Cirro-cumulus sunrise to the northwest, as seen from Canyon Crest. (Bob Sirotnik) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Tuesday Gazette: February 3, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Tuesday!
A serious thank you to each of the 94 readers who have participated in our annual reader survey. This survey is important for two reasons:
We want to know what you like about The Raincross Gazette and what we can do better. Feedback fuels our work. Your input will help our team plan how to best serve you in the coming year.
Your anonymous demographic information helps potential advertisers know the kind of people who subscribe to The Gazette, which in turn helps us keep this free for everyone.
This survey takes 5-8 minutes. Each subscriber who completes the survey will be entered to win prizes from My Learning Studio, Riverside Art Museum, Bar Ni Modo, Mission Inn Museum Foundation, and Old Riverside Foundation (oops! Monday's newsletter stated the Vintage Home Tour is Saturday, May 17 — it's actually Saturday, May 16).
Fairmount Park Master Plan Seeks Balance Between Preservation and Progress
City proposes major reconstruction of 127-year-old park's historic core, including rebuilt bandshell and golf course changes.
The Fairmount Park Bandshell, proposed for complete reconstruction under the city's new master plan. (Bob Sirotnik)
Riverside's largest park will rebuild its bandshell, reconfigure the golf course, and close two streets to cut-through traffic under a new master plan.
Why it matters: The 280-acre park—Riverside's second-oldest, opened in 1898—will see its first comprehensive redesign in decades, affecting how residents use the city's historic core green space.
What's new: Parks Director Pamela Galera presented the draft master plan Tuesday, developed after community workshops with 100+ attendees and tribal consultations.
The plan aims to preserve history while increasing park use and revenue for reinvestment.
The centerpiece: Complete reconstruction of the Fairmount Park Bandshell near its current location.
The 1920 Arthur Benton-designed original burned in 1982; the 1993 replacement lacks adequate power, lighting, stage size, and accessibility.
New design maintains historic proportions but adds modern backstage facilities, loading dock, and AV systems.
Yes, but: Task force member Linda Stewart opposes bandshell changes, calling the recommendation problematic and urging rejection.
Riverside Historical Society supports the rebuild, saying it maintains historic character while serving modern performers.
Also planned:
Golf course improvements including eastward expansion and driving range relocation
Closing Locust Street and Fairmount Park Boulevard to reduce cut-through traffic
Lake shoreline enhancements with terraced accessibility
Converting the 1959 Armory into a restaurant/brewery with pickleball courts
Between the lines: Indigenous descendants want recognition that the park sits on Spring Rancheria, a Cahuilla village predating European settlement.
Rosie Aranda asked the city to acknowledge the site as Big Spring Rancheria in any National Register nomination.
What's next: The plan recommends National Register designation, recognizing Olmsted Brothers landscape design and archaeological significance.
A curated list of upcoming events and happenings The Gazette team is most excited about.
Drill team performers showcase their precision and energy during Riverside's Black History Month Parade, one of California's longest-running celebrations of Black history and culture. The 46th annual parade returns Feb. 14 to Downtown. (Courtesy of the City of Riverside)
February brings the return of two of Riverside's most treasured traditions, reminding us why community celebrations matter most when shared with neighbors both familiar and new. This month offers countless ways to connect with the stories that make our city unique, from honoring Black history and educational excellence to celebrating the art of storytelling in all its forms. These are just a handful of the events that capture Riverside's heart – be sure to check out our community calendar for even more ways to engage with our vibrant community.
Riverside City College's marching band won first place in the Division 2/Division 3 category of Metallica's For Whom The Band Tolls collegiate competition, earning $40,000 in instruments and equipment for their program.
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