> ## 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 23, 2026 - URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-news-january-23-2026/ - Published: 2026-01-23T13:00:28.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-09T02:15:55.000Z - Description: Second Ward Candidate Forum, Late Jan. Rundown... - Author: Gazette Staff - Tags: Newsletter ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6381.jpeg) A centipede makes its way across the Gage Canal west of Van Buren. Even our many-legged neighbors enjoy a sunny Riverside day. (Christopher Cox) 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 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](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169513/image/0?seed=20260123)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169513/click/0?seed=20260123&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [2026 ELECTION](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/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. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/01/RG-Feat-Image-Template-9.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/city-council-candidates-unite-behind-underground-power-lines-at-second-forum) Ward 6 candidate Luis Hernandez speaks at Wednesday's forum alongside other candidates during opening statements. (Marissa Perez) 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...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/city-council-candidates-unite-behind-underground-power-lines-at-second-forum) (3 min. read) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169515/image/0?seed=20260123)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169515/click/0?seed=20260123&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [COMMUNITY](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/community/) ## Late January Raincross Rundown: Don't Miss These Final Weeks Events and happenings to close out the month strong. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/01/_26A4181-Edit-copy-1.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/late-january-raincross-rundown-dont-miss-these-final-weeks) The "60 Miles East" exhibition opening at Riverside Art Museum drew massive crowds in October. This Friday's Fourth Fridays event offers a more intimate way to explore Riverside's punk rock history with the co-curators. (Photo credit: Julian Jolliffe / The Riversider Magazine) 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 โ€“ 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](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/) for even more ways to engage with Riverside. [Read and share the Late January Rundown...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/late-january-raincross-rundown-dont-miss-these-final-weeks) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [ ![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169514/image/0?seed=20260123) ](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169514/click/0?seed=20260123&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [Adoptable Pet of the Week](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag//) ## Meet Omara! Meet this weekโ€™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. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/01/Omara_dog--waiting-for-belly-rub.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/01/Ollie_dog-1.jpg) From left: Omara is an adorable 4-month-old puppy with the cutest scruffy brown face. She came into our care with her mom and six siblings, and while theyโ€™ve all found their homes, Omara has now been waiting two months for hers. A favorite among staff and volunteers, she charms everyone with her playful puppy antics and endless desire for attention. Omara never tires of cuddles, playtime, or making people smile โ€” sheโ€™s just hoping the right person sees her and takes her home. Come meet Omara and all the adoptable pets at the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center in person. From now through 1/25, puppy adoption fees are only $100\. Stop by any day except Tuesdays, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., or learn more at [petsadoption.org](https://petsadoption.org/?ref=raincrossgazette.com). ****Alumni Update:** Ollie was adopted, yay! He had been waiting since July. ๐Ÿฅณ --- 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/). --- ## This Weekend in Riverside ### Friday, January 23 - [New Certified Farmers Market](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/new-certified-farmers-market-january-9-at-farm-house-collective/17808448/2026-01-23T10) at Farm House Collective - [Senior Tech Help](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/senior-tech-help/17755285/2026-01-23T11) at Lincoln Park - [Lego Club](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/orange-terrace-library-lego-club/17642393/2026-01-23T10) at Orange Terrace Library - [Evoekore Presents: Inspector, Voodoo Glow Skulls & Friends](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/evoekore-presents-inspector-voodoo-glow-skulls-friends/17448248/2026-01-23T19) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium ### Saturday, January 24 - [Goeske Bingo](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/goeske-bingo/17920930/2026-01-24T09) at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100) - [Mt. Rubidoux Walking Tour](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/mt-rubidoux-walking-tour/17492780/2026-01-24T10) at Mt. Rubidoux Trailhead, a short walk from Ryan Bonaminio Park. ($21.20) - [Native Plant Workshop](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/native-plant-workshop/17796501/2026-01-24T10) at Louis Robidoux Parkland and Pecan Grove - [Natural Building Workshops](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/natural-building-workshops/17491724/2026-01-24T09) at Land Use Learning Center - [CBU versus Utah Valley: Star Wars Night](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/cbu-versus-utah-valley-star-wars-night/17775676/2026-01-24T17) at Fowler Events Center ($8- $30) - [UC Riverside Highlanders Women's Basketball vs. UC Davis Aggies](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/uc-riverside-highlanders-womens-basketball-vs-uc-davis-aggies/16745902/2026-01-24T00) at UC Riverside Student Recreation Center ($61.57) - [UC San Diego Swimming](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/uc-san-diego-swimming-at-california-baptist/16938101/2026-01-24T12) at CBU - [Women's Basketball vs UC Davis](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/womens-basketball-vs-uc-davis/17756825/2026-01-24T16) at SRC Arena - [Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/downton-abbey-the-grand-finale/17874066/2026-01-24T14) at Culver Center of the Arts - [Nirvana Tribute by Nirvanish Playing "NEVERMIND" along with Greatest Hits!](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/nirvana-tribute-by-nirvanish-playing-nevermind-along-with-greatest-hits/17874514/2026-01-24T21) at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove ### Sunday, January 25 - [Prayers and Public Information Meeting](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/prayers-and-public-information-meeting/16726617/2026-01-25T11) at Riverside Baha'i Center - ["Day Dream" Sing -A- Long R&B Brunch & Day Party](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/day-dream-sing-a-long-rb-brunch-day-party-inside-dte/17874515/2026-01-25T14) at Downtown Experiment - [Pups & Brews: Back to the 80's](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/pups-brews-back-to-the-80s/17792715/2026-01-25T13) at Thompson Brewing Co. - [Tools for Change: Strategy, Safety, and Alternatives](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/tools-for-change-strategy-safety-and-alternatives/17874048/2026-01-25T11) at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern ## Save the Date - January 26: [Community Devotional](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/community-devotional/17894635/2026-01-26T19) at Riverside Baha'i Center - February 1: [On Peace & Friendship - History of the Peace Tower & Friendship Bridge](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/on-peace-friendship-history-of-the-peace-tower-friendship-bridge/17790762/2026-02-01T13) at Riverside Medical Clinic Basement Meeting Room - February 7: [Woodcrest Market Collective](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/woodcrest-market-collective/17560258/2026-02-07T13) at Woodcrest Public Library - February 11: [Galentine's Women's Health Event](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/galentines-womens-health-event/17846113/2026-02-11T10) at Janet Goeske Center ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ [See More Events](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/)๐Ÿ“ [Submit Your Event](https://hub.cityspark.com/Event/Submission/Raincross?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.