> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 🗞️ Riverside News- February 18, 2026 - URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-news-february-11-2026-2/ - Published: 2026-02-18T13:00:52.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-09T02:15:28.000Z - Description: Black History Month Parade photo essay, Mayor's Ball coming soon... - Author: Gazette Staff - Tags: Newsletter ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/02/IMG_1129.jpeg) A full rainbow arches over the Victoria Woods/Glenhaven neighborhood following Monday's rainstorm. (Alison Presser) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? [Share it with us](https://goldstandardca.notion.site/13eef165d2ee80fa91c3de069cc9ec29?ref=raincrossgazette.com) and help celebrate the beauty of our community! **Wednesday Gazette: February 18, 2026** **Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday!** Three-day weekends are a gift, but they have a way of leaving the whole week feeling a little scrambled. If you're not quite sure what day it is or what's on your plate, you're in good company. A couple of things that help: take a few minutes to look at your week ahead so nothing sneaks up on you, and be patient with yourself as you find your footing. You've got this. In the meantime, we've got you covered with everything happening around Riverside. [Check out our community calendar](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/) and if you have a story you'd like to share, send it our way at [newsroom@raincrossgazette.com](mailto:newsroom@raincrossgazette.com). See you tomorrow! --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169513/image/0?seed=20260218)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169513/click/0?seed=20260218&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [COMMUNITY](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/community/) ## Photo Essay: Riverside Celebrates 46th Annual Black History Month with Parade and Expo The annual parade, founded by two high school students in 1980, brought together community leaders, performers, and families for a day of celebration on February 14\. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/02/4-3.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/photo-essay-riverside-celebrates-46th-annual-black-history-month-with-parade-and-expo) Among the notable figures honored at this year's event was Rose Mayes, an active community leader known for her fight for civil rights. Her strength and commitment to advancing civil rights in Riverside were gratefully acknowledged. (Marissa Perez) A strong sense of unity and culture filled the streets at the 46th Annual Riverside Black History Parade and Expo on February 14\. From Polytechnic High School band students marching with their instruments alongside their Color Guard and cheerleading team, to the Charlie Sampson Rodeo's cowboys and cowgirls riding down Main Street and showcasing tricks to the delight of the audience — the energy was unmistakable. Families, children, and even pets brought the event together as the public enjoyed the parade while sampling Louisiana-style food and banana pudding. Our photo essay takes you through this celebratory community moment, now 46 years in the making. [Read and share the full photo essay...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/photo-essay-riverside-celebrates-46th-annual-black-history-month-with-parade-and-expo) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169515/image/0?seed=20260218)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169515/click/0?seed=20260218&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [EVENTS](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/events/) ## Mayor's Ball Returns to Newly State-Designated Downtown Arts District This year's Rock of the Ages celebration comes just months after downtown Riverside earned state recognition as a California Cultural District. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/02/DSC08690-Enhanced-NR-1.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/mayors-ball-returns-to-newly-state-designated-downtown-arts-district) Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson poses beneath an archway of playing cards and oversized clocks at the 2025 Mayor's Ball for the Arts, which featured an Alice in Wonderland theme. (Courtesy of the Riverside Arts Council) Riverside's arts community celebrates downtown's new California Cultural District designation at the annual Mayor's Ball on March 21. **Why it matters:** If you care about Riverside's arts scene, this is the year's biggest celebration — and your votes determine the winners. Early Bird tickets expire Friday. **Driving the news:** The California Arts Council named Riverside's Arts and Culture District one of only 10 new state Cultural Districts in December, chosen from 80+ applicants statewide. - The designation runs through 2030 and brings state funding, marketing resources, and technical assistance to the downtown corridor. **What's happening:** The "Rock of the Ages"-themed event takes place at The Box at the Fox Entertainment Plaza, 3635 Market St. Mayor Lock Dawson will announce winners live. - Award categories include Public Artwork, Music, Dance, Literary Arts, Theatre, and Arts Facilities — all determined by public vote. **What's next:** Voting closes March 9\. Early Bird tickets are $80 through Feb. 