🗞️ Riverside News- January 23, 2026

Friday Gazette: January 23, 2026

Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! The weekend is just about here. Maybe you're planning to explore a new trail, check out a local spot you've been meaning to visit, or simply take it easy at home. In today's edition, we're sharing a Late January Raincross Rundown with a list of must-go events happening around town. However you spend it, we hope it's a good one.

See you Sunday!

Advertisement (Become an advertiser)

2026 ELECTION

City Council Candidates Unite Behind Underground Power Lines at Second Forum

Ten candidates across three wards voiced support for burying RTRP transmission lines to reduce fire risk.

City Council candidates across all wards oppose the above-ground transmission lines approved for the Santa Ana riverbed, citing wildfire safety over cost concerns.

Why it matters: All candidates present opposed the council's overhead power line decision, signaling a major disagreement between current and potential future leadership on a project already under construction.

Driving the news: Ten candidates appeared at the La Sierra Senior Center forum Tuesday, with unanimous support for underground lines despite higher costs.

• Construction on the overhead transmission project began in late 2024, with completion expected by 2028.

What they're saying: "Even if it does cost more money, the safety of our community is worth that money," Ward 6 candidate Oz Puerta said.

• Ward 2's Gracie Torres noted "wildfires are increasing and becoming more dangerous, especially along the Santa Ana riverbed."

Other issues debated:

• Quality Inn conversion: Candidates split on the failed homeless housing project near UCR, with opponents citing lack of community outreach
• Inspector General: Most candidates favor an elected oversight position over city-appointed
• Homelessness strategy: Candidates stressed regional cooperation and relationship-building over enforcement-only approaches

What's next: Final candidate forum Wednesday, Feb. 11 at John W. North High School, 6-8 p.m.

Read and share the complete story... (3 min. read)

Advertisement (Become an advertiser)

COMMUNITY

Late January Raincross Rundown: Don't Miss These Final Weeks

Events and happenings to close out the month strong.

January is winding down, but Riverside's calendar shows no signs of slowing. As we settle into the new year's rhythm, these final weeks offer some of the month's most compelling reasons to venture out and connect with our community. From after-hours art experiences to outdoor adventures, these are just a handful of the events that remind us why we love calling this city home – and why January doesn't have to feel like the longest month of the year. We can't get to them all, so be sure to check out our community calendar for even more ways to engage with Riverside.

Read and share the Late January Rundown...

Advertisement (Become an advertiser)

Adoptable Pet of the Week

Meet Omara!

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, January 23

• New Certified Farmers Market at Farm House Collective
• Senior Tech Help at Lincoln Park
• Lego Club at Orange Terrace Library
• Evoekore Presents: Inspector, Voodoo Glow Skulls & Friends at Riverside Municipal Auditorium

Saturday, January 24

• Goeske Bingo at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
• Mt. Rubidoux Walking Tour at Mt. Rubidoux Trailhead, a short walk from Ryan Bonaminio Park. ($21.20)
• Native Plant Workshop at Louis Robidoux Parkland and Pecan Grove
• Natural Building Workshops at Land Use Learning Center
• CBU versus Utah Valley: Star Wars Night at Fowler Events Center ($8- $30)
• UC Riverside Highlanders Women's Basketball vs. UC Davis Aggies at UC Riverside Student Recreation Center ($61.57)
• UC San Diego Swimming at CBU
• Women's Basketball vs UC Davis at SRC Arena
• Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale at Culver Center of the Arts
• Nirvana Tribute by Nirvanish Playing "NEVERMIND" along with Greatest Hits! at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove

Sunday, January 25

• Prayers and Public Information Meeting at Riverside Baha'i Center
• "Day Dream" Sing -A- Long R&B Brunch & Day Party at Downtown Experiment
• Pups & Brews: Back to the 80's at Thompson Brewing Co.
• Tools for Change: Strategy, Safety, and Alternatives at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern

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

📸 Submit a photo to be featured in our newsletters and social media accounts.

🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.