Wednesday Gazette: August 26, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! Today is Women's Equality Day, marking the anniversary of the 19th Amendment's certification in 1920, which secured women's constitutional right to vote. It's a fitting day to think about the neighbors around us who quietly move Riverside forward, often without much recognition.
Speaking of which, do you know someone like that? Our Neighbor of the Week feature is looking for nominations: a coworker, a longtime volunteer, someone who shows up for this community in ways that don't always make headlines. You can nominate them here.
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COMMUNITY
From Dead End to Third Space, Downtown Alley Set for Revival
A once-abandoned alleyway on Main Street is getting new life as a hub for events and everyday use.
A vacant alley next to Arcade Coffee Roasters is becoming a public gathering space downtown.
Why it matters: If you've fought for a table at Arcade Coffee, the alley next door will add a dozen seats — and double as event space for Arts Walk and the Festival of Lights.
The backstory: The alley formed in 2019 when the Main + Nine apartments replaced a parking lot, then sat unused since.
Driving the news: Councilmember Philip Falcone pitched the idea nine months ago to UCR's CHASS dean and facilities director, lining up UCR, Public Works and Arcade Coffee Roasters to redesign the space.
- UCR owns the land, Arcade Coffee will open and lock it daily, and Public Works will maintain it.
What's new: Phase 1 adds an arched "Main Street Alley" gate, tables, chairs and potted plants to get the space open.
- Phase 2 could bring café lighting, umbrellas, murals or banners — details are still undecided.
What's next: The alley opens before the Festival of Lights, accessible only from Main Street.
- Falcone is already planning a similar conversion for the Whittier Place alley near White Park.
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COMMUNITY
Janet Goeske Foundation Wins $100,000 Grant After Community Rallies
The Riverside senior services nonprofit overcame a voting setback to claim first place in Harrah's All-In 4 Change Grant Contest.
The Janet Goeske Foundation has won $100,000 in unrestricted funding after taking first place in the Harrah's All-In 4 Change Grant Contest, the organization announced. The Riverside nonprofit serves thousands of older adults through health and wellness programs, education, social activities and crisis prevention services.
The win matters to Riverside because the Janet Goeske Foundation is a key local resource for seniors facing isolation, health challenges or difficult situations. The unrestricted grant means the organization can direct the funds wherever they're needed most, rather than to a specific program.
The contest ran for several weeks and relied on public voting. Foundation patrons and supporters voted daily, recruited friends and family, and spread the word throughout the community to build support, according to the Foundation.
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SPORTS
RiversideTV Airs High School, RCC Football Games Live Throughout Season
Friday Night Pep Rally will air highlights and scores from games across the city every Friday night at 11 p.m.
RiversideTV, the City of Riverside's government access television station, has launched its 2026 high school and Riverside City College (RCC) football coverage with live game broadcasts and a weekly recap show.
The coverage began Friday, Aug. 21, with Hillcrest facing Poly, and continues this Friday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m., when Ramona takes on Arlington. RiversideTV will broadcast select games live throughout the season, giving residents who can't make it to the stands a way to follow local student-athletes and school communities.
After each Friday night's action wraps up, RiversideTV airs Friday Night Pep Rally at 11 p.m., featuring highlights, scores and interviews from high school football games happening across Riverside.
"Local football is about so much more than what happens on the field," Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said in a statement. "It's student athletes, coaches, families, alumni and entire school communities coming together. RiversideTV gives us an opportunity to showcase that energy and celebrate our students and schools throughout Riverside."
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What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
- Stretch & Dance Class at Janet Goeske Senior Center
- Community Police Review Commission at Riverside City Hall
- FREE YOGA - Seated Yoga with Kristin Varner at All Saints Episcopal Church
- History on the Rocks - Round Two! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21)
Tomorrow
- Human Relations Commission at Riverside City Hall
- History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($71.21)
- Past, Present, and Future: Bridging Memory and Modernity at the Museum at Riverside Main Library
- Sight Unseen Reframed Exhibition Opening at Civil Rights Institute Inland Southern California
- Women's Soccer vs. Utah Tech at UCR Soccer Stadium
- Linea Personal: TODO Ø NADA at Fox Performing Arts Center
Save the Date
- Aug 28: FREE YOGA - The Evolution of Ashtanga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Aug 28: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- Aug 29: FREE YOGA - The Art of Vinyasa with Catherine Murray at Community Yoga Center
- Aug 29: FREE YOGA - Yin Yoga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Aug 31: FREE YOGA - Moody Mondays with Cherie Amour at Community Yoga Center
- Sep 2: FREE YOGA - Seated Yoga with Kristin Varner at All Saints Episcopal Church
- Sep 3: Orange Street Mural Unveiling at Main Museum Pedestrian Walkway (Orange Street)
- Sep 9: FREE Beginning Square Dance Lessons with Line Dancing at Cowtown Square Dance Center
- Sep 13: Welcome Back Party! at First Congregational Church of Riverside
- Sep 18: Open Mic Night at Riverside Baha'i Center
- Sep 25: Moon Festival at Heritage House
- Oct 3: Aquamotion Aquathon at Shamel Pool
- Oct 7: Fifty & Better Health Fair at Janet Goeske Center
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