Sunrise over Box Springs Mountain as seen from Canyon Crest. (Bob Sirotink) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Friday Gazette: October 24, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! The weekend before Halloween always seems to be packed with festivities, and this year is no exception. Our community is already buzzing with celebrations for all ages. Our Halloween guide is filled with events happening throughout the city, but with so many activities popping up, be sure to check our community calendar for even more spooky fun.
Here at The Gazette, we love seeing how creatively our neighbors embrace this holiday. Whether you're attending early costume parties, checking out haunted attractions, or scouting the best decorated homes, this weekend promises plenty of thrills.
Councilmembers explain their votes on immigration enforcement transparency—including why some who supported banning protest masks now object to masked federal agents.
A speaker wearing a "Riverside Sin Hielo" (Riverside Without ICE) shirt addresses the City Council during public comment. The overwhelming majority of speakers supported the resolution. (Justin Pardee)
Riverside City Council's 4-3 vote on the Safe Communities Resolution highlights tensions between local and federal immigration enforcement. The measure, aimed at increasing transparency of federal operations, has limited power but supporters say it sends an important message.
Driving the news: The resolution calls for federal agents to use marked vehicles and visible identification, while directing local police to monitor and report suspected immigration enforcement activity.
It stems from a July operation at Home Depot where masked agents detained individuals without notifying local police.
Why it matters: Supporters argue the resolution addresses community fears, while critics call it largely symbolic and outside city jurisdiction.
Councilmember Cervantes: "If one more family feels safer leaving their home, that's a measure of deep success."
The other side: Councilmember Robillard believes the measure oversteps city authority and may reduce federal cooperation.
"Federal authorities have no obligation to share details of their operations with local police," he said.
What's next: The City Manager's office will coordinate implementation, including a public education campaign and new city website with resources for residents.
Monthly reports on federal enforcement activity are expected to begin by early December.
MiCultura: More Than a Shop, a Cultural Bridge for Riverside's Day of the Dead Celebrations
Women-owned family business educates community on authentic traditions while helping create meaningful ofrendas.
MiCultura's interior features traditional Day of the Dead decorations including marigold garlands and papel picado, creating an immersive cultural experience at their 6th Street location. (Justin Pardee)
For the Becerra family at MiCultura - The Mexican Art & Gift Shop, Day of the Dead season means more than increased foot traffic through their Downtown storefront. It's an opportunity to guide families, both experienced and first-time celebrants, through one of Mexico's most beautiful traditions, transforming grief into celebration through education, authentic supplies, and heartfelt conversation.
"Many come in searching for ofrenda items like candles, papel picado, calaveras, copal, and framed art, and we take the time to explain the significance and importance behind each item," the mother-daughter ownership team told The Raincross Gazette. "For us, it's not just about selling products, it's about keeping this tradition alive through education and conversation," they explained in an interview with The Raincross Gazette.
From haunted tours to trunk-or-treats, here's a sampling of Halloween festivities happening around Riverside this weekend and leading up to Halloween.
(Bob Sirotnik)
From haunted cemetery tours to trunk-or-treats, Riverside is bursting with Halloween festivities starting tomorrow and continuing through October 31. Whether you're seeking family-friendly fun, educational tours, workshops, concerts, or adult nightlife, our Halloween Events Guide has all the details for over 25 activities, plus a list of spectacular neighborhood displays that are transforming Riverside streets into a Halloween wonderland.
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.
Everyone who meets Chowder has nothing but nice things to say about him. He’s always the perfect gentleman when meeting new people. Chowder’s personality wins over everyone he meets. He really knows how to turn on the charm with his sweet demeanor, striking looks, and captivating singing voice. Yes, that’s right – Chowder will gladly sing for treats or attention. But he knows the showering of affection and snacks can only last so long; he will happily chill out and keep to himself.
Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center is visiting local businesses for three adoption events this weekend. Check out the event calendar at petsadoption.org to see where to find available pets.
Come meet Chowder and all the adoptable pets at the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center in person. Stop by any day except Tuesdays, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., or learn more at petsadoption.org.
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