"An accomplished pup." Beau, an almost 2-year-old rescue, takes in the view from the summit of Mount Rubidoux. Rescued during the LA fires, Beau and his owner recently relocated to Riverside. "Riverside has been wonderful and everyone has been so nice and welcoming," his owner shares. (Kenna Delgadillo) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Thursday Gazette: March 12, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! It's a warm one out there, and with the annual Shade Tree Campaign now underway, the timing couldn't be better. Riverside Public Utilities can reserve one free qualifying shade tree (valued up to $40) through June 30 via the Tree Power program. This year the process has gone fully digital: browse available trees, reserve online, then pick yours up at a participating nursery before the campaign ends June 30. A little shade now goes a long way come summer.
City Council Clears Path for Railroad Quiet Zone Near Magnolia Center
The unanimous vote authorizes land acquisition at two Union Pacific crossings on Brockton and Palm avenues, where 31 trains pass daily.
The Union Pacific railroad crossing at Brockton Avenue in Magnolia Center, where 31 trains pass daily sounding horns at up to 110 decibels. The City Council voted Tuesday to move forward with a quiet zone project that would silence the horns.
The city moved Tuesday to establish a quiet zone on the Union Pacific line, silencing daily horn blasts at Brockton and Palm Avenue crossings for Magnolia Center residents.
Why it matters: About 31 trains a day sound their horns at 96–110 decibels for up to 20 seconds at each crossing — disrupting sleep and daily life for Magnolia Center residents.
Driving the news: Council unanimously approved a memorandum and a resolution of necessity Tuesday, authorizing the city attorney to file suit to acquire two small land parcels needed to complete the project.
The city can't move forward without the land — and a stalled state DMV approval process is threatening the construction timeline agreed upon with Union Pacific.
By the numbers: The city needs just 156 square feet from the DMV site at 6280 Brockton Ave. — at a total estimated cost of $7,200, funded through an existing Measure A quiet-zone account.
What's new: The quiet zone project would add eight vehicle warning devices, four pedestrian gates, raised medians, new sidewalks, fencing and accessible routes at both crossings — meeting the federal and state safety standards required to silence horns permanently.
City Celebrates Two Decades of Honoring Its Most Remarkable Teens
The Riverside Youth Council's annual recognition ceremony returns May 12, spotlighting 25 students from across the city.
Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson poses with a group of honorees at the 2025 Most Remarkable Teens ceremony, held at Riverside City Hall. The annual program, now in its 22nd year, recognizes outstanding youth ages 14-18 from high schools across the city. (Courtesy of the Office of Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson)
The Riverside Youth Council is accepting nominations for its 2026 "Most Remarkable Teens" program, with a recognition ceremony set for May 12.
Why it matters: Any Riverside resident — teachers, coaches, neighbors — can nominate a local teen ages 14-18. The deadline is April 3.
What's recognized: The program honors youth excellence across seven categories: academics, athletics, arts and culture, community involvement, leadership, courage in overcoming adversity, and acts of valor.
The big picture: The Riverside Youth Council has connected high schoolers to civic life since 2004, launched jointly by the Mayor, City Council, and Riverside Police Department. Last year's class included 25 honorees from 10 city high schools.
What they're saying: "Sometimes that recognition is all it takes to remind a young person that their hard work, resilience, and leadership truly matter," Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said.
What's next: The ceremony is 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 at City Hall, 3900 Main Street — and will stream live on Facebook and RiversideTV.
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