🍊 Sunday Gazette: May 18, 2025

Sunday Gazette: May 18, 2025

Hello Riverside, and Happy Sunday! Every now and then, we get emails asking, “Where did you go?” If our newsletters ever seem to disappear, this is your friendly reminder to check your spam or junk folder—sometimes we get rerouted. Marking us as “not junk” usually gets things back on track. We’re still here, working hard every day to bring you hyperlocal, high-quality news that keeps you connected to your community.

HISTORY

Chemawa Park: Riverside’s Forgotten Playground

Before Mount Rubidoux became Frank A. Miller’s lasting legacy, he helped create Chemawa Park—a lively hub of polo matches, zoo animals, and community events that once stood where a middle school now serves Riverside’s youth.

Most Riversiders are familiar with the Frank A. Miller Mount Rubidoux Memorial Park, with the scenic views from Huntington Drive (the road up and down the mountain), as thousands of walkers trek up Mt. Rubidoux almost daily. On December 14, 1905, the Huntington Park Association was formed to develop Mount Rubidoux into a beautiful park. Among the association members were Henry Huntington, Charles Loring, John Reed, Cornelius Rumsey, and Frank A. Miller.

However, many are unaware that Mt. Rubidoux was not Miller’s first park, which he developed. That honor belongs to Chemawa Park.

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NEIGHBOR OF THE WEEK

Neighbor of the Week: Christal Pennington

Each week, we will introduce a new neighbor. This is not a who's who list. These are regular Riversiders doing exceptional things.

With 30 years of teaching experience, Christal has devoted her career to helping students succeed in ways that meet them where they are. She currently teaches through the Riverside County Office of Education’s CBK Charter School, an independent study program with sites across Riverside County—from Corona to Blythe to Temecula. Her classroom is based at the Cesar Chavez Community Center, a building she deeply appreciates and looks forward to returning to once renovations are complete.

CBK stands for Come Back Kids, and Christal sees that spirit in every student who walks through her door. Students meet with her one-on-one each week, ranging in age from 14 to 99. Whether they’ve faced life circumstances that interrupted school or are simply looking for a second chance, Christal takes time to listen, help build skills and create a graduation plan tailored to each individual. She firmly believes it’s never too late to learn—one of her most memorable students was 76 years old.

Christal is a neighbor who genuinely cares about those around her. Whether it’s lending a hand, offering a word of encouragement, or simply showing up with kindness, she is always looking for ways to support others. Her steady presence, thoughtful spirit, and deep love for this city shine through in everything she does.

Christal also serves as a docent for the Mission Inn Foundation, where she shares her enthusiasm for Riverside’s history, preserved structures, and the stories that have shaped the city. Her love for Riverside and her steady, compassionate presence make her a neighbor who embodies the best of this community.

Get to know Christal...

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CREATIVE PROMPTS

Cap No Cap

A prompt to encourage your practice of creativity this week from Riversider and local author Larry Burns.

This week, we're shrinking our focus to something small enough to fit in your hand but crammed with multi-sensory potential: a bottle cap. Did that word alone evoke the satisfying pssst or pop of a cold bottle of Coca-Cola? Can you see the beads of moisture, maybe even feel the warm sun on your face as you tilt your head up to take a drink? Hear the metallic click as the pop top hits the countertop. Apologies, I think I just recalled a commercial like it was my lived experience!

My own authentic fascination with bottle caps culminated in a playful art project at the Garcia Center for the Arts last year titled “Recap.” Built in the parking lot, the installation featured a collection of found bottle caps and a whimsical display with various bottles placed under a sheet of plywood with cap-size holes cut into it.

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This Week in Riverside

Sunday, May 18

• 2025 Benedict Castle Concours and Car Show at Benedict Castle
• Framing Nature: A Photo Walk Inspired by Ansel Adams at Botanic Gardens
• 60 Years of the Art Alliance Panel with Philip Falcone and Kathy Allavie at Riverside Art Museum
• Afternoon Tea Blending at Life Arts Center ($59)
• Of Ashes The Musical at Elevate Life Church
• Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social at Heritage House at Heritage House
• Poetry in Motion at Calvary Presbyterian Church ($10- $15)
• Weezer Tribute at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove

Monday, May 19

• Monday Carillon Recitals at UCR Bell Tower
• Beginners Round Dance Class Two Step at Cowtown Square Dance Center (free- $10)

Tuesday, May 20

• Riverside Magnolia Farmers Market at Riverside Magnolia Farmers Market
• Volunteer Interest Hour at Riverside Meals on Wheels, Inc
• Inland Empire Chorus Rehearsal at Temple Beth El Synagogue
• Riverside County Board of Supervisors Meeting at County Administrative Center
• Trivia Night at The Barn
• Tuesday Karaoke at The Hideaway

Wednesday, May 21

• Certified Farmers Market at 10th & Lemon Streets
• Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
• UCR Master Gardener | Garden Basics Presentation at Marcy Library
• Melody Market at Barn Theater
• Riverside Open Mic Music Series at Back to the Grind

Thursday, May 22

• Architectural Walking Tour of Downtown Riverside at Mission Inn Foundation Visitor Center Store ($20)
• David Bisbal- Back In The USA 2025 at Fox Performing Arts Center ($50- $75)

Friday, May 23

• Riverside Sunrise Rotary at Zacatecas Mexican Cafe
• Courthouse, Murals & Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($24)
• É Arenas at Farm House Collective at Farm House Collective
• Big Bubble Rave (18+) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
• Hot Girl Club at Riverside Municipal Auditorium (Garden Room)
• The Murder Mystery Co’s Dinner Theater Show at The Old Spaghetti Factory ($70)
• Noche de Cumbia at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
• Open Mic & Karaoke at Euryale Brewing Company

Saturday, May 24

• Downtown Certified Farmers Market at Main Street at 5th
• Mt. Rubidoux Walking Tour at Mount Rubidoux
• A Tribute To Frank Sinatra feat. Danny D at Fox Performing Arts Center ($25- $40)
• Bingo Loco (Ages 21+) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium ($27- $45)
• Heartbreaks and R&B at ProAbition
• Live Mismiths! Tribute to The Smiths & Misfits! at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
• Metallica Tribute by Damage Inc at The Concert Lounge - Romano's Mission Grove
• Daptone + Penrose presents Lee Fields, Emkays at Farm House Collective

Save The Date

• May 28: National Senior Health & Fitness Day at Janet Goeske Center

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