Hillcrest, La Sierra and Norte Vista are now in our Back to School collection, meet Neighbor of the Week Katie Wider. Plus, Anthony Solorzano’s series continues and this week’s creative prompt is “New Paint Job.”
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.
Riverside Police Deploy Drones for Fireworks Enforcement with $1,500 Fines
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.
Detective Cole Tuggle demonstrates one of the many drones employed by RPD. (Ken Crawford)
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.
Citations can be issued every 24 hours, potentially leading to multiple fines for repeat offenders.
Why it matters: The drone program aims to deter illegal fireworks use and improve officer safety during holiday celebrations.
Sgt. Macias says drones act as a "force multiplier," allowing officers to focus on other duties.
What's new: The department expects to receive drones with improved zoom capabilities before July 4, enabling operations from greater distances.
New models will offer twice the zoom factor of current drones.
Go deeper: Drone operators must hold FAA Part 107 licenses and complete internal department certification for each model.
Night operations training is required for evening enforcement when most violations occur.
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.
Riverside Teen Wins National Gun Violence Playwriting Competition
Payton Aurora Jones, 19, selected from 127 submissions nationwide for play examining community care and systemic racism.
Riverside Teen, Payton Aurora Jones. (Courtesy of Enough Plays)
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.
The play will premiere on October 6 as part of a nationwide reading event at more than 40 venues.
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 organization has reached more than 14,000 people through its initiatives.
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.
A flagship performance will debut the plays at a venue to be announced.
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.
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.
đź“Ł
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.
Hillcrest, La Sierra and Norte Vista are now in our Back to School collection, meet Neighbor of the Week Katie Wider. Plus, Anthony Solorzano’s series continues and this week’s creative prompt is “New Paint Job.”
Back to School Collection debuts, Planning Commission advances Riverside Alive, former Miss Riverside fights fentanyl crisis and meet Archie, adoptable pet of the week.
Council subcommittee urges trust in Inspector General formation, international art exhibition opens at Immanuel Lutheran and Meliia’s Disneyland fundraiser grows.
