The Downtown dog-friendly café is celebrating its first anniversary with events through the end of February, including a movie night, a matcha class and a two-day anniversary weekend.
"Oh Beautiful for Citrus Skies" — The American and California state flags fly above a sea of red lantana blooms at California State Citrus Historic Park. (Emma Miller) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Thursday Gazette: February 19, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Two meaningful seasons are beginning in our community right now. For many Christian neighbors, yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. And for our Muslim neighbors, Ramadan begins today or tomorrow — a month of fasting, prayer, and togetherness. To everyone observing, we hope this season brings you peace and reflection. However you mark this time of year, we're glad to share this city with you.
Council Committee Cracks Down on Nitrous Oxide, Kratom Sales
The committee's vote sends both bans to the full City Council, putting Riverside ahead of state lawmakers who failed to pass kratom regulations last year.
City Hall file photo. (Titus Pardee)
The Safety, Wellness and Youth Committee voted unanimously to ban both substances after police found them sold openly alongside regular products, with health officials linking synthetic kratom to fatal overdoses and nitrous oxide abuse to nerve damage and DUI incidents.
Why it matters: If you've purchased kratom-based energy drinks or nitrous oxide products at local smoke shops or gas stations, those sales end once the full City Council approves the bans — likely soon.
Police noted kratom energy drinks were shelved next to regular energy drinks — easy to grab by mistake.
What's banned:
Kratom products of any kind
Nitrous oxide, except for medical, dental, food prep, and vehicle performance uses
By the numbers: Violations carry fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or revocation of a business's tobacco retail permit.
Yes, but: Several callers urged regulation over a full ban, arguing natural kratom leaf — which contains only small traces of the psychoactive compound — helps manage chronic pain. The committee chose the complete ban anyway.
What's next: Both ordinances go to the full City Council for a final vote. No date has been set.
Stray Dogs Coffee Marks One Year With a Month of Celebrations
The Downtown dog-friendly café is celebrating its first anniversary with events through the end of February, including a movie night, a matcha class and a two-day anniversary weekend.
Stray Dogs Coffee draws a crowd on an overcast morning Downtown. (Isaac López)
Stray Dogs Coffee, Riverside's Korean-inspired Downtown café, celebrates its first anniversary with a weekend party Feb. 20–21.
Why it matters: If you're a Downtown regular — or just looking for a community event — the free anniversary celebration this weekend includes pizza, ice cream, coffee and a local vendor market.
Driving the news: Husband-and-wife owners Jess and Tyler opened the Market Street shop in February 2025, leaving marketing careers to launch what they call "our love letter to" Riverside.
The café donates 10% of profits to Foster Army, a Riverside-area animal fostering organization.
What's happening this weekend:
Friday, Feb. 20 — Anniversary party with pizza, ice cream and coffee
Saturday, Feb. 21 — Anniversary Market Day with local vendors
Riverside Philharmonic Hosts Intimate Jazz and Conversation Event Feb. 28
The salon-style gathering at Loft .84 will feature live music and a candid discussion about the orchestra's future direction.
Riverside Philharmonic Music Director Tomasz Golka conducts during a performance. Golka will appear at the intimate "Jazz Meets Orchestra" event at Loft .84 in downtown Riverside on Feb. 28. (Courtesy of Riverside Philharmonic)
The Riverside Philharmonic hosts an intimate jazz evening Saturday where you can meet its leadership and hear where the organization is headed.
Why it matters: Space is limited — if you want a rare, up-close conversation with Philharmonic leadership over live music, you'll need to act fast.
What's happening: Music Director Tomasz Golka and the Ryan Whyman Jazz Trio perform while Executive Director Jamie Azpeitia-Sachs leads a discussion on upcoming performances and the Philharmonic's future.
What's next: Saturday, Feb. 28, 4 p.m. at Loft .84 in downtown Riverside. Tickets at RiversidePhilharmonic.org or call (951) 787-0251.
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