> ## 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. # 🗞️ Riverside News- January 16, 2026 - URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-news-january-9-2026-2/ - Published: 2026-01-16T13:00:47.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-09T02:16:03.000Z - Description: Ward 4 challengers oppose homeless housing, Olive Crest breaks ground on foster youth facility... - Author: Gazette Staff - Tags: Newsletter ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/01/RG-Feat-Image-Template-3-4.jpg) Clear skies and lush green hills frame the view from Mount Rubidoux, where December and January rains have brought vibrant color to the landscape. (Luke López) 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 16, 2026** **Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday!** Today is National Good Teen Day, a reminder that while teenagehood can sometimes be awkward, confusing and intimidating (for teens and parents alike), teenagers are amazing and do amazing things. If you know a teen who's making Riverside stronger, kinder or more vibrant, [please nominate them for Neighbor of the Week](https://rgnotw.paperform.co/?ref=raincrossgazette.com). See you Sunday! --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169513/image/0?seed=20260116)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169513/click/0?seed=20260116&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [2026 ELECTION](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/2026-election/) ## Ward 4 Challengers Break With Incumbent on Homeless Housing Vote at First Candidate Forum First of three neighborhood forums draws 13 candidates across Wards 2, 4, and 6\. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/01/260116-candidatesforum-02-1.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/ward-4-challengers-break-with-incumbent-on-homeless-housing-vote-at-first-candidate-forum) Ward 4 incumbent Chuck Conder speaks at Tuesday's candidate forum at Orange Terrace Community Center, where he defended his vote against a homeless housing project. All three Ward 4 City Council candidates took positions Tuesday on the Council's controversial rejection of a $20 million state homeless housing grant. **Why it matters:** The divide reveals how candidates would vote on future homeless housing projects in Riverside — a key issue as the city faces growing pressure to address homelessness while neighbors resist new facilities. **Where they stand:** Challengers Jessica Qattawi and Rich Vandenberg said they would have approved converting the Quality Inn on University Avenue into housing for seniors and veterans. - Incumbent Chuck Conder defended his "no" vote, saying University Avenue's commercial corridor "is not the place to put it." **Driving the news:** The forum at Orange Terrace Community Center drew 13 of 16 candidates across three wards ahead of the June 2 primary election. - Tuesday's Council meeting — where the grant was rejected 4-3 — sparked heated debate about housing location and community input. **What they're saying:** "The idea that this isn't the right place, what is the right place?" Vandenberg asked. "We're all NIMBYs." **Yes, but:** Conder accused the project of being "rushed through by a certain individual" — an apparent reference to Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes, who's running for State Assembly. **The big picture:** Candidates across all three wards split on the issue, with some questioning whether Housing First models work without treatment services. **What's next:** The next forum is Wednesday, Jan. 21 at La Sierra Senior Center, 5215 La Sierra Ave., 6:30-8:45 p.m., focusing on Ward 6 and the Riverside Transmission Reliability Project. [Read and share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/ward-4-challengers-break-with-incumbent-on-homeless-housing-vote-at-first-candidate-forum) (4 min. read) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169515/image/0?seed=20260116)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169515/click/0?seed=20260116&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [HOUSING](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/housing/) ## Olive Crest, Crest Community Church Break Ground on Foster Youth Housing "Crest Cottages” pairs nonprofit services with congregational support to address isolation facing aged-out youth. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/01/260115-crestcottages-1.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/olive-crest-crest-community-church-break-ground-on-foster-youth-housing) Olive Crest and Crest Community Church leaders, joined by city officials and project partners, break ground Thursday on Crest Cottages, an 11-home development for foster youth and struggling families. A decade after Mayor Rusty Bailey challenged Riverside's faith community, Olive Crest and Crest Community Church broke ground Thursday on 11 homes serving foster youth and at-risk single mothers. **Why it matters:** The project offers a proven alternative to homelessness—60% of teens aging out of foster care become homeless within a year, and 60% of sex-trafficked children come from the child welfare system. **What's different:** Residents get case management and life skills training from Olive Crest, plus what organizers call "living support"—church volunteers providing tutoring, childcare, carpooling and community connection. - A missionary couple will live on-site to build trust with residents who may be slow to open up. **The model works:** Grove Community Church has operated Grove Village since 2018 with no issues related to drugs, vagrancy or crime, officials told planning commissioners. **What's required:** Residents must maintain employment, pursue education, build savings and engage with support services. **By the numbers:** - **$2 million** raised toward construction - **20-year** ground lease with options to 45 years - **1.2 million** children and families Olive Crest aims to serve by 2030 **What they're saying:** "Underneath the housing crisis was a more fundamental problem—a crisis of community," Pastor John Dixon said. **The bottom line:** The project treats homelessness as a relationship problem, not just a housing problem, surrounding vulnerable families with community instead of leaving them isolated. [Read and share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/olive-crest-crest-community-church-break-ground-on-foster-youth-housing) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [ ![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169514/image/0?seed=20260116) ](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169514/click/0?seed=20260116&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [Adoptable Pet of the Week](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag//) ## Meet Ileane! 