City Council, the Planning Commission and five other bodies hold public meetings this week, covering topics from a railroad quiet zone project to a Downtown bar's permit revocation.
With 20 years of media sales experience and deep roots in the Inland Empire community, Laniea Dominguez joins the Raincross Gazette as advertising director.
A stunning sunset over the mountains frames Washington Avenue and Rolling Creek Way in Woodcrest. (Penny Cuff) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Sunday Gazette: March 8, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Sunday! We sprung forward overnight, which means you're reading this on one less hour of sleep. The good news: longer evenings are here, and that extra daylight after work is genuinely good for your mood and your motivation to get outside. The not-so-great news: your body knows something shifted, even if your clock doesn't show it. Be gentle with yourself this week. Don't pile too much on your plate, and give yourself a few days to settle in.
See you tomorrow!
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Thank you to the Subscribers who became paid supporters this week: R. Hill, Khara Dizmon, and Brandi Mays. Your ongoing financial support is vital to our success in serving Riverside with the news it deserves!
From the Kitchen Garden: March, The False Spring Edition
Tips on what to plant, when to pick, and what to watch out for in your home garden.
Citrus is ready for the picking, mandarin oranges from Kim’s garden. (Kim Malstrom)
It's technically still winter here in Riverside, but if you've stepped outside lately, you can feel the shift. The sun is warmer, afternoons are stretching longer, and everyone is asking me the same question: "Is it time to plant tomatoes?"
Not yet. In Zone 9B, this is the season of patience. While it feels like spring, our soil temperatures are still cool — and warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash need consistent heat to truly thrive. Planting too early often means stalled growth, stressed plants, and discouraged beginner gardeners.
March is also prep season. Refresh your beds with compost, check your irrigation for leaks or clogs, and top off mulch before temperatures spike. Think of it as "set the stage" month. A little attention now makes spring planting smooth and successful.
Neighbor of the Week is a series profiling the hidden heroes of Riverside, doing incredible works of service throughout our different neighborhoods.
Laniea looks right at home in Downtown — because she is. (Brenda Flowers)
Laniea Dominguez has been working in the City of Riverside for nearly two decades — but it wasn't until about six years ago that she finally made it home. And once she did, she dove in headfirst. Here at the Raincross Gazette, we know Laniea as the newest member of our staff — more on that tomorrow.
With more than 20 years in advertising and marketing, Laniea has worked with an impressive range of clients — from cities and hospitals to casinos and automotive brands — helping businesses across Southern California grow their reach and impact.
But Laniea's impact on the community goes well beyond her professional work. In 2011, she founded Comedy for Causes, a fundraising initiative that does exactly what its name suggests: uses the power of laughter to lift up those in need. Through live comedy events and community partnerships, the program has helped raise over $500,000 for nonprofit organizations — and earned coverage from FOX 11 News, Spectrum News, and LA Voyage Magazine along the way.
These days, Laniea is channeling that same energy toward a cause close to her heart: raising funds and awareness for Riverside's unhoused community. If you've ever wanted proof that creativity and compassion make a powerful combination, look no further.
This week’s creative nudge also involves movement… but with a twist. It moves without going anywhere. It promises miles yet remains fixed to the same square footage of your home. They are a mainstay of any at home fitness regimen. We’re talking about the treadmill.
It has been two months since many of us made bold declarations involving the phrase “this is the year.” By now, some of us have logged thousands of steps towards a healthier 2026. Others might be getting more work out of their gym equipment using them to dry laundry. No judgment. In fact, if you need to move some clothes to fully appreciate this week’s creative nudge, consider that your warm-up stretch.
The treadmill is an absurd invention. Humans evolved to roam and follow their curiosity (and hunger), to track, to migrate, to explore borders and beyond them. Then we invented a machine that lets us simulate all of that while facing a wall. There are, of course, excellent reasons: safety, weather, convenience, time. But the absurdity remains delightful. We pay for the privilege of running nowhere.
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.
