Wednesday Gazette: December 17, 2025

Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! Today is National Maple Syrup Day, which feels like the perfect excuse to talk about those holiday movies we watch every year without fail.

Here at The Gazette, Amy's annual must-watch is Elf, and there's a scene that fits today perfectly. When Buddy is asked if he likes sugar, he replies, "Is there sugar in syrup?" "Yes." "Then YES!" That enthusiastic approach to the season feels very Riverside right now, with lights up around the Mission Inn and holiday events filling our community calendar.

Justin's pick is The Family Man, a reminder that the richest life includes both love and purpose. We're curious: what's yours? The one you have to watch every December, whether it's a classic like It's a Wonderful Life or something less traditional? Send us your holiday movie traditions at newsroom@raincrossgazette.com. We'd love to hear what makes the season feel complete for you.

POLITICS

Arlington Business Partnership Director Oz Puerta Enters Ward 6 Council Race

Executive director vows to recuse himself from votes affecting organization he leads.

Oz Puerta will run for Ward 6 City Council in 2026, bringing his track record of slashing event costs and boosting Arlington's business district.

Why it matters: Ward 6 voters face their first open-seat race in 13 years after three-term Councilmember Jim Perry announced he won't seek re-election. The seat represents portions of Arlington, Arlanza, La Sierra, La Sierra Hills, and La Sierra South.

What's new: Puerta, who has led the Arlington Business Partnership since 2020, joins Board of Ethics Vice Chair Luis Hernandez in the race.

His track record: • Cut Winter Wonderland costs 50% • Reduced Holiday Lighting expenses 60% • Slashed Chili Cook-Off/Car Show costs 40% • Reinvested savings into public art, cleanups, and parking lot improvements

His pitch: Puerta wants to apply Arlington's business district improvements—beautification, safety upgrades, and infrastructure investment—across the entire ward.

"When we invest in beautification and safety, pride grows, and residents and business owners become more engaged," he said.

Yes, but: Puerta would recuse himself from City Council votes directly affecting the Arlington Business Partnership, which receives city funding through business improvement district taxes.

What's next: Riverside voters choose Ward 2, 4, and 6 representatives on June 2, 2026, with November runoffs if needed.

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ART

Extra “Merry” Artswalk Helps Connect Last-Minute Shoppers and Local Artists

Thursday December, 18 brings a second “Merry” Artswalk Downtown this December.

The Riverside Arts Council has partnered with the city of Riverside and Festival of Lights to offer a second ArtsWalk in December on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 5 to 10 p.m., starting under the breezeway at City Hall and moving toward University Avenue.

For those who thrive on last-minute holiday shopping panic, the traditional first Thursday ArtsWalk on Dec. 4 was just too early. This second December event gives procrastinators a chance to support local artists and makers with less than a week until Christmas.

"ArtsWalk brings Riverside to life, giving our local artists a place to shine, share their stories, and sell the work," said Rachael Dzikonski, executive director of Riverside Arts Council. "Every month, it creates a space where neighbors can connect, discover something new, and feel the energy of our creative community. It's a reminder of how art brings us together and how much joy we find when we show up for one another."

Read and share the full Merry ArtsWalk Guide...

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EDUCATION

Riverside Unified Earns State Golden Bell Award for STEM Pathway Programs

The district's coding clubs, family innovation nights and "Ignite Her Mind" symposium earned recognition for expanding access to hands-on technology learning.

Riverside Unified earned its sixth straight Golden Bell Award for programs that bring coding and hands-on STEM learning to students from kindergarten through high school.

Why it matters: The district now runs 40 coding clubs, hosts family innovation nights, and provides STEM mentorship specifically for middle school girls — expanding access to tech skills that shape future careers.

What's included: The award-winning Computational Design Thinking Focused Pathways has three parts:

• Coding clubs for students TK-12
• Family innovation nights (20 hosted this year)
• "Ignite Her Mind" symposium for 8th-grade girls

By the numbers: RUSD has won 10 Golden Bell Awards since 2000 — the state's top honor for programs improving student achievement.

The big picture: The Innovation & Learning Engagement Department leads the effort to make STEM education accessible across all schools, focusing on equity and hands-on problem-solving with technology.

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Noteworthy

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office launches additional DUI patrols through New Year's Day as part of the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, following 1,038 alcohol-impaired driving deaths nationwide in December 2023.

A UCR study of 606 high school principals nationwide finds federal immigration enforcement is driving widespread fear on campuses, with 64% reporting immigrant students missing school and 36% documenting bullying incidents.

Scientists identify a small RNA molecule that controls cholesterol production and atherosclerosis development, offering a potential "upstream" drug target that regulates metabolism earlier than existing statins.

What's Happening in Riverside

Today

• Stretch & Dance Class at Janet Goeske Senior Center
• Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
• Cultural Heritage Board at Riverside City Hall
• Melting Snowman Tealight Ornament at Marcy Library
• Mix & Mist: Build Your Own Scent at Thompson Brewing Co.
• Jazz Ensembles Concert at Riverside City College
• Riverside Mission Belles at Victoria Presbyterian Church
• Riverside Open Mic Music Series at Back to the Grind

Tomorrow

• 12 Days of Christmas at Arcade Coffee Roasters
• 27th Annual Nuestra Navidad Breakfast at Riverside County Office of Education Conference Center
• Holiday Donation Drive for Homeless Pets at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center
• Jazz Ensembles Concert at Riverside City College
• Planning Commission at Riverside City Hall
• Plant Exchange at the Marcy Library at Marcy Library

Save The Date 

• December 19: 12 Days of Christmas at Arcade Coffee Roasters
• December 20: Woodcrest Market Collective at Woodcrest Public Library
• December 24: Christmas Eve Celebration at First Congregational Church of Riverside

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