> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # ๐Ÿ—ž๏ธ Riverside News- January 2, 2026 - URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-news-january-2-2026/ - Published: 2026-01-02T13:00:38.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-09T02:16:17.000Z - Description: Downtown living... - Author: Gazette Staff - Tags: Newsletter ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/01/IMG_0475.jpeg) The Peace Tower on Mount Rubidoux at sunrise. [The Friends of Mt. Rubidoux are accepting entries for a photo and art contest](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/friends-of-mt-rubidoux-launch-photo-and-art-contest-for-peace-towers-100th-anniversary/) celebrating the Peace Tower's 100th anniversary. Deadline to enter is Jan. 6\. (Lauretta Cortez) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? [Share it with us](https://goldstandardca.notion.site/13eef165d2ee80fa91c3de069cc9ec29?ref=raincrossgazette.com) and help celebrate the beauty of our community! **Friday Gazette: January 2, 2026** **Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday!** It's the first Friday of 2026, and for many of us, the return to a real routine begins again on Monday. But first: the weekend. Whether you're easing back in or making the most of these last free days, we hope it's a good one. If you're looking to get out of the house, [check out our community calendar](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/) for local events and happenings. And if you know of something we should include, send it our way at [newsroom@raincrossgazette.com](mailto:newsroom@raincrossgazette.com). However you spend it, here's to a great weekend, Riverside! --- #### [COMMUNITY](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/community/) ## Downtown Has Quirks. The Perks Win. After nearly a decade Downtown, I've learned the gap between Downtown's reputation and its reality. Here's what living here has taught me. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/01/RG-Feat-Image-Template-4-1.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/downtown-has-quirks-the-perks-win) Downtown as seen from Mount Rubidoux. (Amy Lรณpez) "Uh, how about somewhere else?" For years, that's been the response when I suggest meeting for coffee Downtown. People are afraid to come here. I understand why - Downtown Riverside carries a reputation. But after nearly a decade of living here, I've discovered something: the gap between Downtown's reputation and its reality is vast. Yes, there are quirks. Real ones I won't sugarcoat. But there are also perks that have made this the most at-home I've ever felt. From early morning walks to holiday traditions with neighbors, from tandem bike rides to dinner to spontaneous moments that only happen in walkable neighborhoods, I've found something here that surprises people when I tell them about it. Downtown isn't what you think it is. [Read Amy's story: Why the perks win...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/downtown-has-quirks-the-perks-win) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169513/image/0?seed=20260102)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169513/click/0?seed=20260102&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- ๐Ÿ“ฃ ****See something? Say something.** Your tips and ideas are what fuel The Raincross Gazette. If you know of something newsworthy happening in our city, please [share it with us](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/contact/). --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169515/image/0?seed=20260102)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169515/click/0?seed=20260102&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- ## This Weekend in Riverside ### Saturday, January 3 - [**Woodcrest Market Collective**](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/woodcrest-market-collective/17560258/2026-01-03T13)at Woodcrest Public Library - [Hand Tool Maintenance and Repair](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/hand-tool-maintenance-and-repair/17430441/2026-01-03T09) at Land Use Learning Center - [**Mt. Rubidoux Walking Tour**](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/mt-rubidoux-walking-tour/17492780/2026-01-03T12)at Mt. Rubidoux Trailhead, a short walk from Ryan Bonaminio Park. ($21.20) - [**Animal Kids Camp - Special Sessions: Vet for a Day**](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/animal-kids-camp-special-sessions-vet-for-a-day/17455677/2026-01-03T08)at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center ($50) - [Cal Baptist Lancers Women's Basketball vs. Tarleton State Texans](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/cal-baptist-lancers-womens-basketball-vs-tarleton-state-texans/16745882/2026-01-03T13) at Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center ($70.74) - [Who's Bad - The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/whos-bad-the-ultimate-michael-jackson-experience/17499168/2026-01-03T19) at Fox Performing Arts Center - [80s Night with Tributes to Duran Duran & Psychedelic Furs!](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/80s-night-with-tributes-to-duran-duran-psychedelic-furs/17533395/2026-01-03T21) at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove ## Save the Date - January 17: [Woodcrest Market Collective](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/woodcrest-market-collective/17560258/2026-01-17T13) at Woodcrest Public Library ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ [See More Events](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/)๐Ÿ“ [Submit Your Event](https://hub.cityspark.com/Event/Submission/Raincross?ref=raincrossgazette.com) Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [ ![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169514/image/0?seed=20260102) ](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169514/click/0?seed=20260102&ref=raincrossgazette.com) ๐Ÿ“ธ [Submit a photo](http://raincrossgazette.com/submitphoto?ref=raincrossgazette.com) to be featured in our newsletters and social media accounts. ๐Ÿ† [Nominate a remarkable Riversider](https://rgnotw.paperform.co/?ref=raincrossgazette.com) as Neighbor of the Week.