Friday Gazette: January 30, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! Not only is it Friday, it's National Fun at Work Day! Adulting can be mundane, monotonous, and downright hard sometimes. Today, why not think of one small thing to bring whimsy and light into your workplace? Bring in donuts for your team, start a playlist, wear your favorite colorful socks or simply share a joke with a colleague.
If you do, we'd love to hear about it! Reply to this email and let us know how you're adding a little joy to your workday.
See you Sunday!
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OPINION
Two Perspectives on University Terrace: Should Riverside Reconsider?
One councilmember who voted no can bring the project back before Feb. 3. Two residents explain why they should—or shouldn't.
With a Feb. 3 deadline approaching for the council to reconsider its rejection of $20.1 million in state Homekey+ funding, the debate over the University Terrace homeless housing project divides residents. The council voted 4-3 on Jan. 13 to turn down the grant that would convert the Quality Inn at 1590 University Ave. into 114 studio apartments for homeless and low-income residents.
Below, two community members present contrasting views on whether the council should reverse its decision. Mark Elliott, a Ward 1 resident along the University Avenue corridor, argues the project represents an unaccountable use of public funds. Dan Hoxworth, a retired Ward 3 resident and board member of the Inland SoCal Housing Collective, contends the project offers a rare opportunity to address homelessness and public safety.
Only a councilmember who voted against the project can file a motion to reconsider before the Feb. 3 deadline: Philip Falcone, Steven Robillard, Chuck Conder or Sean Mill.
The Gazette is publishing perspectives from both sides to help readers understand the competing values at stake.
Read and share the complete story...
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COMMUNITY
A 12-Year-Old Folded Newspapers and Read Dan Bernstein's Column; Now He's Naming a Writing Room After Him
Bob Marshall's Typewriter Muse expands with a dedicated space honoring Riverside's longtime Press-Enterprise columnist.
Local typewriter repair legend Bob Marshall opens a writing room Friday honoring Dan Bernstein, who wrote for the Press-Enterprise for 32 years.
Why it matters: The Dan Bernstein Writing Room at Typewriter Muse offers Riverside writers a distraction-free creative space with workshops, monthly college nights, and type-ins — preserving both a local journalism legacy and the analog writing tradition.
The backstory: Marshall grew up reading Bernstein's columns while folding newspapers for his childhood paper route.
- Two years ago, Marshall restored the Smith Corona typewriter Bernstein used to write his column — "It meant so much to me to get to work on the machine that brought so many people in the community such goodness."
What's happening: The writing room hosts workshops on typewriting, poetry, and screenwriting for groups of up to 8 people at $40 per ticket, plus free monthly college nights and type-ins.
The big picture: Typewriter Muse is one of few remaining professional typewriter repair shops nationwide, serving clients from Bakersfield to Yuma.
- Marshall is the only typewriter mechanic in the country who custom-manufactures rubber platens in-house.
- Past clients include Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg; Marshall's machines appeared at the Getty Prize Gala and in an Academy Awards video.
What they're saying: "I hope it will be a space where people will feel the freedom and pleasure to create, to listen to their muses," Bernstein said.
What's next: Grand opening Saturday, Jan. 31, at Typewriter Muse, 1960 Chicago Avenue, Suite D-17.
Read and share the complete story... (4 min. read)
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Adoptable Pet of the Week
Meet Wendy!
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.
Noteworthy
Metrolink will offer free rides on Transit Equity Day Wednesday, February 4, honoring civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks and her role in the fight for transportation equity, with participating transit agencies including Riverside Transit also providing fare-free connections.
This Weekend in Riverside
Friday, January 30
- New Certified Farmers Market at Farm House Collective
- Murder Mystery Co. Dinner Theater Show at The Old Spaghetti Factory at The Old Spaghetti Factory ($69)
- Dirty Dancing in Concert at Fox Performing Arts Center
- United We Dance: The Ultimate Rave Experience (18+) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
- Live Rock en Español classics at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
Saturday, January 31
- Mt. Rubidoux Walking Tour at Mt. Rubidoux Trailhead, a short walk from Ryan Bonaminio Park. ($21.20)
- Men's Basketball vs Cal Poly at SRC Arena
- UCR Orchestra at University Theatre
- Songs Behind the Sun: Open Mic at Riverside Main Library
- The Blue Banter Comedy Show at Carbon Nation Brewing
- Foo Fighters Tribute at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove
- The Riverside Comedy Wine Mixer and Tasting With Live Stand Up at The Experience Riverside
- Riverside Comedy Wine Mixer With Charcuterie Workshop and Tasting at The Experience Riverside ($44.52)
Sunday, February 1
- Prayers and Public Information Meeting at Riverside Baha'i Center
- English Country Dance at First United Methodist Church of Riverside
- Fabric of Us: Textile Art and Queer Identity at Civil Rights Institute Inland Southern California
- On Peace & Friendship - History of the Peace Tower & Friendship Bridge at Riverside Medical Clinic Basement Meeting Room
- UCR Orchestra at University Theatre, UCR ($6- $10)
Save the Date
- February 7: Bunco at Arlington Library, Community Room ($5)
- February 7: Woodcrest Market Collective at Woodcrest Public Library
- February 11: Galentine's Women's Health Event at Janet Goeske Center
- February 19: Empowered Leadership: Cultivating Influence and Impact at Work Well ($165)
- 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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