Professional artists Gloria Ing and Graciela Rodriguez will join about 200 middle and high schoolers on Main Street on March 3 to turn the pedestrian mall into a living, collaborative dream.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 launch leaves a twisting exhaust plume above Hawarden Hills on Feb. 14. (Rosalyn Anderson) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Friday Gazette: February 27, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! Today is "The Big Breakfast Day" — and Riverside has no shortage of great spots to celebrate, from a classic farmers breakfast piled high to a delicious shakshuka. Where's your go-to? Tell us at newsroom@raincrossgazette.com.
And what better way to cap a Friday than with the Riverside Art Museum's Fourth Fridays tonight (Feb. 27, 7–10 p.m.)? This month celebrates Black History Month with live DJ sets, a performance by The Bohemian Busker, pizza from Canvas Pizza, and a full bar. Tickets are $20, free for members.
Chalk Artists Want RUSD Students to Feel 'Brave About Trying' at Downtown Chalk Day
Professional artists Gloria Ing and Graciela Rodriguez will join about 200 middle and high schoolers on Main Street on March 3 to turn the pedestrian mall into a living, collaborative dream.
Students fan out across the Main Street pedestrian mall during RUSD Chalk Day 2025 in downtown Riverside. This year's event takes place March 3. (Photo courtesy of RUSD)
About 200 RUSD middle and high school students transform the Main Street pedestrian mall into an open-air chalk art gallery Tuesday, March 3.
Why it matters: If you're Downtown between noon and 2 p.m., you'll catch the finished pieces at their best — and watch students create large-scale public art alongside professional artists.
Driving the news: RUSD's annual Chalk Day, presented with the City of Riverside and UCR ARTS, runs 9 a.m.–2 p.m. along Main Street between 10th Street and University Avenue.
This year's theme is "Dreams" — interpreted through both whimsical imagery and personal aspiration.
What they're saying: Professional artist Graciela Rodriguez is drawing Riverside's iconic Raincross symbol.
"It's just always felt dreamy to me," she said.
The big picture: Chalk Day is part of RUSD's expansive arts calendar — the district hosted 560 events across 92 arts programs during the 2024–25 school year.
A month-long Elementary Chalk Festival follows April 1–30, with younger students creating work at school sites and sharing it through a districtwide virtual showcase.
What's next: Head to Main Street near City Hall Tuesday. Best viewing window for completed pieces and photos is noon–2 p.m.
Planning Commission Delays Downtown Experiment Bar Permit Hearing
Owner requests more time to prepare; city cites two shootings, years of code violations.
Downtown Experiment, at 3601 Orange St. in Downtown Riverside, faces a permit revocation hearing before the Planning Commission on March 12.
Riverside's Planning Commission postponed the Downtown Experiment bar permit revocation hearing, giving owner Marco McGuire more time to prepare his defense.
Why it matters: If you live or work downtown, the fate of a bar linked to two shootings and years of code violations will be decided March 12 — and you can weigh in.
Driving the news: The commission voted 5-1 Thursday to continue the hearing to March 12, rejecting McGuire's request for a longer delay to April 23.
City staff cited ongoing public safety concerns — including two on-site shootings — as reason to move quickly.
Catch up quick: The city mailed revocation notice Feb. 6; McGuire's attorney says it wasn't received until Feb. 9, and the staff report wasn't available until Feb. 13.
Police records McGuire requested won't arrive until March 13 — one day after the rescheduled hearing.
What they're saying: McGuire told commissioners he had "no clue" the revocation was coming and asked for a fair shot after 20 years downtown.
What's next: The revocation hearing is set for March 12 at the Planning Commission meeting. Contact the city's planning division for details on how to attend or submit public comment.
Could You Recognize a Blood Clot? A Heart Rhythm Problem? Riverside Cardiologists Break It Down
American Heart Month is ending — but Riverside Medical Clinic's cardiology team wants these warning signs to stick with you.
Echocardiogram procedure – technician performing cardiac ultrasound on patient. (Courtesy of Riverside Medical Clinic)
February is American Heart Month, and for the cardiology team at Riverside Medical Clinic, it's a reminder of how many Inland Empire residents are living with heart conditions they don't fully understand, and how many warning signs go unrecognized until it's too late.
Riverside Medical Clinic's cardiology department offers a range of specialized care — from treating abnormal heart rhythms to managing blood clots to helping patients recover after a cardiac event.
Meet this week’s featured furry friend from the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center. Dedicated to eliminating pet homelessness, the center provides compassionate care and facilitates adoptions for animals in need of loving homes. Find your new companion and help support their mission of humane care and responsible pet ownership.
Thor is a striking two-year-old with golden eyes, soft grey fur, and the cutest white markings. He’s curious, vocal, and loves being part of the action, especially if treats or head rubs are involved. Thor can be affectionate and purring one minute, then ready to grab for more attention the next. He’s looking for where he can be the only feline. With the right match, this bold and playful boy will keep life interesting, and full of personality. Come meet Thor and all the adoptable pets at the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center in person. Stop by any day except Tuesdays, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., or learn more at petsadoption.org.
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