The Janet Goeske Foundation lobbied Sacramento lawmakers April 29, making the case that its Riverside senior center is a model worth replicating statewide.
Blue Zones Riverside and the county's health community are coming together this Mother's Day to remind us that supporting moms is a year-round practice.
Drooping branches frame a serene view of Lake Evans at Fairmount Park, where lily pads dot the glassy water and reflections of surrounding greenery complete the scene. (Vicky Ross) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Wednesday Gazette: May 6, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! By now, you've probably seen the news: the Mission Inn is heading to new ownership, with the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation set to acquire one of Riverside's most iconic landmarks. It's the kind of story that touches something deep for a lot of people in this community, and the conversations we're seeing reflect that. We want to hear from you. What questions do you have? What are you feeling? Whatever's on your mind, reply to this email or send it to newsroom@raincrossgazette.com.
Janet Goeske Foundation Seeks $3 Million State Grant for Center Expansion
The Janet Goeske Foundation lobbied Sacramento lawmakers April 29, making the case that its Riverside senior center is a model worth replicating statewide.
A delegation from the Janet Goeske Center visits State Senator Kelly Seyarto in Sacramento. From left: Diane Kwansman, Sen. Seyarto, Sean Rand and Goeske Center Director Danielle Stevens. (Courtesy of the Janet Goeske Foundation)
The Janet Goeske Foundation lobbied Sacramento lawmakers last week for a $3 million state grant to renovate and expand Riverside's flagship senior services hub.
Why it matters: If you're 50 or older — or have a parent who is — the Goeske Center at 5257 Sierra Street likely touches your life. The expansion would protect and grow services ranging from Medicare help to grief counseling to hot meals, all under one roof.
Driving the news: Executive Director Danielle Stevens led a delegation to Sacramento on April 29, meeting with state senators, assemblymembers, and legislative staff to make the funding case.
The big picture: The foundation isn't just asking for renovation money — it's pitching the Goeske model as a replicable blueprint for senior centers across the Inland Empire, California, and beyond.
The Inland Empire's senior population is expected to double within the next decade.
What they're saying: "Our goal is to ensure that no senior ages alone," Stevens said. "We act as a connector to vital services."
What's next: Legislators who met with the delegation expressed interest in touring the center. No vote or funding timeline has been announced.
Blue Zones Riverside and the county's health community are coming together this Mother's Day to remind us that supporting moms is a year-round practice.
Seven major health systems launched "More Than Flowers," urging Riverside County residents to support mothers year-round — not just on the holiday.
Why it matters: The campaign — backed by Blue Zones Project, Kaiser, IEHP, Molina, and others — reframes Mother's Day as a prompt for practical support: rides to prenatal visits, childcare, and mental health check-ins. It launches on social media and at community events this weekend.
Driving the news: Blue Zones research shows that when mothers thrive, families and communities follow.
• "Mothers are hubs of health," said Erin Edwards, Blue Zones Project Riverside executive director.
If you're celebrating: Riverside has plenty of ways to mark the weekend — from a free bird walk at the UCR Botanic Gardens Saturday morning and a Bridgerton-themed tea at Loft 84 to La Tardeada Festival at White Park, pressed flower workshops at Arlington and Orange Terrace libraries, and afternoon teas at Backstreet and California Citrus State Historic Park on Sunday. Details on all 10 events in the full story.
This Saturday, May 9, letter carriers will collect non-perishable food donations left by mailboxes for the 34th annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, a nationwide effort that has gathered nearly 2 billion pounds of food since its founding.
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