Friday Gazette: May 15, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! Your weekend is looking sweeter already: the Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social is back at Heritage House this Sunday, May 17, from noon to 4 p.m. It's free, family friendly, and this year's edition has a little extra flair, marking the 250th anniversary of the nation. Expect games, crafts, music, house tours, and yes, a free scoop or two courtesy of a Riverside classic: Thrifty Ice Cream. Heritage House is at 8193 Magnolia Avenue, with street parking available.
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COMMUNITY
Walking the Border: What You Miss Through the Windshield on Old 215
A monthly stroll through Riverside's everyday neighborhoods, one step at a time.
Old 215 Frontage Road is not trying to charm anybody. It has no trailhead sign, no interpretive panel, no invitation to explore. I am walking the old frontage road between Eucalyptus and Alessandro, out on the east side and back on the west; about a mile each way.
It's midmorning and already close to 80 degrees. I should have brought two iced coffees. At least I remembered the hat and sunscreen.
This road runs along the border of Riverside and Moreno Valley. Or near it. Or through it, depending on which parcel you stand on. The division between cities is not as clean here as people prefer borders to behave. It hops around.
That uncertainty is part of the walk.
At Eucalyptus, the Moreno Valley side, I begin on dirt and gravel. The shoulder is wide enough to keep me several yards from the cars and trucks. I walk facing traffic because this is what you do where there is no sidewalk and the speed limit is 50. Cars come around the curves quickly. A sheriff's patrol is out watching for speeders, and I feel grateful the motorists are nudged towards safer driving habits when I'm walking steps away without a helmet.
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HIGHER EDUCATION
La Sierra University to Honor LGBTQ+ Graduates at Lavender Graduation Ceremony
Organized by SDA Kinship International, the June 5 ceremony honors LGBTQ+ graduates from La Sierra and other area institutions.
La Sierra University will honor LGBTQ+ graduates from area colleges at its annual Lavender Graduation ceremony next month.
Why it matters: If you're an LGBTQ+ graduate of La Sierra or another area college or university, this ceremony — held the week before La Sierra's commencement — is designed for you.
What's happening: Kinship Sabbath School, a local LGBTQ+fellowship group affiliated with SDA Kinship International, organizes the event, which blesses and celebrates LGBT+ graduates before they leave campus.
- The ceremony is June 5 at 6 p.m. at Sierra Vista Chapel, 4920 Sierra Vista Ave.
What they're saying: University President Dr. Christon Arthur said he participates because it's "an opportunity for me to remind our LGBTQ+ students how much I love them, and that La Sierra University will always be their home."
Go deeper: Register to participate | More info on Instagram
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COMMUNITY
Riverside Cyclist, 73, Gears Up for 23rd California Coast Classic, Seeks Local Riders
A Riverside man who took up cycling on doctor's orders after an arthritis diagnosis will ride 525 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles in September, and he wants company.
A 73-year-old Riverside man is recruiting local riders to join him on his 23rd California Coast Classic — a San Francisco-to-L.A. bike ride benefiting the Arthritis Foundation — and says the eight-day event is more doable than it sounds.
Why it matters: Pete Staylor was told to swim or cycle after a severe arthritis diagnosis in 2001. He chose the bike and never stopped — and says the Arthritis Foundation now provides training plans, fundraising templates, and route support that make the ride accessible to newcomers.
Driving the news: Staylor is actively recruiting Riverside-area riders ahead of the Sept. 26 start in San Francisco, offering to personally walk interested cyclists through the signup and training process.
By the numbers: The California Coast Classic covers 525 miles over eight days and raises more than $1 million annually for the Arthritis Foundation. Staylor has completed it 22 times.
What they're saying: "How many people can tell their kids, grandkids and friends that they rode a bicycle 525 miles from San Francisco all the way to Los Angeles? It almost sounds impossible, but it is NOT," Staylor said.
What's next: The ride begins Sept. 26, 2026, in San Francisco. Registration and fundraising resources are at arthritis.org. Interested Riverside-area riders can reach out to Staylor directly for guidance.
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Adoptable Pet of the Week
Meet Ziggy!
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, May 15
- Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting at Zacatecas Café
- Volunteer Interest Hour at Riverside Meals on Wheels
- R'Hours at the R'Garden at R'Garden
- Arlington Library|Take & Make Craft: Paper Flower Leis at Arlington library
- Gage Basin Clean-Up at Behind the Alumni Center
Saturday, May 16
- Ward 3 Beautification Project at Nichols Park
- Westwood & Aden Neighborhood Yard Sale at Westwood Dr & Aden Way
- Vintage Home Tour “Age is a Work of Art” at Peter J Weber House ($30)
- A Tapestry of Black Artisans II at The Box Theatre ($0.00 - $14.65)
- Celebration of Empathy at First Congregational Church of Riverside
- Spectral Visage: UCR Senior Exhibition 2026 Opening Reception at UCR ARTS
- Goeske Bingo at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
- John Milton - Mundial De Hypnosis Tour 2026 at Fox Performing Arts Center
- MAGIC UNDERGROUND at Back to the Grind ($30- $45)
- Pearl Jam Tribute by Vitalogy at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove ($20.23)
- Regency Masquerade Ball at Crestmore Manor
- Trivia Night at Temple Beth El Social Hall ($40)
Sunday, May 17
- Prayers and Public Information Meeting at Riverside Baha'i Center
- Gardening for Butterflies at Botanic Gardens
- Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social at Riverside's Heritage House
- 2026 Benedict Castle Concours and Car Show at Benedict Castle
- Anime Lovers Speed Dating at Back to the Grind ($23.18 - $44.52)
- Choir Concert at Trinity Lutheran Church
- Dancing for Fun at Janet Goeske Center
Save the Date
- May 22: Riverside Sunrise Rotary Club Meetingat Zacatecas Café
- May 31: Oscars, Tonys & Grammys at Calvary Presbyterian Church ($10- $20)
- June 1: REEF's 27th Annual Golf Tournament at Canyon Crest Country Club ($140- $175)
- June 3: Paint. Sip. Spark Kindness at HRBC Insurance ($75)
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An earlier version of "Riverside Billed Water Ratepayers Illegally for Years, Judge Rules," published Wed. May 13, incorrectly stated that Judge Hopp's ruling striking down the Measure C election stood. In fact, the city appealed and an appellate court overruled Hopp, finding the election was regularly scheduled. The story has been updated.