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.
See you tomorrow!
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GOVERNMENT
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 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.
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COMMUNITY
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.
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.
- Nomination forms: surveymonkey.com
- Questions: Youth Opportunity Center at (951) 826-2272
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What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Saint Patrick's Day Activity at Marcy Library
- Micro Operas at Culver Center of the Arts
- Neighbors of the Wood Streets at Eden Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall
- History on the Rocks! Presented by The Mission Inn Foundation at Mission Inn Foundation Store ($60)
Tomorrow
- Certified Farmers Market at Farm House Collective
- Family Storytime at Ameal Moore Nature Center
- Koffin Kats! w/ Left Alone! at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove
- Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
- Elefante 30 Years Tour at Fox Performing Arts Center
- Oddly Manors Nu Metal Night at The Raincross District ($12.51)
Save the Date
- March 14: Fourth Annual Victoria Woods Neighborhood Garage Sale at Victoria Woods Neighborhood
- March 14: Olivewood Cemetery Tour at Olivewood Cemetery ($21.20)
- March 14: Riverside Sunrise Rotary 22nd Annual Black Tie Bingo at Riverside Convention Center ($130- $250)
- March 19: Empowered Leadership: Cultivating Influence and Impact at Work Well ($165)
- March 21: LiTEArature: A Fairy-Themed Afternoon Tea - SOLD OUT at Heritage House ($25)
- March 26: She Built This City: Women and the Making of Riverside at Riverside Main Library
- March 28: Goeske Spring Festival at Janet Goeske Center
- March 30: Sip with a Scientist at Bar Ni Modo
- April 12: The Expeditions of Juan Bautista de Anza through Riverside County at Riverside Medical Clinic Basement Meeting Room
- April 17: Frozen: The Broadway Musical at Woodcrest Christian School Royals Pavilion ($15- $20)
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