Mission Inn's Future, Immigration Fears Top Readers' Picks for 2025's Biggest Stories

When Raincross Gazette readers were asked to name 2025's biggest story, their answers ranged from the Mission Inn's uncertain future to immigration fears to a school six decades in the making.

Thirty-five readers responded to the year-end survey between Dec. 3-6, representing neighborhoods across the city. Nearly one-third focused on the Mission Inn—from Duane Roberts' death to sale rumors to the Foundation's return to Main Street. Six cited immigration enforcement and the city's response. Three named Casa Blanca Elementary's opening.

Mission Inn Stories Dominate

"Downtown Riverside is shaped by the Mission Inn," wrote Mike Gardner. "Duane Roberts operated the Inn as an institution, not as a financial investment. Should that change with Mr. Roberts passing there could be a very significant negative impact on Riverside."

Roberts died Nov. 1 at age 88. Within weeks, sources said the hotel was being privately marketed for approximately $85 million. General Counsel Patrick O'Brien denied active sale plans: "At this time, there are no active plans to sell the property."

Willie Velez, who worked at the Mission Inn for 15 years, called the sale rumors the year's biggest story. Christal Pennington said it represented "a turning point" for the city. Marc Goldstein worried Roberts' death "may change the dynamic of the landmark."

The Mission Inn Foundation added another storyline, returning to Main Street in November after a year away following its 2024 eviction from the hotel.

Teresa Wassman saw accountability issues: "Riverside citizens paid to renovate the Mission Inn and the Roberts purchased it and agreed to house the foundation but they failed to honor their commitments to the foundation and the people in Riverside."

Immigration Enforcement Divides Community

Six readers focused on immigration enforcement.

The issue emerged in July when ICE agents conducted an operation at the Madison Street Home Depot. Witnesses reported agents wearing masks without visible badges. Hundreds of protesters rallied downtown.

In October, City Council passed the Safe Communities Resolution 4-3, requiring federal agents to use clearly marked vehicles and visible identification.

Carol McDoniel wrote: "Federal immigration illegally kidnapping members of our community and the resulting fear many of our neighbors live with every day. This isn't a 'there' issue, it's a 'here' issue. This is a pivotal moment in history, just like the Civil Rights Movement and the illegal incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII."

Casa Blanca Elementary Opens After 60 Years

Karrie Brooks called the August opening of Casa Blanca Elementary the year's biggest story: "Having lived in the area for 40 years, I didn't know the whole story and found it compelling."

The school represents the first new Eastside school since Lowell Elementary burned 60 years ago in the 1965 arson that led Riverside to become the first U.S. city to voluntarily desegregate its elementary schools.

In September, California's Court of Appeal unanimously affirmed RUSD's authority to spend Measure O bonds on new school construction, ending a two-year lawsuit.

Other Stories That Shaped 2025

Duffy Atkinson, chair of the Victoria Area Neighborhood Alliance, identified government accountability as the defining issue: "The fight over the RTRP project, and the implementation of a new Inspector-General within the city."

The Office of Inspector General, approved by voters in November 2024 with 65 percent support, was finally established Nov. 18, 2025—nearly a year later. Council voted 6-1 to create the office with a $765,000 annual budget.

Two readers named homelessness. Lauretta Wilson: "Homeless people and trash everywhere. Because it invades so many of our neighborhoods and makes the whole city look awful."

Looking Ahead to 2026

Six readers predicted the Mission Inn sale would dominate 2026. Norman Ellstrand put it simply: "Mission Inn sold. (I know it's not for sale right now.)"

Five readers predicted elections would dominate, with contests in Wards 2, 4 and 6. Ward 2 already has four declared candidates as Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes does not seek re-election.

Atkinson predicted water transparency battles: "The outcome of the Hunter v The Gage Canal Co & The City of Riverside lawsuit will have far-reaching implications for transparency by city departments. The fact that this is flying almost entirely under the public's radar is the most 'Riverside' thing about it."

Sheila Cocco captured the year's mood: "I don't know. So many things have happened and I feel overwhelmed and nothing stands out."

Her words captured 2025 in Riverside: a year when the city faced questions about its identity and future from multiple directions at once—from the fate of its most iconic landmark to how it protects all its residents to whether it can deliver on promises made decades ago.

The Raincross Gazette surveyed readers Dec. 3-6, 2025, receiving 35 responses from residents across all areas of the city.