Friday Gazette: August 14, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! Welcome to the weekend. We hope it's one full of laughter, rest, and anything else that fills you up.
Here's what else is happening around town!
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CITY HALL
City Council Greenlights Construction Contract for Fairmount Park Armory Brewery Conversion
The $2.73 million contract with Cal-City Construction moves the historic building toward its new life as a family gathering space and beer garden.
Fairmount Park's historic Armory building is one step closer to becoming a brewery and beer garden.
Why it matters: If you've missed events at the shuttered Armory, expect a family-friendly beer garden with live music, art events and cornhole once construction wraps in about 15 months.
Driving the news: Council approved a $2.73 million construction contract with Cal-City Construction Inc. of Cerritos Tuesday to renovate the 12,000-square-foot building.
- Thompson Brewing Co. LLC, which also runs its flagship on Indiana Avenue in Ward 5, holds the lease and plans event spaces, a kitchen-served beer garden and recreational activities.
By the numbers:
- $3.28 million total project cost, including a contingency reserve and permitting funds
- 450 days construction window once the city issues notice to proceed
- 4.67 acres — the Armory's footprint, built in 1959 as a military maintenance facility
The backstory: The renovation is one piece of a broader Fairmount Park master plan that also calls for rebuilding the bandshell, reconfiguring the golf course and closing two streets to cut through-traffic.
Between the lines: Cal-City's original $3.99 million bid was negotiated down after the city removed planned pickleball courts from the project scope.
What's next: Construction begins once the city issues a notice to proceed; no start date has been announced.
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CITY HALL
Riverside Approves Casa Blanca Land Sale for Storage, Affordable Homes Project
The deal replaces an earlier, larger residential proposal with four affordable homes and a self-storage complex along Railroad Avenue.
A vacant Railroad Avenue lot will become self-storage units and four affordable homes, not the larger housing complex once proposed.
Why it matters: Casa Blanca residents get four homeownership opportunities instead of a bigger multifamily project — though concerns about railroad noise, safety and parking near the tracks remain unresolved.
Driving the news: Council approved a $650,000 purchase and development agreement with Railroad Ave Storage LLC Tuesday, advancing a plan pairing housing with storage.
- The deal includes four three-bedroom homes for households earning up to 80% of area median income and three two-story self-storage buildings totaling about 96,000 square feet.
By the numbers:
- $650,000 sale price, below the $860,000 appraised value for the full 4.15 acres
- $15 million in projected private investment
- 70 construction jobs and up to $187,000 a year in property-tax revenue
What they're saying: Residents welcomed the smaller footprint but split on remaining risks.
- "It was just those four at the end," resident Margie Tadwilliams said of the reduced housing.
- Resident Paul Chavez called for a barrier along the tracks, citing derailment, noise and parking concerns.
What's next: The agreement still needs approval from the Countywide Oversight Board before the project can move forward.
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COMMUNITY
Public Works Turns Traffic Boxes Into Public Art
The City has redesigned 38 traffic signal cabinets so far, with more planned near schools and sites of historic or cultural significance.
Located throughout Riverside's 324 signalized intersections are objects that many drivers pass without a second thought: traffic signal cabinets. Painted in a dull gray, these cabinets quietly contain the equipment that regulates traffic signals throughout the city. Lately, however, some of them have begun standing out rather than blending in.
In spring 2025, the Public Works Department launched an initiative to transform ordinary traffic boxes, pieces of infrastructure that are common targets of graffiti, into decorative displays. The program reflects a larger initiative to beautify the city through objects often seen day-to-day.
Currently, 38 traffic boxes across Riverside have been redesigned to have a more appealing look. From schools to presidential streets, Public Works is eyeing a diversity of locations that could potentially house the newest redesigned traffic box. Looking ahead, the program plans to expand by highlighting nearby city facilities, as well as other sites that hold historical or cultural significance.
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Adoptable Pet of the Week
Meet Fruit Loops!
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.
What's Happening in Riverside
Friday, August 14
- Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- Volunteer Interest Hour at Riverside Meals on Wheels
- Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
- FREE YOGA - The Evolution of Ashtanga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Hot August Nights at Riverside Elks Lodge #643
- Little Shop of Horrors 40th Anniversary Screening at Fox Performing Arts Center
Saturday, August 15
- Arlington Heights Cleanup at Arlington Heights Sports Park
- Low-Cost Vaccination Clinic at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center's Spay-Neuter Clinic ($10- $28)
- Botanic Gardens- Twilight Tour at Botanic Gardens
- The Zonta Club of Riverside presents Join me for a Cup of Coffee or Tea at The Care Project Office
- FREE YOGA - The Art of Vinyasa with Catherine Murray at Community Yoga Center
- FREE YOGA - Yin Yoga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- Goeske Bingo at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
- The Hayds at Riverside Municipal Auditorium- Garden Room
- Los Yonics Zamacona at Fox Performing Arts Center
- MAGIC UNDERGROUND at Back to the Grind ($30- $45)
- Mosaic Art Fundraiser at Mission Inn Foundation ($100)
- Mt. Rubidoux Walking Tour at Mt. Rubidoux Trailhead, a short walk from Ryan Bonaminio Park. ($21.20)
- Plant Hope - A pottery decorating and planting event by DVAP at Arlington Library ($15- $25)
- Twilight Tours at UCR Botanic Gardens ($15- $20)
Sunday, August 16
- Prayers and Public Information Meeting at Riverside Baha'i Center
- Gardening for Butterflies at UCR Botanic Gardens
- Dancing for Fun at Janet Goeske Center
- Sunday Experiment After Dark at Downtown Experiment
Save the Date
- August 17: FREE YOGA - Moody Mondays with Cherie Amour at Community Yoga Center
- August 17: FREE YOGA - The Evolution of Ashtanga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- August 19: FREE YOGA - Seated Yoga with Kristin Varner at All Saints Episcopal Church
- August 21: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- August 22: FREE YOGA - The Art of Vinyasa with Catherine Murray at Community Yoga Center
- August 22: FREE YOGA - Yin Yoga with Kristin Varner at Community Yoga Center
- September 9: Beginning Square Dance Lessons with Line Dancing at Cowtown Square Dance Center
- September 18: Open Mic Night at Riverside Baha'i Center
- Oct 3: Aquamotion Aquathon at Shamel Pool
- October 7: Fifty & Better Health Fair at Janet Goeske Center
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