, the team at Bar Ni Modo is offering their delicious and sharable carnitas plate plus two cocktails for $50.
The Riverside Police Department is using commercial drones to catch illegal fireworks users this Fourth of July, issuing $1,500 citations to property owners without officers physically present at violation sites.
Riverside's municipal code now allows officers to cite property owners for fireworks violations based solely on drone video evidence. The city is using retail DJI drones to enforce fireworks laws, with potential fines of $1,500 per citation.
Driving the news: The Riverside Police Department is leveraging drone technology to enhance fireworks enforcement while reducing direct confrontations between officers and residents.
Why it matters: The drone program aims to deter illegal fireworks use and improve officer safety during holiday celebrations.
What's new: The department expects to receive drones with improved zoom capabilities before July 4, enabling operations from greater distances.
Go deeper: Drone operators must hold FAA Part 107 licenses and complete internal department certification for each model.
The bottom line: Riverside prohibits all fireworks within city limits. Residents can attend free "4th of July Spectacular" displays at La Sierra Park and Mount Rubidoux on July 4 at 9 p.m.
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Payton Aurora Jones, 19, selected from 127 submissions nationwide for play examining community care and systemic racism.
Payton Aurora Jones, 19, of Riverside, has been named one of six winners in ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence's fourth annual competition for teen-written plays addressing gun violence.
Driving the news: Jones' play "The Perfect Victim" examines community care in the face of violence and systemic racism, selected from 127 submissions across 28 states.
Why it matters: The competition aims to amplify teen voices on gun violence, with ENOUGH! having received over 700 plays by teen writers since its creation in 2019.
The details: Jones will receive a $500 stipend, publication through Concord Theatricals, and membership in the Dramatists Guild.
What's next: Schools, theaters, and community organizations can stage free readings of the winning plays, with ENOUGH! aiming for readings in every state.
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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.
Meet Pluto, a 2-year-old bundle of joy with a big heart and an even bigger personality! This goofy, affectionate guy loves to run around the yard, play with other dogs, and leap into your arms for a hug. He already knows his “sit” and “stay” and is always eager to show off what a good boy he is. With his handsome face, friendly nature and endless energy, Pluto is ready to bring love and laughter to his new home. Visit petsadoption.org for more information on Pluto and all adoptable pets.
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Riverside's Mobile Library adds Patterson Park as a new Friday afternoon stop starting June 20, visiting from 2:30-5:30 PM at 1846 W. Linden St., while continuing morning service at Ameal Moore Nature Center with 9:30 AM storytime.
The new 71/91 interchange will open June 23 following a full weekend closure of the eastbound 91 Green River Road on-ramp in Corona, marking completion of the $92 million project that includes a 2,500-foot connector bridge over the Santa Ana River.
The Residential Electric Lawn & Garden Equipment Exchange Event scheduled for June 28 at Riverside City College has been canceled, though residents can still participate in the year-round online rebate program to exchange gas-powered equipment for electric alternatives.
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Thursday Gazette: June 19, 2025 Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! As we honor Juneteenth today, it’s also a perfect
Correction. In Monday’s article, the headline incorrectly stated that the Budget Engagement Commission approved $62 million for a new
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Monday Gazette: June 16, 2025 Hello Riverside, and Happy Monday! I shared with you at the end of April that
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