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.
See you tomorrow!
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GOVERNMENT
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.
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.
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COMMUNITY
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, 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
Two more events remain:
- Community movie night Thursday, Feb. 19
- Matcha class Saturday, Feb. 28
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EVENTS
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.
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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Noteworthy
RCC's Shrek The Musical drew packed houses across six performances at the Landis Performing Arts Center, with critics praising the student and alumni cast as "a polished, enormously clever family musical."
A UCR economist co-authored research showing that pairing teacher bonuses with coaching and feedback cuts student felony arrests by 30% and returns $14 in community benefits for every dollar spent.
What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Economic Development Committee at Riverside City Hall
- Empowered Leadership: Cultivating Influence and Impact at Work Well ($165)
- Men's Basketball vs Cal State Bakersfield at SRC Arena
- History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($60)
- Vitamin String Quartet: The Music Of Billie Eilish, Bridgerton & Beyond at Fox Performing Arts Center
Tomorrow
- Certified Farmers Market at Farm House Collective
- Courthouse, Murals, & Heroes Tour at Mission Inn Foundation & Museum ($23.18)
- Beer Tasting Speed Dating by Comedy Cupids at Carbon Nation Brewing ($17.85)
- The Bomboras, Deadbolt & The Killing Floors at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
- Gary Romano's B-day Bash w/ Tom Petty Tribute at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove
- Pardi Gras Pub Crawl 2026 at Loft 84 Wedding & Event Venue ($35)
Save the Date
- February 21: 2026 Riverside Dickens Festival at White Park ($5- $20)
- February 21: Battle of the Bands at Packinghouse Brewing Co
- 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)
- March 14: Riverside Sunrise Rotary 22nd Annual Black Tie Bingo at Riverside Convention Center ($130- $250)
- March 19: Empowered Leadership: Cultivating Influence and Impact at Work Well ($165)
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