City Council will discuss placing tax measures on the June ballot including a potential 0.25% sales tax generating $21 million annually and consider warehouse development restrictions.
Snow-dusted mountains rise above fog-shrouded Riverside, with palm trees and downtown buildings emerging from the winter morning mist. (Bob Sirotnik) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Sunday Gazette: November 23, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Sunday! With Thanksgiving just days away, the chopping, stirring, baking, and prepping is no doubt in full force at your place. We hope it's all going smoothly, whether you're testing grandma's pie recipe, prepping side dishes, or getting that turkey ready. Today is Stir-up Sunday, a Victorian tradition where families gather to make Christmas pudding five weeks before the holiday. While we're not quite ready to think about Christmas yet, the idea of gathering in the kitchen with loved ones to create something special feels fitting for this week. However you're celebrating on Thursday, we wish you good food, great company, and a little time to rest between the stirring and serving.
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Alternative Gift Fair Returns to Riverside with Handmade Gifts Supporting Local Charities
The annual event features vendors from Ten Thousand Villages, Inlandia Institute and dozens of nonprofits, with all proceeds benefiting community causes.
Shoppers browse vendor booths at a previous Alternative Gift Fair at First United Methodist Church of Riverside. (Courtesy of Kris Lovekin)
Riverside's Alternative Gift Fair returns Dec. 7 with handcrafted goods from local nonprofits — every purchase directly funds community causes.
Why it matters: Skip big-box stores and find unique gifts while supporting organizations like Family Promise, Heifer International and teen-led groups that serve Riverside residents.
What's happening: The 15th annual fair runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 4845 Brockton Ave.
What you'll find:
Handcrafted jewelry, scarves, holiday decor
Books from Inlandia Institute authors
Paper flowers made by local teens (100% of proceeds donated)
Fair trade items from Ten Thousand Villages
Bags made by Cambodian artists combating trafficking
The extras: Free soup, bread and live music. Bring shelf-stable food for local pantries.
Be smart: All proceeds go directly to the selling organizations — your holiday shopping becomes direct charitable giving.
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