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.
See you tomorrow!
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COMMUNITY
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.
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.
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COMMUNITY
More Than Flowers
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.
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Noteworthy
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.
What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Senior Conference at Janet Goeske Center
- Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
- Reading Assistance Program at My Learning Studio
- California Preservation Conference at Riverside Convention Center ($20- $505)
- Eastside Library at Lincoln Park | Mother's Day Craft at Eastside Library at Lincoln Park
- History on the Rocks - Round Two! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21)
- Riverside Mission Belles at Victoria Presbyterian Church
Tomorrow
- Lincoln Park Community Group at Lincoln Park Community Center
- ARTSWALK First Thursday Concert Series at UCR ARTS at Culver Center of the Arts
- FREE ADMISSION - First Thursday of every month during Riverside ArtsWalk at Riverside Art Museum
- History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21)
- Meet & Greet: Ward 2 Candidate Mike Vahl at Jackson Home
- Pour Decisions a Comedy Wine Tasting at Canyon Crest Winery ($39.19)
- Riverdance 30 - The New Generation at Fox Performing Arts Center
Save the Date
- May 8: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- May 13: Level Up Your Network: The Pick Group 2026 Membership Summit at Killer Queens Social House
- May 16: Vintage Home Tour “Age is a Work of Art” at Peter J Weber House ($30)
- May 17: Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social at Riverside's Heritage House
- June 1: REEF's 27th Annual Golf Tournament at Canyon Crest Country Club ($140- $175)
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