🗞️ Riverside News- February 11, 2026

Wednesday Gazette: February 11, 2026

Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! Today we're sharing something special—a beautiful poem by Riversider Julian Barham called "Song of Riverside." Julian's words sweep across our city from morning to evening, tracing the Santa Ana River, Mount Rubidoux, Downtown landmarks and the neighborhoods that make Riverside whole. His poem celebrates the layers of history beneath our feet—from the Cahuilla, Serrano, and Luiseño peoples to the rancheros, dreamers and builders who shaped this valley—and reminds us that Riverside is still being written by all of us today.

It's a love letter to the place we call home and we think you'll recognize yourself somewhere in these lines.

Read and share the "Song of Riverside"...

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BUSINESS

Café de Oro Aztecas Brings Mexican Coffee to Downtown

Ricardo Gallegos opens brick-and-mortar shop after years of pop-ups, bringing Veracruz coffee and culture to Main Street.

Café de Oro Aztecas brings coffee from three Veracruz farms to Downtown Riverside, opening Friday with a mission to honor Mexican coffee farmers.

Why it matters: Downtown gains its 14th coffee option, but this one's different - owner Ricardo Gallegos visited the farms, met the harvesters, and promised to share their stories through photos displayed in the shop.

The backstory: Gallegos moved from New Orleans in 2020 and spent two years selling Veracruz coffee at pop-ups across Southern California before committing to a brick-and-mortar location.

• His mother reminded him of his dream to import coffee from Veracruz, where he once lived and felt emotionally connected.

What makes it unique: The café showcases Latino culture through symbols like the Aztec Calendar and jaguar, plus art from Riverside artists Debi Varvi, Cosme Córdova and Franky Castillo.

What they're saying: "They work all year on the harvest and they don't even get to taste their own coffee," Gallegos said after visiting the farms. "They deserve to be in the front lines."

What's next: Soft opening Friday, Feb. 13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 3521 Main St. Try their signature drink "The Spear" - named for obsidian spears used in Aztec culture.

Read and share the full story...

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NATURALLY RIVERSIDE

Love at First Bite: How Riverside Created the Perfect Valentine's Day Fruit

The 'Valentine' pummelo - with its heart-shaped red flesh and mid-February harvest - took 50 years to go from UCR research cross to the iconic citrus that promises to become as synonymous with Valentine's Day as pumpkins are with Halloween.

Holidays are often associated with iconic plants. Christmastime includes an abundance of holly and poinsettia. Pumpkins do double-duty for Halloween and Thanksgiving. What would the Day of the Dead be without marigolds?

Not so for Valentine's Day (yet). Shoe-horning red roses or chocolate-covered strawberries would be a stretch. Ideally, a plant for Valentine's Day should have certain characteristics that make it fit the holiday the way that the glass slipper matched Cinderella's foot. Clearly, a red heart should be a prominent feature. If edible, the fruit of the plant should be sweet, but a bit tangy, and complex. Finally, the season of the plant must correlate with the middle of February, but not extend months before or beyond that.

Remarkably, such a plant exists, and it was created in Riverside. The fruit of the citrus variety, 'Valentine', checks all the boxes. The yellow, grapefruit-size fruit matures on and around Valentine's Day; its season runs from mid-January to mid-March. Cut it open lengthwise and turn it upside down; you get the 'Valentine' surprise, deep red flesh in the shape of a heart. The soft red pulp is juicy and sweet, with a hint of acid. The overall flavor is complex and mysterious, yet familiar. 'Valentine' promises to become the iconic Valentine's Day fruit.

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COMMUNITY

Riverside Dog Bakery Raises Funds for Rescue Animals with Valentine's Cake Sale

Three Dog Bakery will donate $10 from each heart-shaped cake purchase to Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center through Feb. 14.

Three Dog Bakery's Valentine's Day cake sales donate $10 each to Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center through Feb. 14.

Why it matters: Your $39.99 Valentine's cake for your dog directly supports local rescue animals like Camo, a 1-year-old pup who's been waiting for a home since December.

What's happening: The bakery bakes heart-shaped cakes with dog-safe ingredients and pink frosting fresh daily.

• Every cake sold means $10 goes straight to the adoption center's care and rehabilitation programs.

The big picture: Last year's fundraiser raised awareness for local rescues — this year's goal is bigger impact.

What's next: Pre-order your cake at 195 E. Alessandro Blvd., Suite 8F — daily baking capacity is limited. Order in person, online, or through Instagram/Facebook.

Read and share the full story...

Noteworthy

Lane and ramp closures on State Route 91 from Tyler Street to Madison Street will cause delays through Thursday morning as part of Caltrans' $31 million pavement project running through summer 2027.

A new pop-up exhibit at the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California celebrates Perris Valley legend Clarence Muse—one of the highest-paid Black actors of his era who fought racist stereotypes and founded the city's Arts Festival—with Dr. Norman Towels showcasing his collection February 19 at noon.

Riverside's Public Works Department is hosting a free bulky item drop-off event February 21 from 8 a.m. to noon at the City Corporation Yard for residents to responsibly dispose of large household items.

What's Happening in Riverside

Today

• Galentine's Women's Health Event at Janet Goeske Center
• History on the Rocks - Round Two! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($60)
• Mardi Gras Masks at Marcy Library
• Reading Assistance Program at My Learning Studio
• Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
• Riverside Mission Belles at Victoria Presbyterian Church
• Riverside Open Mic Music Series at Back to the Grind

Tomorrow

• Cal Baptist Lancers Women's Basketball vs. Southern Utah Thunderbirds at Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center ($70.74)
• UC Riverside Highlanders vs. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos at UC Riverside Student Recreation Center ($70.74)
• UCR Chamber Singers: Valentine's Day Concert at Culver Center of the Arts
• LEYENDAS DEL CORAZON at Fox Performing Arts Center
• Valentine's Paint and Sip Night at Tacos al Fuego
• Valloween Celebration at the Marcy Library at Marcy Library
• History on the Rocks! at Mission Inn Foundation ($60)

Save the Date

• Feb 14: Valentine's Day at Heritage House at Heritage House
• Feb 19: Empowered Leadership: Cultivating Influence and Impact at Work Well ($165) 
• Feb 21: Woodcrest Market Collective at Woodcrest Public Library
• Feb 23: Sip with a Scientist at Bar Ni Modo
• Mar 9: REEF's Best Event Ever! Take 9! at Fox Performing Arts Center ($10 - $75)

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