Rose Mayes started Riverside's MLK walk-a-thon 31 years ago when she noticed the city had no tributes to the civil rights leader — now hundreds march annually to pass his message to the next generation.
Canyon Crest Country Club offers peaceful views of the mountains on a clear Saturday in Riverside. (Sue Liddle) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Tuesday Gazette: January 20, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Tuesday! Today is Take a Walk Outdoors Day, and with a sunny high of 80 degrees, the weather couldn't be more perfect for it. Whether you're climbing Mount Rubidoux for sunrise views, strolling through Fairmount Park, or wandering Downtown to admire our historic architecture, Riverside offers no shortage of scenic routes. Grab a neighbor, leash up your dog, or go solo—just get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Speaking of getting out and about, our community calendar is packed with weekend events. Check it out below to find something that gets you moving and connects you with your neighbors.
As always, if you have story ideas, event tips, or photos from your outdoor adventures, send them our way at newsroom@raincrossgazette.com.
Rose Mayes started Riverside's MLK walk-a-thon 31 years ago when she noticed the city had no tributes to the civil rights leader — now hundreds march annually to pass his message to the next generation.
Participants wearing "Dream Like King" shirts walk along the route during the 31st annual MLK walk-a-thon in Riverside on Jan. 19. (Marissa Perez)
Hundreds walked two miles through Downtown Monday, continuing a three-decade tradition started by one woman's fight for recognition.
Why it matters: The march keeps Dr. King's legacy alive in Riverside while demonstrating community unity — from State Senator Sabrina Cervantes to 7-year-olds learning civil rights history.
The backstory: Rose Mayes moved to Riverside from Texas in 1979 and noticed the city had nothing honoring Dr. King.
She faced opposition but pushed through "traumatizing" challenges to rename a street, install a statue, and rename a high school — then started the walk-a-thon 31 years ago.
What's happening: This year's "Walking Towards the Dream" march drew families, students, and local leaders for the 2-mile trek from Stratton Community Center to Main Library.
Riverside Poly High School's Black Student Union participated to "show respect, love and support."
What they're saying: "We are the ones passing the torch to them so we can make our community the best it can be," Mayes said.
The big picture: Participation fluctuates yearly, but Mayes said seeing the community come together gives her hope that younger generations will carry forward Dr. King's message.
Riverside Car Enthusiasts Raise $5,000 for Local Teen Racing Driver
The December fundraiser at Cable Airport drew over 200 people to support 15-year-old Formula 4 competitor Truly Adams.
From left: Riverside racing driver Truly Adams with Cars N' Coffee Riverside organizers Johnny Silva and Natalie Trujillo at the Dec. 20 fundraiser at Cable Airport. The event raised $5,000 to support Adams' Formula 4 racing career. (Courtesy of Cars N' Coffee Riverside and 7SunsCollective)
College students and car enthusiasts raised $5,000 for 15-year-old Formula 4 driver Truly Adams at a December fundraiser drawing 200+ people.
Why it matters: The hometown support helps Adams compete internationally — he made history last fall as the first American to podium at France's FEED Racing F4 Finals.
What happened: Cal Poly Pomona student Johnny Silva and business major Natalie Trujillo organized the Dec. 20 Cars N' Coffee event at Cable Airport through their organizations Cars N' Coffee Riverside and 7SunsCollective.
The show featured 25 cars, local vendors, helicopter tours and family activities.
The big picture: Adams is a two-time World Karting Champion whose parents own Adams Motorsports Park — the oldest Black-owned karting facility in the U.S.
He competed against older, more experienced drivers in France and reached the podium.
What they're saying: "Racing isn't something you do alone, and having people believe in me pushes me to keep working harder," Adams said.
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