Friday Gazette: February 6, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! We're closing out this week with a huge thank you to all the subscribers who have participated in our annual Reader Survey—we're making great progress toward our goal! The survey (and giveaway!) closes Sunday at midnight, and your participation is massively helpful to our team.
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.
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COMMUNITY
UCR's Famous Tango Mandarin Now Open to Home Growers—With Caveats
Those seedless Cuties you pack in your kid's lunchbox? UCR scientists helped create them. Now anyone can plant the trees—if they can find them.
UCR's famous Tango mandarin can finally be planted without royalties after its 20-year patent expired, but backyard gardeners face a months-long wait.
Why it matters: Riverside residents who want to grow the sweet, seedless mandarins that became Cuties and Halos won't see affordable trees for 6-12 months—and must leave the county's quarantine zone to buy them.
What's new: The U.S. plant patent expired recently, freeing domestic growers to propagate Tango without paying royalties to UCR.
- The variety generated more than $70 million for UCR since its 2006 release.
The catch: Trees in nurseries now were propagated under the old royalty system, so prices won't drop immediately.
- Riverside sits in a citrus greening quarantine zone where trees can't be moved out—gardeners must shop elsewhere.
The backstory: Professor emeritus Mikeal Roose and breeder Timothy Williams created Tango in the 1990s by exposing mandarin buds to gamma irradiation.
- They planted 200 trees—only one became Tango, chosen because it had fewer seeds than competitors.
Yes, but: International plant variety protection continues, so UCR still earns royalties from growers in 20+ countries where Tango is grown.
What they're saying: "Tango is an easy tree for a homeowner to grow," Roose said, noting it's vigorous and holds fruit well for extended harvests.
What's next: Wholesale nurseries can now propagate Tango—trees from new stock should reach retail nurseries by late 2026.
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COMMUNITY
Riverside's Most Picture-Perfect Spots: A Starting Guide
Whether you're hunting for vintage vibes or natural beauty, these eight spots deliver Instagram gold.
From vintage coffee houses to citrus groves, these local businesses and parks offer Instagram-worthy backdrops across the city.
Why it matters: Whether you're a photographer, social media creator, or just looking for a great backdrop, these spots showcase Riverside's diverse aesthetic — from 1900s architecture to lush gardens.
Top newcomers:
- Coffeecito House (3882 12th St.) — Latin cafe in a 1900s house blends vintage exterior with modern interior
- Penrose Record Room (3485 University Ave.) — Downtown vinyl shop hosts live performances in historic Life Arts Building
- The Farm House Collective (1393 University Ave.) — Converted 1953 motel features retro architecture and on-site photo booth
The big picture: Riverside's growth as an Inland Empire destination has brought small businesses that double as scenic spots.
- Renaissance Book Store's floor-to-ceiling books create nostalgic settings, while UCR's 40-acre Botanic Gardens capture Mediterranean sunlight.
Classic destinations: Mount Rubidoux offers city views from hiking trails, while the Mission Inn's Spanish architecture remains the go-to for weddings and quinceañeras.
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Adoptable Pet of the Week
Meet Zarina!
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.
This Weekend in Riverside
Friday, February 6
- Certified Farmers Market at Farm House Collective
- Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
- Out in the I.E. at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
- Book Lovers Speed Dating: Valentine's Edition at Cellar Door Bookstore
- THE EMO NIGHT TOUR (18+) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
Saturday, February 7
- Woodcrest Market Collective at Woodcrest Public Library
- Stand with Immigrant Families at All Saints Episcopal Church
- How Can We Understand Each Other Better at Kay Ceniceros Center with Braver Angels
- Mother Daughter Heart-to-Heart Brunch at Riverside Community Hospital - Health Education Center
- To Graft or Root? by California Rare Fruit Growers at Land Use Learning Center
- Mt. Rubidoux Walking Tour at Mt. Rubidoux Trailhead, a short walk from Ryan Bonaminio Park. ($21.20)
- Goeske Bingo at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
- Bunco at Arlington Library, Community Room ($5)
- Monopoly Competition - Riverside Edition! at Devereaux House ($40)
- CBU versus Abilene Chrisitan: Faith & Family Night at Fowler Events Center ($8- $30)
- Women's Basketball vs CSUN at SRC Arena
- Crossing Temporalities: A Conversation with Beatriz Cortez at Culver Center of the Arts
- GVLLOW W/ SPUNK at GRAY AREA
- Riverside Elks 125th Anniversary at Riverside Elks Lodge #643
- Trap Karaoke at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
Sunday, February 8
- Prayers and Public Information Meeting at Riverside Baha'i Center
- Helluva / Hazbin Variety Show at The Raincross District
- R&B With Love Super Bowl Watch Party at Mezcal Ultra Lounge
Save the Date
- February 11: Galentine's Women's Health Event at Janet Goeske Center
- 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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🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.
