Sunday Gazette: December 28, 2025

Hello Riverside, and Happy Sunday! We hope your Christmas was merry and bright. Now comes that sweet in-between time—when the holiday rush settles into a gentle pause before the new year arrives.

Today is a perfect day to enjoy those leftovers, take down some decorations (or leave them up a little longer—no judgment here), and maybe venture out to see what's happening around town. Check out our community calendar for local events, or simply take a stroll through your neighborhood to enjoy the holiday lights while they're still shining.

Here's to a relaxing Sunday and the fresh start waiting just around the corner.

COMMUNITY

The Trials of the House in Riverside

A series by Anthony Solorzano exploring Riverside through the eyes of a transplant, as the memory of a hometown slowly fades.

My family and I bought the house in Riverside back in February. The move marked the beginning of a chapter that included a new career and a new city. It's been 10 months and with this column, I've kept you up to date with my assimilation into a new life.

So far, it is probably my favorite era of mine. Yes, even better than my college years. I no longer have to rely on delicious—and sometimes dangerous—Taco Bell because my wallet had more business cards than cash. I have enough money and time to make my own bean and cheese burritos, thank you very much.

But there has been a change that I did not see coming but I am fully embracing: A handyman. Did you know that when you buy a house, you're in charge of fixing anything you break AND you have to pay for it? What a concept.

Read and share the complete story...

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COMMUNITY

Riverside Woman's Portrait to Ride Rose Parade Float for Organ Donation Gift

Jenny Fedele-Fennell's portrait will appear on OneLegacy's 2026 float after her cornea donation restored sight to four people.

Jenny Fedele-Fennell, a Riverside nursing student who restored sight to four people through cornea donation, will be memorialized on OneLegacy's Tournament of Roses float Wednesday.

Why it matters: Her portrait — made entirely of flowers and natural materials — will be seen by 700,000 parade spectators and millions of TV viewers, highlighting how one local donor's generosity created lasting impact.

What's happening: Fedele-Fennell's family gathered at Riverside Community Hospital in early December to view her floragraph portrait before it joins other donors on the "Treasure Every Moment Together" float.

By the numbers:

• 4 people regained sight through Jenny's cornea donation
• 20,000+ Californians currently wait for life-saving transplants
• 23 years OneLegacy has participated in the Rose Parade

What they're saying: "Jenny's heart was big, her compassion endless," her OneLegacy tribute reads. Friends remember her playful spirit, love of music and dancing, and devotion to her daughter.

Between the lines: Jenny was pursuing her dream of helping others as a nurse when she passed — her organ donation allowed that mission to continue beyond her lifetime.

Read and share the complete letter... (2 min. read)

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SPORTS

2025 Sports Recap

Top sports stories of ‘25 and what to look for next year.

End-of-year sports recaps can be awkward. Sports run in seasons, not in calendar years. Riverside only has RCC for college football, so no holiday bowl games for us. Many sports begin in one year and end in another.

Even without big signature events like bowl games or major championships, Riverside has plenty of compelling sports storylines to follow. From high school athletes chasing records to college programs navigating conference transitions, there's always something happening on local fields, courts and tracks. Finding these events is easier than ever: CBU Athletics, UCR Athletics, RCC Athletics, and MaxPreps all provide schedules and information to help you catch the action.

Read and share the complete recap...

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This Week in Riverside

Sunday, December 28

• 1,2,3... for the Butterflies and Bees Program at Corona Resource Conservation District
• The Sleeping Feywild King - a special Dungeons & Dragons Adventure Event at Nevermore Game Club
• English Country Dance at First United Methodist Church of Riverside
• BOLO THE DJ (18+) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium

Monday, December 29

• Assistance League Thrift Shop Accepting Donations at Assistance League Riverside Thrift Shop
• Cal Baptist Lancers Women's Basketball vs. Utah Valley Wolverines at Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center ($70.74)

Wednesday, December 31

• Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
• Brunch & Beats: NYE 2026 at ProAbition
• Maruchan's Holiday Ramen Cottage Party at Riverside Food Lab at Riverside Food Lab
• 1960s Golden Hollywood Glam NYE at Killer Queens Social House
• All That Glitters: New Year's Eve Gala at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
• NYE Party 2026 at The Lobby Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen
• NYE MASQUERADE BALL at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
• New Years Celebration at DTE at Downtown Experiment
• Decadent NYE Bash: 2026 at The W at Worthington's
• New Year's Eve 2026 at Mezcal Ultra Lounge
• New Years Eve Party at Club Riv

Thursday, January 1

• Cal Baptist Lancers Women's Basketball vs. Texas Arlington Mavericks at Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center ($70.74)
• UC Riverside Highlanders vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at UC Riverside Student Recreation Center ($70.74)

Saturday, January 3

• Woodcrest Market Collective at Woodcrest Public Library
• Hand Tool Maintenance and Repair at Land Use Learning Center
• Mt. Rubidoux Walking Tour at Mt. Rubidoux Trailhead, a short walk from Ryan Bonaminio Park. ($21.20)
• Animal Kids Camp - Special Sessions: Vet for a Day at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center ($50)
• Cal Baptist Lancers Women's Basketball vs. Tarleton State Texans at Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center ($70.74)
• Who's Bad - The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience at Fox Performing Arts Center
• 80s Night with Tributes to Duran Duran & Psychedelic Furs! at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove

Save the Date

• January 17: Woodcrest Market Collective at Woodcrest Public Library

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