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.
PUBLIC SAFETY
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.
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.
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COMMUNITY
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.
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.
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Adoptable Pet of the Week
Meet Pluto!
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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Noteworthy
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.
What's Happening in Riverside
Friday, June 20
- Riverside Sunrise Rotary at Zacatecas Mexican Cafe
- Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
- Fridays are Fun! at My Learning Studio ($247- $277)
- Tiny Tots and Pre Ballet at Riverside Ballet Arts ($25- $52)
- Bunco at Riverside Woman's Club ($20)
- Movies on the Lawn - Father of the Bride (1950) at Riverside's Heritage House
- Noche de Cumbia at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
- Open Mic & Karaoke at Euryale Brewing Company
- Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove
- Rogelio Ramos & Pipirin "Somos Hombres o Payasos" at Fox Performing Arts Center
Saturday, June 21
- Riverside 5th Annual Juneteenth presented by The BLACK Collective at Hunt Park
- Historic Churches of Downtown Riverside at Chinese Pavilion ($20)
- Victoria Avenue Forever Workday at Meet at Lewis Garden
- IE Alumni Street Cleanup at University Ave. between Iowa Ave. and Canyon Crest Drive
- Goth Prom 2025 Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
- 80's Ressurrection by Dead Man's Party at The Concert Lounge- Romano's Mission Grove
- Adopt with Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center & DCH Subaru of Riverside at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center (Free- $275)
- Anthony Brown & group therAPy at Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church
- Bridgerton Inspired Ball at Riverside Woman's Club
- The Charities - Garden Room at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
- Daytime Moon at BRĂśE CRĂśE
- Free Summer Organ Concert at Eden Lutheran Church
- Riverside Pride Bar Crawl at Palenque kitchen by Mezcal
- Youth Writer's Camp at Bourns Family Youth Innovation Center
Sunday, June 22
- Blue Zones Project Riverside Hiking Moai at Mt. Rubidoux
- Mt. Rubidoux Walking Tour at Mount Rubidoux ($20)
- Little Paleta Cart Workshop with Artist David Flury at The Cheech Center for Chicano Art and Culture
- Writing Workshop with Lucila Tosolino at Riverside Art Museum
- Sunday Movie Matinee at La Sierra Library
Save the Date
- June 27: Museum of Riverside Groundbreaking at Museum of Riverside
- June 30: Raise a Glass with The Raincross Gazette: Celebrating 10,000 Subscribers at Bar Ni Modo at The Farmhouse Collective
- July 1: Aaron Norris Creative Fund Annual Grants & Scholarships Awards at Riverside County Office of Education
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🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.
