Noteworthy

Student writers and actors marked the 19th year of Playworks with 21 original 10-minute plays performed over two nights, exploring themes like ICE, AI, grief, and love in an intimate black-box theater setting.

Nearly 850 confirmed U.S. cases of the parasite-borne illness cyclosporiasis have been reported since May 1, prompting a UC Riverside epidemiologist to share what he learned firsthand after contracting the illness in 2018.

UCR professor and award-winning graphic novelist John Jennings is being honored with "John Jennings: Build Your World," an immersive exhibition of four of his projects now on view through spring 2027 at Mississippi's Arts + Entertainment Experience.

With the Fourth of July approaching, the city is reminding residents that all fireworks are illegal within city limits and carry a minimum $1,500 fine — with the free 4th of July Spectacular fireworks show at La Sierra Park and Mt. Rubidoux offering a safe alternative.

The city's Community and Economic Development Department hosts Walk the Talk at Ryan Bonaminio Park this Friday, June 26, from 8–9 a.m. — a free guided walk for business owners and entrepreneurs spotlighting Café Oro Dos Aztecas, in partnership with Blue Zones Project Riverside.

The Sub Station, a beloved UCR sandwich shop that hired some 800 students over its 54-year run, has served its last sandwich, with owner Richard Munio marking the closure with a farewell celebration attended by Chancellor Hu and Mayor Lock Dawson.

Caltrans is rehabilitating a stretch of SR-91 between Van Buren Boulevard and Madison Street through summer 2027, with a $31 million project that includes overnight weeknight lane closures — so plan your commute accordingly.

La Sierra University's women's flag football team reached the GSAC championship game in its debut season, finishing 18-9 and cracking the national Top 10, with two freshmen earning NAIA All-American honors.

Grocery Outlet on Chicago Avenue is hosting a free community barbecue this Saturday, June 27 from noon to 3 p.m. — with free food, snow cones, and haircuts, plus an in-store food drive benefiting Meals on Wheels Riverside and Healing in the Streets.

Riverside's first Peace Pole will be dedicated on June 26 at 10 a.m. in the garden in front of the Military Wall of Honor at City Hall, donated by the Riverside East Rotary Club.

La Sierra University graduated 378 students at its June 14 Conferring of Degrees ceremony, where California State Sen. Sabrina Cervantes urged graduates to use their education to open doors for others.

Riverside City College's Class of 2026 celebrated more than 3,674 graduates at Wheelock Stadium on June 12, marking the first time in years the college held commencement on its own athletic fields.