Morning fog blankets the Riverside landscape as the snow-capped San Bernardino Mountains rise in the distance. (Pam Tavaglione) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Wednesday Gazette: November 26, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! Tomorrow's Thanksgiving, and whether you're hosting, traveling, or keeping it simple, we hope your day is filled with good food and good company.
In today's edition, we've got our Shop Small guide to help you support local businesses this season, plus a quick and easy Thanksgiving punch recipe you can make ahead of time and customize as a mocktail or cocktail.
From all of us at The Raincross Gazette, happy Thanksgiving, Riverside.
🍹
Thanksgiving Punch -4 cups Apple cider -¼ cup pure maple syrup -1 sliced Gala apple -1 sliced Granny Smith apple -1 cup orange juice -1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries -1 teaspoon ground cinnamon -1 teaspoon ground nutmeg -½ teaspoon ground ginger -½ teaspoon ground allspice -Ginger beer, for topping (You can also use sparkling water or seltzer if preferred) -Add optional cup of whiskey or brandy
Instructions: Combine all ingredients, chill and serve over ice. Go above and beyond and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, sliced apples or pomegranate arils. Cheers!
From Main Street to neighborhood shops across the city, here's where to find unique gifts while supporting local businesses.
The team at Vixen & Beard inside their Magnolia Ave. shop, which combines barbering with curated menswear from brands like Pendleton and Iron & Resin. The business offers grooming products, flannel shirts, canvas bags and denim, serving as what they call "The Third Space" for men's style and grooming. A Gazette staff favorite! (Courtesy of Vixen & Beard)
You might not be able to complete 100% of your holiday shopping at small businesses, but every local purchase makes a difference. We're highlighting more than 30 independently owned shops across Riverside where you can find everything from vintage clothing and handcrafted pottery to fresh-roasted coffee and artisan baked goods. Whether you're browsing the walkable Main Street Pedestrian Mall or discovering neighborhood gems, these retailers offer unique gifts you won't find anywhere else. Small businesses are the heart of our community, and supporting them helps keep Riverside vibrant and distinctive. From art galleries selling local work to thrift shops supporting worthy causes, there's something for everyone on your list. Click through to discover your new favorite local shop and make this holiday season a little more Riverside.
RCC's Umoja Program received two statewide honors at the 2025 UMOJA Annual Conference—the Ma'at Impact Award as California's best Umoja program and recognition for producing the most STEM graduates of any Umoja program statewide.
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.
