Riverside under a blanket of smoke, seen from Box Springs Mountain. (Ken Crawford)
Friday Gazette: September 20, 2024
The fires are still burning, but the smoke has cleared, and the weather has cooled. We are on the downhill side of September, and October is almost here. All you early Pumpkin Spice adopters can be sure that the hesitant are about to jump into the spirit with both feet.
We are putting together a Raincross October guide to inform you about all the spooky and spicy things to do around the city. Look for that in the next week or so, and if you have any Halloween or fall-themed happenings you'd like included, let me know at ken@raincrossgazette.com.
Former Sears Property to Become Housing Despite Airport Proximity Concerns
Council majority cites housing needs in approving mixed-use development, overruling airport land use commission's safety recommendations.
The Riverside City Council has voted 6-1 to approve a mixed-use development at the former Sears site, overruling recommendations from the county airport land use commission. The project, located near Riverside Municipal Airport, will include 388 residential units and commercial space.
Driving the news: The council's decision required amending the general plan, rezoning the property, and issuing a certificate to demolish the vacant Sears building.
The site is about a mile from the end of the airport's main runway.
Why it matters: Supporters argue the project will revitalize a blighted property and address housing needs, while opponents warn of safety concerns and potential impacts on the airport's future.
The Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce backs the development as a highlight for the community.
The details: Developer Foulger Pratt plans to incorporate mid-century modern design elements to honor the historical stylings of the Sears building.
The project includes 25,320 square feet of commercial space, currently planned as an ALDI grocery store.
By the numbers: The council vote was 6-1, with Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes dissenting due to concerns about overruling agency recommendations and potential liability.
What's next: The developer plans to apply for demolition permits as soon as possible to begin work on the long-vacant site.
RAM Exhibit offers new insight and images of the Museum’s historic home
“3425 Mission Inn Avenue: Foundation, Transition, Innovation” offers a fresh look at Julia Morgan’s design of the 1929 Riverside YWCA, with newly uncovered archival content and modern interpretations of the building’s historical significance.
Detail of updated displays. (Ken Crawford)
The Riverside Art Museum's (RAM) current exhibit, 3425 Mission Inn Avenue: Foundation, Transition, Innovation, offers a refreshed exploration of the building's historical significance and architectural heritage. This exhibition builds upon the foundation set in 2012 with Julia Morgan: Foundation and Transition., which celebrated the work of Julia Morgan, the pioneering architect behind the building's design. Zeke Valdez, lead of guest services at RAM, talked about the omission of Julia Morgan's name from the title of the updated exhibit. "We wanted people to know that it was more about THIS building than just her."
Sports Shorts: King High Hall of Fame to Honor Athletic Legends
CSD Riverside Football hosts a Saturday Matinee against Maryland School for the Deaf.
King High Hall of Fame Ceremony
The Martin Luther King High School Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Banquet is set to take place on Friday, September 20th, in the school's gymnasium. The event honors outstanding athletes, coaches, and teams who have made significant contributions to the school's athletic tradition. Doors open at 5:15 p.m., with the ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $25 on GoFan. Join us for an evening of celebration as we recognize the achievements of these exceptional inductees.
Inductees for 2024:
Jimmy Kirkemo: King’s first CIF Champion wrestler.
Miranda Montejo: 2-time All-CIF and 3-time All Inland Area Girls Soccer Player.
John Corona: Head Boys and Girls Track and Field Coach for 19 years.
2024 King Team of Distinction: The 2010 CIF Champion Girls Soccer team.
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