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. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/01/Ileane-sitting-in-greenyard-with-tongue-out.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2026/01/Sonic_dog.jpg) ****Left:** Meet Ileane, a beautiful one-year-old pup with a spunky, sparkling personality that’s sure to win you over. She walks nicely on leash, loves playing with every toy she can get her paws on, and is always up for some fun. When playtime is over, Ileane is just as happy to cuddle up and soak in all the attention. Come meet Ileane and all the adoptable pets at the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center in person. 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 Updates:** Sonic was adopted! 🎉 --- ## Noteworthy The [California Medicine Scholars Program](https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2026/01/15/community-college-pathway-expands-and-diversifies-physician-pipeline?ref=raincrossgazette.com) has enrolled 399 students across four regional hubs since 2022 to create a community college-to-medical school pathway addressing California's physician shortage, with UCR's School of Medicine leading the Inland Empire hub in a region that has just 41 doctors per 100,000 people. 📣 ****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 16 - [MLK Day of Service 2026](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/mlk-day-of-service-2026/17874063/2026-01-16T09) at La Sierra Park - [Arlington Library| Propagation Station: Plant Swap](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/arlington-library-propagation-station-plant-swap/17642280/2026-01-16T10) at Arlington Library - [New Certified Farmers Market](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/new-certified-farmers-market-january-9-at-farm-house-collective/17808448/2026-01-16T10) at Farm House Collective - [Little League Registration Now Open!](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/registration-now-open/17810564/2026-01-16T00) at Shamel Park ($75- $180) - [Antibalas at Farm House Collective](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/antibalas-at-farm-house-collective/17794620/2026-01-16T19) at Farm House Collective - [Noche de Cumbia](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/noche-de-cumbia-mezcal-riverside/17792691/2026-01-16T21) at Palenque kitchen by Mezcal ### Saturday, January 17 - [Love Your Neighborhood: New Year, Clean Start Clean-Up](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/love-your-neighborhood-new-year-clean-start-cleanup/17659202/2026-01-17T08) at Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce - [Mt. Rubidoux Walking Tour](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/mt-rubidoux-walking-tour/17492780/2026-01-17T12) at Mt. Rubidoux Trailhead, a short walk from Ryan Bonaminio Park. ($21.20) - [**Woodcrest Market Collective**](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/woodcrest-market-collective/17560258/2026-01-17T13) at Woodcrest Public Library - [The Desert Underground: Exposing a Valuable Hidden World Under Our Feet](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/the-desert-underground-exposing-a-valuable-hidden-world-under-our-feet/17783273/2026-01-17T11) at Land Use Learning Center - [Arlington Library | 2026 Vision Boards](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/arlington-library-2026-vision-boards/17642295/2026-01-17T15) at Arlington Library - [Book Blitz : Book Tasting](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/book-blitz-book-tasting/17894257/2026-01-17T16) at Marcy Library - [Build Your Own Bracelet](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/build-your-own-bracelet/17894808/2026-01-17T13) at Thompson Brewing Co. - [Men's Basketball vs Cal State Fullerton](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/mens-basketball-vs-cal-state-fullerton/17756817/2026-01-17T17) at SRC Arena - [Shaun Cassidy - The Road to Us](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/shaun-cassidy-the-road-to-us/16075018/2026-01-17T19) at Fox Performing Arts Center - [Tijuana Panthers Live at Farm House Collective](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/tijuana-panthers-live-at-farm-house-collective/17794621/2026-01-17T19) at Farm House Collective - [2nd Annual Winter Goth Ball](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/2nd-annual-winter-goth-ball/17745096/2026-01-17T21) at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge - [Woodstock '99 Tribute Show](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/woodstock-99-tribute-show/17297164/2026-01-17T18) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium ### Sunday, January 18 - [Prayers and Public Information Meeting](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/prayers-and-public-information-meeting/16726617/2026-01-18T11) at Riverside Baha'i Center - [Riverside Cars & Coffee!](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-cars-coffee/15063319/2026-01-18T08) at J&M Speed Center - [Evergreen Cemetery Tour](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/evergreen-cemetery-tour/17874528/2026-01-18T10) at Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery - [Learn about Loofahs](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/learn-about-loofahs/17687322/2026-01-18T09) at UCR Botanic Gardens - [Paranormal Peepshow](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/paranormal-peepshow/17713939/2026-01-18T20) at The Raincross District - [Sweetly Paired-Cupcake and Wine Tasting](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/sweetly-pairedcupcake-and-wine-tasting/17713938/2026-01-18T18) at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa - [Tour en español de Transgresoras a cargo de la curadora](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/tour-en-espaol-de-transgresoras-a-cargo-de-la-curadora/17756818/2026-01-18T13) at UCR ARTS ## 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 🗓️ [See More Events](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/)📝 [Submit Your Event](https://hub.cityspark.com/Event/Submission/Raincross?ref=raincrossgazette.com) 📸 [Submit a photo](http://raincrossgazette.com/submitphoto?ref=raincrossgazette.com) to be featured in our newsletters and social media accounts. 🏆 [Nominate a remarkable Riversider](https://rgnotw.paperform.co/?ref=raincrossgazette.com) as Neighbor of the Week.