The district will use the five-year Golden State Pathways Program award to strengthen health care, construction, computer science and other career pathways at local high schools.
White doves take flight during the 100th anniversary ceremony for the Peace Tower and Friendship Bridge at Mount Rubidoux. Bobby Lando with SoCal White Doves released the birds as community members gathered on the historic bridge to commemorate the landmark's centennial. (SoCal White Doves) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Tuesday Gazette: December 16, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Tuesday! We're deep in the holiday season now: Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent for those observing, the third night of Hanukkah, or perhaps you're counting down to Christmas gatherings with friends and family. Whether you're lighting candles, wrapping gifts, or simply trying to keep up with it all, we hope you're finding moments of joy in the rush.
However you're celebrating (or not celebrating) this December, we're glad you're here with us. Take a breath, enjoy your coffee, and let's see what's happening in Riverside today.
Riverside Nonprofit Expands Support for Breast Cancer Patients, Including Men
The CARE Project launches new programs while reminding the community that one in 726 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
The CARE Project founder Carrie Madrid (left) and Men 2 Program director Pat Washburn (right) present a $5,000 Adam's Angels grant to the family of Danny Riggs, who died from breast cancer this year. Pictured with the ceremonial check are Riggs' widow Sarah and his children Steven and Kali. (Courtesy of The CARE Project)
The CARE Project serves Riverside breast cancer patients of all genders — and wants men to know they're at risk.
Why it matters: Men account for 1 in 726 breast cancer diagnoses but often catch it later because they don't think it can happen to them. Early detection saves lives.
What they do: The Riverside nonprofit covers treatment co-pays, rent, utilities, groceries and transportation for cancer patients — plus peer support and lymphedema care.
Driving the news: The CARE Project launched Adam's Angels, a grant program for children who lose parents to breast cancer, inspired by 5-year-old Adam whose mother Carmen died at 30.
By the numbers:
Founded in 2014 after founder Carrie Madrid's own late-stage diagnosis
1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer vs. 1 in 726 men
Men's diagnoses often caught at advanced stages
What they need: Amazon, Target, Walmart, Stater Bros. and gas station gift cards — plus prepaid Visa cards for groceries, utilities and treatment transportation.
What's next: Monthly Survivor Social Club gatherings provide peer support. Contact Diana Jaurigue for sponsorship opportunities: (951) 742-7405.
Riverside Unified Expands Career Training Programs with $5.5 Million State Grant
The district will use the five-year Golden State Pathways Program award to strengthen health care, construction, computer science and other career pathways at local high schools.
Riverside Unified is expanding high-demand career pathways across its high schools, including Ramona High School's Construction Technology program, through the $5.5 million Golden State Pathways Program Grant. (Courtesy of RUSD)
Riverside Unified landed a five-year state grant to grow career training programs at district high schools, preparing students for high-demand jobs while they earn diplomas.
Why it matters: Your teen can now access expanded hands-on training in fields like healthcare, computer science, and construction — skills that lead directly to jobs or college programs.
By the numbers:
$5.5 million from California's Golden State Pathways Program
Funding runs through 2028-29 school year
Part of $12 million in competitive grants RUSD secured this year
What's expanding:
Health careers at Lincoln, Arlington, Raincross and Ramona
Computer science at Arlington, North, King, Poly and STEM Academy
Sports medicine at North and Poly
Construction at Ramona
Auto tech at Lincoln
The big picture: These programs blend career skills with academics, creating clear paths from high school to college or careers without burning through the district's general fund.
Riverside Police arrested a suspect within two hours of a fatal attack that killed 35-year-old Jullian Hughes near University Avenue, with Chief Larry Gonzalez crediting coordinated teamwork for the swift apprehension and urging anyone with information to contact investigators.
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