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).
Thank you for your time.
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COMMUNITY
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.
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.
Read and share the complete story... (4 min. read)
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RAINCROSS RUNDOWN
The Best of Riverside in February 2026
A curated list of upcoming events and happenings The Gazette team is most excited about.
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.
Read and share the complete February Rundown..
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Noteworthy
Cheech Marin and Luis C. Garza highlighted Chicano art on KTLA 5's Weekend Morning News, discussing The Chicano Camera Culture: A Photographic History exhibition opening February 7 at The Cheech Center in Riverside.
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.
The Mission Inn Foundation is hosting a Raincross Art Contest with artwork submissions accepted February 1-22 at their Main Street store, followed by public voting on displayed pieces from February 25 through March 29.
This Week in Riverside
Today
- Promise Program - Information Session at Riverside City College
- ScotSurplus Public Sale at ScotSurplus, UCR Corporation Yard
- TINA - The Tina Turner Musical at Fox Performing Arts Center
- Inland Empire Chorus Rehearsal at Temple Beth El Synagogue
Tomorrow
- Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
- Stretch & Dance Class at Janet Goeske Senior Center
- Reading Assistance Program at My Learning Studio
- Beating Graffitti with Detective Sergio Mercado at Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce
- History on the Rocks - Round Two! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($60)
- Riverside Mission Belles at Victoria Presbyterian Church
- Riverside Open Mic Music Series at Back to the Grind
Save the Date
- February 7: Bunco at Arlington Library, Community Room ($5)
- February 7: Woodcrest Market Collective at Woodcrest Public Library
- February 11: Galentine's Women's Health Event at Janet Goeske Center
- February14: Valentine's Day at Heritage House at Heritage House
- February 19: Empowered Leadership: Cultivating Influence and Impact at Work Well ($165)
- 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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