A 1955 land purchase sparked months of debate over whether to honor Hollywood royalty or local civic leaders—until theater mogul Roy C. Hunt's legacy won the day.
Riverside’s Summer Postcards – Day 5: Bob Sirtonik enjoyed a sun-filled day on the Balboa Peninsula. Thanks to all our readers who shared their vacation photos—it was a fun week seeing where you went and what you experienced! Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Sunday Gazette: August 17, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Sunday! The Gazette team didn’t take a summer break this year, just a couple long weekends here and there. This week we’re slowing the pace a bit to recharge and put the finishing touches on some big projects we can’t wait to share. It will be a lighter news week, but we’ll be right here with you.
Have a wonderful week, Riverside, and we’ll see you tomorrow!
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Thank you to the Subscribers who became paid supporters this week: Evelyn Cordner, Mark Elliott, Mary Kate Grady and Luis Nunez. Your ongoing financial support is vital to our success in serving Riverside with the news it deserves!
Ken Crawford shares an update on his family’s journey back home, with construction progress bringing hope for a Christmas move-in.
From left, an aerial view shows the fire-damaged roof; at right, the newly replaced roof.
A full year has passed since that morning when I woke up to find my house in flames. I had only recently joined the Gazette when the fire happened, but the support from this community has meant everything during this long process.
I’m excited to share that we’re finally seeing real progress on the rebuild. The roof is now on, and both the electrical and plumbing systems are installed and ready. We did encounter a minor plan change that required additional approval and inspection, but we’ve cleared that hurdle and are moving forward.
The most encouraging news? We’re expecting drywall and stucco work to begin within the next week or so. After that comes flooring and cabinets, and if everything stays on track, we’re hopeful to be back home by Christmas. It feels surreal to even write those words after such a long journey.
What has touched me most throughout this process is how many of you stop me when we’re out and about to ask about our progress. That simple question, “How’s the house coming along?” reminds me that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves here in our community. Your genuine interest and investment in our family’s story has been a high point in a tough situation.
Thank you for caring, for asking and for making us feel truly welcomed and supported. This experience has shown me the very best of what community can be.
From 'Russell Park Saga' to Hunt Park: How a Naming Controversy Shaped Riverside's Arlington Treasure
A 1955 land purchase sparked months of debate over whether to honor Hollywood royalty or local civic leaders—until theater mogul Roy C. Hunt's legacy won the day.
Hunt Park Sign. (Photo by author)
Early in 1954, the City Council and the parks board discussed the need for a new park to better serve the Arlington area. Arlington Park was near the intersection of Van Buren and Magnolia, but residents and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce wanted a second park.
After months of study, the council in May 1954 endorsed the site recommended by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Planning Commission. Riverside purchased the 15-acre tract at the corner of Jackson Street and Garfield Street for $30,000 from the Kenneth Russell family of Los Angeles. The site had 600 feet of frontage along Jackson and extended 990 feet back to Sherman Drive.
For many of us who grew up before smartphones, the streetlight was a beacon of a different kind. I still remember the click and fizzle as they blinked on, signaling that the day's play was over and it was time to head home. It was an unspoken, universal curfew, a promise of family waiting for you; a comforting sign of order in the twilight. Riverside’s modern LED streetlights are quieter and use a fraction of the energy.
Of course, not everyone sees them in the same light. To some, the streetlight is a clear sign of progress, a technological marvel that pushes back the night, allowing commerce and life to flourish after dark. To others, they are a nuisance, a symbol of light pollution that robs us of the star-filled skies and disrupts the natural rhythms of nocturnal life. This duality is fascinating. It shows how technology fundamentally changes our environment and, in turn, our experiences and our creativity.
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.
Meliia’s Disneyland dream gets a boost, Christen Montero enters Ward 2 race, $20,000 in scholarships awarded and a call for better late-night dining in Riverside.
Council subcommittee approves Inspector General framework, CBU women defend WAC title as UCR men energize home opener and August rains bring Riverside’s own tumbleweed species.
Back-to-school routines return with safety reminders, young entrepreneur’s lemonade stand inspires community and committee moves to limit Council debate and public comment.
