The Raincross symbol tops a street light in Downtown. (Rosalyn Anderson) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Friday Gazette: November 21, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! This is our last newsletter before Thanksgiving week, when our newsroom will take a much-needed break to rest and spend time with family. You'll still receive news next week, just on a lighter schedule than usual. We're deeply grateful for you: our readers, paid members, and neighbors who make Riverside the community it is.
Downtown landmark quietly available as community prepares for first Festival of Lights since owner's death
The Mission Inn prepares for its first Festival of Lights since the death of owner Duane Roberts, who launched the holiday tradition in 1992.
The Mission Inn is for sale for about $85 million following owner Duane Roberts' death last month, sources confirm.
Why it matters: Riverside's defining landmark — the heart of downtown and anchor of the $154 million Festival of Lights — could change hands for the first time in 32 years.
The property is being offered privately to select buyers rather than through public listing, according to Mission Inn Foundation president Jennifer Gamble and multiple commercial real estate sources.
The timing: Saturday marks the Festival of Lights switch-on ceremony — the first since Roberts died November 1 at age 88. Last year's event drew 75,000 people.
What they're saying: "This is not just purchasing a hotel — it's purchasing an extraordinary place that represents why people come to Riverside," former Mayor Ron Loveridge said.
Roberts rescued the Inn after the city's $55 million restoration and created the Festival of Lights, transforming downtown Riverside. The 1877 National Historic Landmark generates $154 million in economic impact annually.
Go Go Bird Brings LA-Style Fried Chicken to Farm House Collective
Chef Brandon Kida's restaurant features Szechuan-spiced tenders and offers discounts for UCR students and faculty.
Go Go Bird opens Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Farm House Collective in Suite 105. The restaurant features Los Angeles-inspired fried chicken with Szechuan-style chili oil. (Courtesy of Go Go Bird)
LA-inspired fried chicken restaurant launches at University Avenue collective, bringing Szechuan-spiced tenders and wings to Riverside.
Why it matters: UCR students and faculty get exclusive discounts at the 23-seat spot, adding another dining option to the growing University Avenue corridor.
What's on the menu:
Chicken tenders, wings and sandwiches with Szechuan chili oil
House-made mac salad, coleslaw and fries
Proprietary marinade blend
Where and when: Suite 105 at 1393 University Ave. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-midnight.
The big picture: Go Go Bird joins 13 other food, retail and entertainment vendors at Farm House Collective, the reimagined 1950s motel that opened in March and continues filling suites.
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.
This pretty girl is Omelette, a 1.5 year old cat who can’t wait for a family to call her own. When she first arrived in April, Omelette was unsure about many things in her environment. She was placed with a patient foster parent, who gave Omelette the space she needed. With love and time, Omelette has blossomed – she followers her foster mom from room to room, chirps for attention, and is almost always seen with her favorite octopus toy in her sight. If you’re ready to give Omelette her second chance, understanding she is still finding her way and developing, consider adopting her. Email fostercare@petsadoption.org to set up a meet and greet.
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