🗞️ Riverside News- December 11, 2025

Thursday Gazette: December 11, 2025

Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Amy here.

I grew up on the western side of the Inland Empire; Alta Loma, then Upland. Riverside was just a short drive east on the 60, yet it felt like a whole new world. When my husband and I started searching for our first home, we fell in love with Downtown (more on that coming in 2026). We knew nothing about its history or lore, but we found a charming home built in 1929 that captured our hearts. After many drives and visits, we made the move.

A new friend introduced me to The Raincross Gazette, and it became something I looked forward to: a touchpoint in unfamiliar territory, a trusted source of information for all going on at City Hall and especially during local elections, a calendar that introduced our family to new events and experiences. It helped us become Riversiders.

When I joined the Gazette team in summer 2024 as a copy editor, my role quickly evolved into Content Manager (and occasional writer): building newsletters, managing our community calendar, scheduling contributors, handling social media, and making sure your tips from newsroom@raincrossgazette.com make it into our editorial meetings. One of my favorite parts is working on our Neighbor of the Week features—what an honor to hear the why behind what people do to make this place amazing.

Comments like one we received this week from reader Mark Elliot remind us why this work matters: "No publication even comes close to the detailed coverage the Gazette gives to Riversiders about the things that impact our lives the most, and that's the happenings in Riverside's local city Government. I for one am grateful for this. A big thank you to the entire Gazette staff."

We're working hard every day to bring you accurate, neighborly news. Our year-end campaign is happening now, and becoming a paid member keeps this community newsroom strong for everyone—newcomers finding their way and longtime residents staying connected.

If The Gazette adds value to your life in Riverside, will you join as a member or upgrade your existing membership?

Not ready for monthly commitment? You can also make a one-time contribution.

See you tomorrow!

-Amy López

EVENTS

Friends of Mt. Rubidoux Launch Photo and Art Contest for Peace Tower's 100th Anniversary

Contest offers $250 prizes in two categories, with winning entries to be displayed at Mission Inn Foundation exhibit space.

The Peace Tower turns 100 — and a community art contest invites Riverside residents to capture the iconic Mt. Rubidoux landmark.

Why it matters: This is your chance to share how you see the Peace Tower while competing for cash prizes up to $250 and having your work displayed at the Mission Inn Foundation.

What's happening: The Friends of Mt. Rubidoux launched a two-category contest — photography ("Snapshots") and art ("Creative/Open") — with $500 in total prizes.

The prizes:

• First place: $250 plus Peace Tower charcuterie board
• Second place: $100 plus charcuterie board
• Third place: $50 plus charcuterie board

Contest details:

• Entries due: Jan. 6, 2026
• Winners announced: Jan. 19, 2026
• Drop off entries: Mission Inn Foundation, 3696 Main St.
• Questions: friendsofmtrubidoux@gmail.com

The big picture: The contest celebrates the Peace Tower's Dec. 13 centennial and is funded by community donations. "We thought this would be a great way to get the community involved and to get the park exposure to people that may not already have a passion for the mountain," said president Glenn Wenzel.

What's next: Winning entries join the "On Peace and Friendship" exhibit at the Mission Inn Foundation (Main and 6th streets) through mid-February. The commemorative walk happens Dec. 13 with a Frank Miller reenactment by Councilmember Falcone.

Full contest rules and centennial events... (3 min. read)

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SPONSORED

Arcade Coffee Roasters Brings Holiday Cheer with 12 Days of Christmas Rewards

Daily specials include free ornaments, discounted coffee, holiday drinks, and $500 giveaway entry.

Arcade Coffee Roasters offers daily promotions through Dec. 24 at its three Riverside locations, with chances to win free coffee for a year and a $500 gift card.

Why it matters: If you're a regular at Arcade's downtown, University neighborhood, or Canyon Crest locations, you can snag deals on holiday drinks, discounted coffee bags, and free merchandise — plus enter to win $500 by visiting all 12 days.

What's happening:

• Dec. 14: Free ornament with any purchase
• Dec. 16: BOGO holiday drinks when you bring a first-timer
• Dec. 17: Three golden tickets hidden in coffee bags win free coffee monthly through 2026
• Dec. 18: Original warehouse prices return — drinks cost several dollars less
• Dec. 21: Buy two coffee bags, get one free
• Dec. 23: Free latte with $25+ gift card purchase

The big picture: Arcade makes all seasonal syrups in-house, with six holiday flavors including customer favorites Vanilla Pine and Gingerbread. The Topo Gigio holiday blend — combining Nicaragua and Costa Rica beans — features blueberry, nutmeg and dark chocolate notes.

What's next: Visit all 12 days with $10+ purchases to enter the $500 gift card drawing. Winner announced after Christmas.

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

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Noteworthy

The City of Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department will celebrate the grand opening of the Arlington Pickleball Complex at 10 a.m. on December 13 at Arlington Park, offering free admission with organized play, a tour of the onsite Bourns Family Youth Innovation Center, and light refreshments.

RCC named LaShonda Carter, PhD, as December Faculty Equity Spotlight honoree—an Ethnic Studies associate professor whose research on Black feminisms and racial violence has been published in four academic journals while she leads curriculum development and tri-chairs the Teaching and Learning Leadership Council.

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What's Happening in Riverside

Today

• Airport Commission at Riverside City Hall
• Polar Express | Holiday Movie, Cocoa, and Craft at Marcy Library
• Family Cookout 5 at Back to the Grind

Tomorrow

• Christmas Jazz at Devereaux House at Devereaux House
• Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland at Fox Performing Arts Center ($70.98)
• DIBIA$E at Farmhouse Collective
• In the End - Linkin Park Experience at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
• The Soul Hole at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge

Save the Date

• December 13: Olivewood Memorial Park Historical Cemetery Tour at Olivewood Memorial Park ($20)
• December 13: Walk to the Peace Tower and Friendship Bridge on the 100th Anniversary at Mount Rubidoux
• December 13: Wreaths Across America at Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery
• December 14: Victorian Christmas Open House at Heritage House
• December 16: Passing on a Wealth of Wisdom - Family Legacy Workshop at Virtual
• December 20: Woodcrest Market Collective at Woodcrest Public Library
• December 24: Christmas Eve Celebration at First Congregational Church of Riverside

🗓️ See More Events     📝 Submit Your Event

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