Wednesday Gazette: January 21, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! We're already halfway through the week and there's plenty happening around town. Check out our community calendar for local events, and as always, send your community news and story tips to newsroom@raincrossgazette.com.
See you tomorrow!
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GOVERNMENT
City Moves Closer to Allowing Delivery Robots on Riverside Streets
Mobility committee unanimously supports regulatory framework for DoorDash's Dot and similar devices.
The City is developing rules for sidewalk delivery robots, positioning Riverside as the first Inland Empire city to regulate autonomous delivery technology.
Why it matters: If approved, you could see wheeled robots carrying DoorDash orders on Downtown sidewalks and bike lanes within months — part of the City's broader push to become a smart-city technology hub.
Driving the news: The Mobility and Infrastructure Committee voted unanimously Thursday to direct staff to create a regulatory framework for personal delivery devices.
- The framework advances to full City Council for final approval.
What's being proposed:
- 5 mph speed limit on sidewalks
- 20 mph in bike lanes
- 13-mile service radius around Downtown
- Remote monitoring by trained operators
The big picture: DoorDash's 350-pound Dot robot uses cameras and sensors to navigate sidewalks, completing "hundreds of thousands of deliveries with zero safety-critical incidents" in California and Arizona cities.
- Nearly 700 Riverside merchants already use DoorDash's platform.
Between the lines: City staff noted the robots could identify sidewalk cracks and potholes during operations — adding infrastructure monitoring to delivery services.
What's next: City Council will consider the framework after staff develops full regulations.
Read and share the full story... (3 min. read)
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ART & ENTERTAINMENT
Riverside Art Museum's Fourth Fridays Celebrates Underground Music History
Jan. 24 event includes DJ, new additions to '60 Miles East' exhibit, food and beverages.
Riverside Art Museum unveils new additions to its "60 Miles East" punk and ska exhibition during an after-hours event Friday.
Why it matters: The exhibition documenting Riverside's underground music scene from the late '80s to early 2000s is expanding.
What's happening: Fourth Fridays takes over the museum Jan. 24, 7-10 p.m., with DJ Mano Man spinning while attendees explore the growing collection.
- Co-curators Zach Cordner and Ken Crawford will be in the gallery to discuss the latest additions.
- Two Trees Kitchen and local breweries provide food and drinks for purchase.
The details:
- $20 admission (free for museum members)
- 21+ only
- Museum at 3425 Mission Inn Ave.
The big picture: The exhibition launched last year and continues adding material from Riverside's punk, hardcore and ska community, capturing bands and artists who shaped the local scene.
Read and share the full story... (2 min. read)
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What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
- K-Pop Demon Hunters Party at Marcy Library
- Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee at Riverside City Hall
- Riverside Open Mic Music Series at BACK TO THE GRIND
- Riverside Mission Belles at Victoria Presbyterian Church
- CBU versus Utah Tech: Hoops & Horsepower at Fowler Events Center ($8- $30)
- History on the Rocks - Round Two! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation ($60)
Tomorrow
- Economic Development Committee at Riverside City Hall
- Men's Basketball vs UC Irvine at SRC Arena
- UC Riverside Highlanders vs. UC Irvine Anteaters at UC Riverside Student Recreation Center ($70.74)
- Vision Board Party - Blue Zones Project Riverside at The Raincross District
- History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation Store ($60)
Save the Date
- January 26: Community Devotional at Riverside Baha'i Center
- February 1: On Peace & Friendship - History of the Peace Tower & Friendship Bridge at Riverside Medical Clinic Basement Meeting Room
- February 7: Woodcrest Market Collective at Woodcrest Public Library
- February 11: Galentine's Women's Health Event at Janet Goeske Center
🗓️ See More Events 📝 Submit Your Event
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🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.
