Noteworthy

A UCR economist co-authored research showing that pairing teacher bonuses with coaching and feedback cuts student felony arrests by 30% and returns $14 in community benefits for every dollar spent.

RCC's Shrek The Musical drew packed houses across six performances at the Landis Performing Arts Center, with critics praising the student and alumni cast as "a polished, enormously clever family musical."

La Sierra University launched a one-page strategic plan targeting 3,000 students by 2035 after experiencing a 26% surge in new freshmen and 5% overall enrollment increase, implementing corporate Scaling Up methodology with quarterly accountability processes.

UCR plant ecologist Loralee Larios reports California's wildflower superbloom is arriving a month early—with desert sand verbena and evening primrose already displaying and California poppies expected soon in Antelope Valley—due to unusual rainfall timing this year.

Riverside's Public Works Department is hosting a free bulky item drop-off event February 21 from 8 a.m. to noon at the City Corporation Yard for residents to responsibly dispose of large household items.

A new pop-up exhibit at the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California celebrates Perris Valley legend Clarence Muse—one of the highest-paid Black actors of his era who fought racist stereotypes and founded the city's Arts Festival—with Dr. Norman Towels showcasing his collection February 19 at noon.

UCR Health cardiologist Dr. Ramy Sadek explains that nearly half of Americans have high blood pressure—the most underestimated heart disease risk factor—which causes no symptoms until damage occurs.

The American Red Cross faces a national blood shortage after winter weather disrupted donations, with the organization collecting 7,000 fewer blood products than needed and urging Riverside residents to donate immediately to prevent delays in critical patient care.

The Mission Inn Foundation is hosting a Raincross Art Contest with artwork submissions accepted February 1-22 at their Main Street store, followed by public voting on displayed pieces from February 25 through March 29.

Riverside City College's marching band won first place in the Division 2/Division 3 category of Metallica's For Whom The Band Tolls collegiate competition, earning $40,000 in instruments and equipment for their program.

Cheech Marin and Luis C. Garza highlighted Chicano art on KTLA 5's Weekend Morning News, discussing The Chicano Camera Culture: A Photographic History exhibition opening February 7 at The Cheech Center in Riverside.

Metrolink will offer free rides on Transit Equity Day Wednesday, February 4, honoring civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks and her role in the fight for transportation equity, with participating transit agencies including Riverside Transit also providing fare-free connections.