21, then jump to $100\. Must be 18+. [Read and share the full story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/mayors-ball-returns-to-newly-state-designated-downtown-arts-district) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [ ![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169514/image/0?seed=20260218) ](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169514/click/0?seed=20260218&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- 📣 ****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](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/contact/). --- ## What's Happening in Riverside ### Today - [Riverside East Rotary Club](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-east-rotary-club/13565436/2026-02-18T07) at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern - [Stretch & Dance Class](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/stretch-dance-class/17541755/2026-02-18T09) at Janet Goeske Senior Center - [Promise Program - Information Session](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/promise-program-information-session/17976565/2026-02-18T17) at Riverside City College - [Reading Assistance Program](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/reading-assistance-program/17973404/2026-02-18T15) at My Learning Studio - [Ash Wednesday Service](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/ash-wednesday-service/17981840/2026-02-18T12) at First Congregational Church of Riverside - [Back to Campus Resource Fair](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/back-to-campus-resource-fair/18078081/2026-02-18T10) at Riverside City College - [Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/safety-wellness-and-youth-committee/17874049/2026-02-18T13) at Riverside City Hall - [Cal Baptist Lancers Women's Basketball vs. Utah Valley Wolverines](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/cal-baptist-lancers-womens-basketball-vs-utah-valley-wolverines/16745925/2026-02-18T18) at Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center - [History on the Rocks - Round Two! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/history-on-the-rocks-round-two-presented-by-the-mission-inn-foundation/17900986/2026-02-18T17) at Mission Inn Foundation ($60) - [Riverside Mission Belles](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-mission-belles/16691431/2026-02-18T09) at Victoria Presbyterian Church - [Riverside Open Mic Music Series](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-open-mic-music-series/15529475/2026-02-18T17) at Back to the Grind ### Tomorrow - [Economic Development Committee](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/economic-development-committee/17874050/2026-02-19T15) at Riverside City Hall - [**Empowered Leadership: Cultivating Influence and Impact**](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/empowered-leadership-cultivating-influence-and-impact/17934420/2026-02-19T08) at Work Well ($165) - [Men's Basketball vs Cal State Bakersfield](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/mens-basketball-vs-cal-state-bakersfield/17756853/2026-02-19T19) at SRC Arena - [History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/history-on-the-rocks-presented-by-the-mission-inn-foundation/17900969/2026-02-19T17) at Mission Inn Foundation ($60) - [Vitamin String Quartet:The Music Of Billie Eilish, Bridgerton & Beyond](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/vitamin-string-quartetthe-music-of-billie-eilish-bridgerton-beyond/16869971/2026-02-19T19) at Fox Performing Arts Center ## Save the Date - February 21: [2026 Riverside Dickens Festival](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/2026-riverside-dickens-festival/18134367/2026-02-21T10) at White Park ($5- $20) - February 21: [Battle of the Bands Packinghouse Feb 21st 2026](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/battle-of-the-bands-packinghouse-feb-21st-2026/18142743/2026-02-21T16) at Packinghouse Brewing Co - February 21: [Woodcrest Market Collective](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/woodcrest-market-collective/17560258/2026-02-21T13) at Woodcrest Public Library - February 23: [Sip with a Scientist](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/sip-with-a-scientist/17942951/2026-02-23T17) at Bar Ni Modo - March 9: [REEF's Best Event Ever! Take 9!](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/reefs-best-event-ever-take-9/17943705/2026-03-09T18) at Fox Performing Arts Center ($10- $75) - March 14: [Riverside Sunrise Rotary 22nd Annual Black Tie Bingo](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-sunrise-rotary-22nd-annual-black-tie-bingo/18141462/2026-03-14T18) at Riverside Convention Center ($130- $250) - March 19: [Empowered Leadership: Cultivating Influence and Impact](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/empowered-leadership-cultivating-influence-and-impact/17934420/2026-03-19T08) at Work Well ($165) 🗓️ [See More Events](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/)📝 [Submit Your Event](https://hub.cityspark.com/Event/Submission/Raincross?ref=raincrossgazette.com) 📸 [Submit a photo](http://raincrossgazette.com/submitphoto?ref=raincrossgazette.com) to be featured in our newsletters and social media accounts. 🏆 [Nominate a remarkable Riversider](https://rgnotw.paperform.co/?ref=raincrossgazette.com) as Neighbor of the Week.