Beloved local dentist named Neighbor of the Week, artists turn junk into social commentary at Division 9, and a creative prompt about your favorite brush, comb, or pick.
Hello Riverside, and Happy Sunday! Back-to-school season is here for most Riverside families with school-aged kids. While the return to routine is welcome for many, there’s also a little grieving—of lazy days in the sun, road trips, vacations, camping, and all the small freedoms summer brings.
So in honor of National S’mores Day (yes, it’s today!), we want to see your best summer vacation photos. If you’ve got a photo or two you’re proud of, send them our way—and be sure to tell us where you went and your favorite moment from the trip. Your memory just might be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
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Thank you to the Subscribers who became paid supporters this week: Bethany Na and Jose Wudka. Your ongoing financial support is vital to our success in serving Riverside with the news it deserves!
Each week, we will introduce a new neighbor. This is not a who's who list. These are regular Riversiders doing exceptional things.
Dr. Mark Harris stands outside his Riverside dental office, where community spirit shines through—from murals to painted rocks—reflecting his passion for local connections and giving back. (Brenda Flowers)
Dr. Harris isn’t just a great dentist—he’s a true community builder with a deep love for Riverside. Since moving to the city in 1995 to pursue his education, he immediately embraced the community and began giving back through outreach programs like Give Kids a Smile, Tri-County Dental Society, Headstart, Riverside Community Health Foundation, and Project K.I.N.D. He has been an active member of the Riverside Chamber of Commerce and The Pick Group, always seeking opportunities to support local businesses and connect with neighbors.
His dental office reflects that same spirit of connection and pride. A colorful mural in the parking lot, unveiled with the help of the mayor, celebrates Riverside’s unique heritage, while playful painted rocks and seasonal decorations create a welcoming atmosphere for patients. Inside, a free little library and local photography bring Riverside’s character to life, turning appointments into moments of community connection.
Beyond dentistry, Dr. Harris organizes patient group hikes up Mt. Rubidoux, book clubs, and other events designed to bring people together. His passion for Riverside is evident in everything he does—from preserving local history and celebrating its beauty to supporting small businesses and artists. Dr. Harris and his team embody how professional excellence and genuine community spirit can come together to make a lasting difference.
Artists Transform Junk Into Social Commentary at Division 9 Gallery
Richie "Deladeso" Velazquez and Cosme Cordova's "Yonque" exhibition uses discarded materials to critique consumer culture and personal complicity.
Cosme Cordova and Richie Velazquez pose next to items from their “Yonque” exhibition at Division 9 Gallery. (Ken Crawford)
Two local artists open "Yonque" exhibition at Division 9 Gallery, turning discarded materials into a vibrant critique of consumer culture. The show, running through the end of the month, balances serious themes with humor and accessibility.
Driving the news: Richie "Deladeso" Velazquez and Cosme Cordova's collaborative exhibition tackles social, political, and cultural issues through art created from found objects and trash.
The title "Yonque" refers to the Spanish word for junkyard, now used to describe anything cheap or discarded.
Why it matters: The exhibition highlights society's obsession with mass consumption while exploring individual complicity in throwaway culture.
Installations recreate familiar consumer environments, including a convenience store setting with an ICE machine and cartoon characters.
The big picture: Artists use bold colors and playful visuals to deliver heavy messages with a light touch, making the critique more accessible to viewers.
Painted works incorporate shipping boxes and packaging materials while maintaining a bright cartoon style.
What's next: Division 9 Gallery will host a RAM TAKE OVER event series, culminating in a concert featuring Milpa and Quitapenas during the next ArtsWalk.
Go deeper: More information about the exhibition and artists is available on Instagram @division9gallery and @deladeso.
If what you read in that borrowed book was some hair-raising fiction, this creative nudge will do wonders for your ’do. This week, we're reaching for an everyday object intimately connected to personal care and mundane routine: the hairbrush. Whether it’s a brush, comb or pick you use to tame your own locks or one for a beloved pet, this tool made for grooming and styling is our ticket to several minutes of creative contemplation.
There's something uniquely intimate about a hairbrush. It plays a role in how we present ourselves, how we feel, and how we care for others. (Think of brushing a child’s hair or a pet’s fur.) But what if we looked past its practical function and saw it as a gateway to deeper creative insights?
End of Summer Sale – 50% Off All Raincross Gazette Shirts! Our neighbors at Feeding America are repping their Riverside pride – now it’s your turn! All Raincross Gazette shirts are 50% off for our End of Summer Sale. Stock up while supplies last and wear your local love loud.
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