The Farm House Collective mural along the 60 Freeway near Blaine delivers an uplifting message to passing drivers. (Ken Crawford)
Friday Gazette: March 28, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday!
We are working to increase our coverage of local businesses. We feel that connecting producers and consumers within a community is the kind of thing that hyperlocal news institutions should do well.
This mural is above the 60/215 near Blaine. Only a small logo in the corner indicates that this is an advertisement. The Farm House Collective adopted “Grow Where You are Planted” as its rallying cry.
This simple statement about thriving wherever you may find yourself holds value beyond the business world. If you know of a Riverside business that embodies that principle, I’d love you to send a link to tips@raincrossgazette.com and let us know.
Riverside Claims Victory in Youth Homelessness Fight
Mayor announces "functional zero" achievement for vulnerable 18-24 age group most at risk for chronic housing instability.
Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson announces Riverside's achievement in youth homelessness during a press conference at City Hall on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson announced the city has reached "functional zero" for youth homelessness, meaning available services and resources now match or exceed demand for individuals aged 18-24 experiencing homelessness.
Driving the news: The achievement comes as part of a focused strategy recognizing the critical importance of early intervention in youth homelessness.
Youth homelessness often serves as an entry point to long-term housing instability, with significant implications for the broader homelessness crisis.
Why it matters: Transitional-aged youth have an 80% chance of becoming homeless and experiencing chronic problems in adulthood without intervention.
The big picture: The initiative began in 2023 when Lock Dawson launched the Mayor's Challenge to End Youth Homelessness.
A coordinated entry system was developed to track and respond to youth homelessness, including a by-name list of unhoused youth and dedicated outreach teams.
By the numbers: 94 young adults have been assisted through this effort, according to Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina.
What's next: Lock Dawson calls on the governor and state legislature to include ongoing funding for California's Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention Program in the state budget.
The city aims to reach functional zero for additional subpopulations of homeless individuals.
Council limits dispensaries to one per ward amid concentration concerns, facing potential lawsuits from rejected applicants.
Riverside City Council voted to cut cannabis business permits from 14 to seven, allowing only one per ward. The decision follows concerns about clustering and public safety impacts.
Driving the news: The council approved new regulations, including a 1,000-foot buffer between cannabis stores and parks, and a 600-foot separation from sensitive use areas.
The move comes after a 90-day pause on the cannabis permitting process initiated in January.
Why it matters: The decision significantly alters Riverside's cannabis landscape, potentially impacting businesses that have already invested in the process.
Several applicants expressed frustration, citing substantial investments already made.
The big picture: The police department's research revealed inadequate state regulations and a 146% increase in service calls around cannabis outlets.
71% of tobacco retailers visited were illegally selling cannabis products without proper licenses.
What's next: The council will revisit the cannabis program in approximately nine months, potentially reconsidering permit limits after a year of operation.
Successful applicants will pioneer Riverside's cannabis market, while others may pursue legal action or await future expansion.
Mayor's Ball to Honor Local Artists with Wonderland Theme
Annual arts fundraiser moves to Culver Arts for the April 5th Gala.
Just a few of the nominees for The Mayor’s Ball for the Arts, where the community will honor and celebrate local artists. (Courtesy Riverside Arts Council)
The Riverside Arts Council is reviving its annual Mayor's Ball for the Arts on April 5, featuring an "Alice in Wonderland" theme at the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts.
Driving the news: The event marks the first themed gala since the pandemic hiatus, combining celebration with fundraising for local arts programs.
Community members can vote for local artists, with winners announced at the event.
Why it matters: Proceeds support the Riverside Arts Council's programming, including neighborhood revitalization projects and initiatives to increase arts access in underserved communities.
The council, established in 1977, serves as the county's central arts agency and California Arts Council partner.
The big picture: The gala will feature interactive art experiences, a silent auction, food, drinks, and entertainment.
Attendees are encouraged to dress as characters from Lewis Carroll's classic tale.
What's next: Tickets are available to the public through the Riverside Arts Council's website or by phone.
Options include individual tickets, tables, and sponsorship packages.
Eastside Voices: Juan Navarro's "Hecho en Park Avenue"
New Exhibition Showcases Riverside's Emerging Park Avenue Arts District While Celebrating Neighborhood's History
Juan Navarro (pictured) of Eastside Arthouse and Michelle Espino have curated a new exhibition at The Cheech, showcasing his artistic perspective and community-driven approach. (Courtesy of Juan Navarro)
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture partners with Riverside Art Museum to present "Hecho en Park Avenue," celebrating the historic Eastside neighborhood through artist Juan Navarro's vision. The exhibition, running from March 29 to September 28, 2025, highlights the area's rich cultural heritage and evolving identity.
Driving the news: Navarro's artist residency at "The Branch" culminates in a collaborative exhibition featuring paintings, photography, and interactive installations that document the neighborhood's shared cultural legacy.
The show invites viewers to contribute their vision for the area's future, reflecting Navarro's community-centric approach to art.
Why it matters: The exhibition showcases how Riverside's Chicanx/a/o community has maintained a strong tradition of cultural pride and advocacy.
As founder of Eastside Arthouse, Navarro has established a creative hub that brings traditional Mexican "muralismo" to the area.
The big picture: The Park Avenue Arts District now features multiple artistic landmarks, creating a living gallery that continues to evolve through community participation.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the neighborhood's murals before the exhibition opens, including works like "Cruising till Sunset" and "Heritage and Technology."
What's next: The opening reception for "Hecho en Park Avenue" is scheduled for April 4, 2025, during the April ArtsWalk at The Cheech.
Sports Shorts: CBU Stunt Chasing Phenomenal Record
Softball rivalry double header on Saturday
Sophomore Maddison Arochi flys High at the Fowler Events Center. (Courtesy of CBU/Madison Sardana)
California Baptist Stunt
When the CBU Stunt team returns from their Tennessee road trip on March 29, they could have an incredible 100-0 record as a program. Stunt is a competitive cheer based sport that focuses on skill moves and team coordination rather than crowd leading. Many universities have picked up Stunt as a Title 9 compliant sport for women. CBU has been competing since 2001 and in that time has not lost a single match. This is truly remarkable as the sports rapid growth begins to dilute the talent pool.
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.
If you looked up “good boy” in the dictionary, Chance’s giant, goofy grin would be right there, beaming back at you. He’s the ultimate good boy—always eager to please, thrilled by toys, and ready to be your 65 pound lapdog, offering endless cuddles and kisses. Chance is 1 year old, and has been waiting since January for his new family.
Come meet Chance and all the adoptable pets at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center in person. Stop by any day except Tuesdays, from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., or learn more at petsadoption.org.
Riverside native and Poly High School alumnus Bobby Kim has been appointed Vice President of Creative for the Americas at Disney Consumer Products, bringing experience from the streetwear brand The Hundreds he co-founded 22 years ago.
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.
