Thursday Gazette: February 12, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! This Saturday, February 14, the 46th annual Black History Parade & Expo takes over Downtown, one of Southern California's longest-running celebrations of its kind. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. at Terracina Drive and Magnolia Avenue, featuring drill teams, dance crews, classic cars and live performances before ending at the Historic Riverside Courthouse. The Expo runs until 5 p.m. at the Main Street Pedestrian Mall with food, vendors, and community exhibits. Get full details and add it to your calendar.
See you tomorrow!
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GOVERNMENT
City Council Faces Lawsuits as Deadline Passes for $20.1 Million Housing Project
Legal threats mount as ACLU, property seller warn of lawsuits over Jan. 13 vote that rejected conversion of Quality Inn into 114 affordable units.
Riverside faces two potential lawsuits after council rejected $20.1 million to house 114 homeless residents, with the Feb. 10 reconsideration deadline now passed.
Why it matters: The rejection could violate state housing laws and leave the city liable for discrimination claims — while the Quality Inn property may now become weekly rentals with increased police calls, as the seller's representative warned.
Driving the news: Council voted 4-3 on Jan. 13 against converting the University Avenue Quality Inn into permanent supportive housing.
- ACLU and property seller threaten lawsuits over fair housing violations and interference with the sale.
- State housing officials will investigate for potential Housing Element Law violations.
What they're saying: Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes plans to bring the matter back to closed session.
- "These groups and HCD are giving us an opportunity to correct our course and we should take it," she said.
Yes, but: Councilmember Philip Falcone says businesses and residents in his ward weren't properly notified, and the tenant population shifted from seniors to mixed groups without warning.
By the numbers:
- $20.1 million grant would return to the state
- 114 units — the city's largest permanent supportive housing project
- 15% of Riverside's unhoused population could have been housed
What's next: Cervantes will ask the city attorney and mayor to schedule a closed session on potential legal exposure.
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HIGHER EDUCATION
UCR Welcomes Chancellor Dr. Shixin Jack Hu in Ceremonial Inauguration
The February 5 celebration at University Theatre featured bagpipes, speeches from university leaders, and a community fair highlighting Hu's vision for social mobility and research excellence.
Dr. Shixin Jack Hu was formally installed as UCR's 10th chancellor Thursday, bringing decades of research leadership and a bold vision for the university's future.
Why it matters: Hu's five-point plan commits to expanding UCR Health, deepening partnerships across Inland Southern California, and maintaining UCR's national ranking as the #1 university for social mobility.
Driving the news: UC President James Milliken installed Hu during a 90-minute ceremony at University Theatre attended by students, faculty, staff and community members.
- Hu arrived at UCR last July after serving as provost at the University of Georgia and vice president for research at University of Michigan.
What's new: Hu's vision statement positions UCR as "the nation's model for an inclusive, innovation-driven public research university where excellence and social mobility advance together."
His five commitments:
- Deepen student success and social mobility
- Accelerate mission-driven research and innovation
- Expand UCR Health
- Power Inland Southern California's economic and cultural future through partnerships
- Support students, faculty, staff and community
The big picture: UCR has ranked #1 nationally for social mobility five times since U.S. News created the category seven years ago.
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COMMUNITY
Finding Purpose in an Age of Anxiety
Blue Zones Project Riverside workshop helps residents navigate the question that defines a meaningful life: Why do you get out of bed every morning?
As the country becomes ever increasingly fragmented, many find themselves lost in the whirlwind of daily headlines. The continuous cycle of pursuing what is happening right now often abandons questions of meaning and purpose on the curbside.
As of late, this issue has increasingly pervaded our society. In fact, a research study by Larissa Rainey in 2014 found that 90 percent of people in the United States experience "purpose anxiety" - the stressful fear and insecurity that arises from being unable to define one's own purpose in life.
That sense of uncertainty was at the center of a Blue Zones Project Riverside "Purpose Workshop" held in late January 2026, where residents of different ages gathered together to reflect on what gives their lives meaning. Led by Executive Director and former City Councilmember Erin Edwards, the workshop combined guided discussions with thought-provoking exercises designed to help participants clarify their trajectory in life.
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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.
What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- 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)
Tomorrow
- California State University, Bakersfield Softball vs LMU at UCR
- Club 90's Presents: Heated RivalRave (18+) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
- DVAP's 2ND ANNUAL COMEDY DINNER SHOW at Elks Lodge #643, Riverside ($40 - $50)
- PlayStation: The Concert at Fox Performing Arts Center
- Speed Dating for Gamers With Comedy Cupids and Live Stand-Up at The Experience Riverside
- Authors' & Artists' Masquerade Ball Fundraiser at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa ($81.88)
- Valentine's Day Dance Party at Janet Goeske Center (free- $10)
Save the Date
- February 14: Valentine's Day at Heritage House at Heritage House
- February 19: Empowered Leadership: Cultivating Influence and Impact at Work Well ($165)
- 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)
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