"My favorite tree in Riverside is in front of Marcy Library and it grows sideways instead of up." (Francesca Lichauco) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
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!
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Thank you to the Subscribers who became paid supporters this week: Ric Rasco. Your ongoing financial support is vital to our success in serving Riverside with the news it deserves!
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.
Photo of Golden Gate National Cemetery, where Ormonde Wilson is buried with honors befitting his service as a World War I veteran. (Public Domain)
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.
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"
Kadir Nelson, surrounded by his original artwork exploring basketball's history. (David Fouts)
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.
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.
Civil Rights Institute Executive Director Sabrina Gonzalez accepts the Riverside Hero Award alongside Board President Lana Wilson, co-founder Rose Mays and Sarika Acharya, representing co-founder Lalit Acharya, at the State of the City address Jan. 28. Chambers of Commerce President and CEO Nicholas Adcock (left) presented the award.
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."
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.
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?
See something? Say something. Your tips and ideas are what fuel The Raincross Gazette. If you know of something newsworthy happening in our city, please share it with us.
