After years of moratoriums, city votes and community debates, Embarc opens on Magnolia Avenue as the first of several dispensaries set to serve Riverside.
The city's parks department is proposing $2.7 million in reductions over two years, including the elimination of the Latin Festival and scaled-back arts and recreation programming.
Nothing says summertime in Riverside better than a crape myrtle tree in all its glory! This pink beauty is blooming on Palm Avenue, directly across the street from Ryan Bonaminio Park. (Carolyn Bolz) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Thursday Gazette: May 28, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Next Sunday, June 7, the Riverside Historical Society is hosting its June meeting, and the topic is one that architecture lovers won't want to miss. Dr. Vince Moses will walk attendees through a comparison of SoCal Arts and Crafts architecture, think Mission Inn and the classic Riverside bungalow, with Helsinki's Finnish Jugendstil, the Northern European take on Art Nouveau. Two styles separated by an ocean but linked by the same turn-of-the-century impulse to push back against industrialism with handcraft and natural beauty. The meeting runs from 1 to 2 p.m. at Riverside Medical Clinic (7117 Brockton Ave), with a social hour starting at noon. Admission is free and open to everyone.
From Moratorium to Magnolia Ave: Riverside's First Dispensary Opens Its Doors
After years of moratoriums, city votes and community debates, Embarc opens on Magnolia Avenue as the first of several dispensaries set to serve Riverside.
The Embarc Dispensary on Magnolia Avenue, Riverside's first permitted cannabis retailer. (Courtesy of Embarc)
Embarc, Riverside's first licensed cannabis dispensary, opened in March on Magnolia Avenue — nearly a decade after California voters legalized adult-use cannabis.
Why it matters: If you've been waiting to purchase cannabis legally in Riverside, there's now a local option — with a second location planned on University Avenue.
Driving the news: The opening follows years of city moratoriums, competing proposals, and council votes that delayed implementation long after state legalization.
The City Council voted 5-2 in February 2023 to allow retail sales, then 4-1 in July 2025 to cap dispensaries at one per ward.
By the numbers: The original program allowed up to 14 dispensaries citywide. The July 2025 cap reduced that to one per ward.
What they're saying: "The energy and community pride told us everything we needed to know about Riverside's excitement for this," said Lauren Carpenter, Embarc's founder and CEO.
What's next: Embarc plans to open a second Riverside location on University Avenue. The current shop is at 10921 Magnolia Ave.
Parks Department Proposes $2.7M in Cuts to Close Budget Gap
The city's parks department is proposing $2.7 million in reductions over two years, including the elimination of the Latin Festival and scaled-back arts and recreation programming.
(Titus Pardee)
Riverside's parks department is proposing to eliminate the Latin Festival and scale back recreation programs as part of $2.7 million in budget cuts tied to the city's broader deficit-reduction effort.
Why it matters: If you use city recreation programs, community centers, or arts and culture events — expect fewer options, reduced staffing, and rising fees over the next two years.
Driving the news: The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department presented its proposed FY2026–27 and 2027–28 budget Monday to the Park and Recreation Commission.
The baseline budget totals about $54.44 million in 2026–27 and $55.84 million in 2027–28.
What's proposed:
Elimination of the Latin Festival, which Parks Director Pamela Galera described as an expansion of the city's earlier Mariachi Festival
Reduced arts and culture advertising, local artist programs, and community center security
Scaled-back recreation programming and part-time staffing
Two management positions left vacant
The backstory: The department says it hasn't fully recovered from pandemic-era revenue losses, with participation down and fees rising alongside inflation. "Revenue levels have not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels," the staff report states.
Yes, but: Measure Z funding continues to protect senior and adaptive recreation, including therapeutic programming for residents with disabilities. Tree trimming receives $250,000 annually, and the city's deal with the Riverside Arts Council adds $400,000 for Festival of Lights management.
What's next: The parks budget heads to City Council as part of the city's biennial budget process, with final adoption expected in June.
The Barbie Sports Club Truck will make a one-day stop at Galleria at Tyler this Saturday, May 30 (10 AM–7 PM), selling exclusive athletic-inspired apparel, accessories, and drinkware.
📣
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.
