Sunday Gazette: February 1, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Sunday!
Welcome to February! While much of the country is still deep in winter, we're enjoying our sunny SoCal days.
February is Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. It's an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of past generations and recognize their lasting impact on our society. This month reminds us that understanding African American history is essential to understanding American history.
It may be a short month, but it's full of ways to celebrate and learn. Check out our community calendar for local events happening this February.
See you tomorrow!
Advertisement (Become an advertiser)
HISTORY
A Voice from the Mission Inn: Ormonde Wilson's Journey from Watchman to War Hero
The tenor soloist who sang at Booker T. Washington's memorial service traded his Mission Inn post for the battlefields of World War I, earning a place on Frank Miller's banner of heroes.
Following World War I, Frank A. Miller of the Mission Inn honored veterans who had served in the war and had a connection to the Inn. On February 1, 1919, Miller entertained many of those veterans in the refectory at the Mission Inn with a banquet and a program of toasts and recollections of the soldiers' experiences. Seventy-five people attended the banquet, including the Miller family and the guests, and were seated at tables decorated with the national colors. Musical selections entertained the guests during dinner. Fifteen veterans were honored in a "Heroes of the Mission Inn Banner" displayed at the Inn. One of these heroes was Ormonde Wilson, a gentleman of African American descent.
Read and share the complete story...
Advertisement (Become an advertiser)
ART & ENTERTAINMENT
Kadir Nelson Finds Joy, History and Inclusion Through Basketball
The award-winning author and illustrator explores basketball's history and its power to bring people together in his new book "Basket Ball: The Story of the All-American Game"
When Kadir Nelson, the author and illustrator of "Basket Ball: The Story of the All-American Game," was in the middle of developing the book around 2020, he was living through history. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the country to shut down and mass protests against police violence and racial injustice followed the death of George Floyd.
"My artwork became more focused on what was going on in the moment for the rest of that year," he said.
As it hits the bookstores, nothing much has changed. History continues to unravel on a daily basis. Now, more than ever, people need a sense of joy and for Nelson, there's nothing like the feeling of togetherness that comes with sports, specifically, basketball.
Read and share the complete story...
Advertisement (Become an advertiser)
GOVERNMENT
State of the City Recognizes Community Impact, Innovation and Beautification
Civil Rights Institute named Riverside Hero, Edge Sound Research wins innovation honor, 15 projects earn beautification awards at annual address.
Riverside's Civil Rights Institute won the Hero Award at Tuesday's State of the City, recognizing work preserving overlooked local history.
Why it matters: The institute has spotlighted Riverside as home to the nation's first Koreatown and documented homegrown civil rights leaders—stories many residents never learned.
What happened: Mayor Lock Dawson and the Chambers of Commerce presented three award categories at the 49th annual address.
- Civil Rights Institute Executive Director Sabrina Gonzalez said the recognition reflects "gratitude for those that walked the path before us."
Other winners:
- Innovation Award: Edge Sound Research, a UCR spinoff developing haptic audio technology
- Beautification: Magnolia Church (sustainable design), City Hall (historical preservation), Casablanca Elementary (distinction award)
What they're saying: "Understanding our past is essential to shaping our future," Chambers President Nicholas Adcock said of the Civil Rights Institute's work.
The bottom line: The awards spotlight both Riverside's historical legacy and emerging tech innovation.
Read and share the complete story...
CREATIVE PROMPTS
Sticky Fingers
A prompt to encourage your practice of creativity this week from Riversider and local author Larry Burns.
This week’s creative nudge lives between you and everything else: the screen smudge.
You know the one. That cloudy streaks on your phone. The soft palm-print on your laptop. The mysterious blur on the television that makes you wonder whether you need a new screen or new eyes. Is this technology failing, or am I?
I have this thought more often than I’d like to admit. Am I due for a new television, or do I need to tidy up? Is this laptop display failing, or are my eyes tired? Is the movie poorly shot, or am I looking at it through a layer of fingerprints, dust, and snacks?
Read and share the complete story...
This Week in Riverside
Sunday, February 1
- Prayers and Public Information Meeting at Riverside Baha'i Center
- English Country Dance at First United Methodist Church of Riverside
- On Peace & Friendship - History of the Peace Tower & Friendship Bridge at Riverside Medical Clinic Basement Meeting Room
- UCR Orchestra at University Theatre, UCR ($6- $10)
- Fabric of Us: Textile Art and Queer Identity at Civil Rights Institute Inland Southern California
Monday, February 2
- Goeske Bingo at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
- Monday Carillon Recitals at UCR Bell Tower
- TINA - The Tina Turner Musical at Fox Performing Arts Center
Tuesday, February 3
- Promise Program - Information Session at Riverside City College
- ScotSurplus Public Sale at ScotSurplus, UCR Corporation Yard
- Inland Empire Chorus Rehearsal at Temple Beth El Synagogue
Wednesday, February 4
- Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
- Stretch & Dance Class at Janet Goeske Senior Center
- Reading Assistance Program at My Learning Studio
- Beating Graffitti with Detective Sergio Mercado at Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce
- I Heart Horror Day at Marcy Library
- History on the Rocks - Round Two! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($60)
- Riverside Mission Belles at Victoria Presbyterian Church
- Riverside Open Mic Music Series at Back to the Grind
Thursday, February 5
- Chancellor S. Jack Hu Inauguration Campus Celebration and Live Stream at Rivera Library, Lawn
- Lincoln Park Community Group at Lincoln Park Community Center
- California Native Plant Society Conference at Riverside Convention Center
- UC Riverside Highlanders Women's Basketball vs. Cal St. Fullerton Titans at UC Riverside Student Recreation Center ($61.57)
- Artswalk - Day of Remembrance at Main Street and University Avenue
- FREE ADMISSION - First Thursday of every month during Riverside ArtsWalk at Riverside Art Museum
- Paint Party Workshop at Mission Inn Foundation ($50)
- Zine Workshop at UCR ARTS
Friday, February 6
- Certified Farmers Market at Farm House Collective
- Chess Club at Orange Terrace Library
- Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
- THE EMO NIGHT TOUR (18+) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
Saturday, February 7
- Woodcrest Market Collective at Woodcrest Public Library
- How Can We Understand Each Other Better at Kay Ceniceros Center
- Mother Daughter Heart-to-Heart Brunch at Riverside Community Hospital - Health Education Center
- To Graft or Root? by California Rare Fruit Growers at Land Use Learning Center
- Mt. Rubidoux Walking Tour at Mt. Rubidoux Trailhead, a short walk from Ryan Bonaminio Park. ($21.20)
- UC Riverside Highlanders Women's Basketball vs. CSUN Matadors at UC Riverside Student Recreation Center ($61.57)
- Bunco at Arlington Library, Community Room ($5)
- Monopoly Competition - Riverside Edition! at Devereaux House ($40)
- Trap Karaoke at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
Save the Date
- February 11: Galentine's Women's Health Event at Janet Goeske Center
- February 19: Empowered Leadership: Cultivating Influence and Impact at Work Well ($165)
- February 21: Woodcrest Market Collective at Woodcrest Public Library
- February 23: Sip with a Scientist at Bar Ni Modo
- March 9: REEF's Best Event Ever! Take 9! at Fox Performing Arts Center ($10- $75)
🗓️ See More Events 📝 Submit Your Event
📸 Submit a photo to be featured in our newsletters and social media accounts.
🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.