Council will consider eminent domain for a quiet zone project stopping train horns sounded 31 times daily at two crossings, award $5.56 million for street resurfacing, and review Riverside Alive Project environmental certification appeals.
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Monday Gazette: January 5, 2026 Hello Riverside, and Happy Monday! We're back in the newsroom this morning after
UCR, CBU close exhibition era with forgettable 1-1 draw before joining same conference
Friday nightâs rain-soaked 1-1 draw between UC Riverside and California Baptist wasnât much to remember. Twenty minutes lost to weather, uninspiring soccer from both sides, and CBUâs Liam Jones getting his first taste of artificial turf in less-than-ideal conditions.
But the result carries significance beyond the scoreline. This was the final meeting between the Highlanders and Lancers without consequences attached.
Next season, both programs join the same NCAA conference. Every future meeting will affect tournament positioning, regular season titles and postseason dreams. The exhibition era officially ends.
In soccer culture, derby matches define communities. London produces 42 derby games each Premier League season with seven clubs in the city. These rivalries transcend league standings because they represent something deeper than points.
Riverside has been building toward its own derby tradition, and Friday marked the transition point. The timing seems fitting that this final friendly was so forgettable - Jones adjusting to synthetic turf, weather delays, a draw that pleased no one.
âIt was Liamâs first game on turf,â said Matt Horrocks, CBU assistant athletic director for communications. The kind of detail that becomes part of rivalry lore when meaningless games turn meaningful.
What changes when exhibitions become conference matchups? The preparation intensifies. Recruiting battles sharpen when October results determine March opportunities. Fan investment grows when games carry actual weight.
Most significantly, a day will come when one of these Riverside meetings decides which program advances to the NCAA tournament and which goes home. Thatâs when derby culture fully arrives.
Both programs face nowhere to go but up from Fridayâs tepid conclusion. The conference alignment is set. The foundation exists. Next seasonâs meetings will determine whether this rivalry develops the intensity that makes soccer derbies matter.
The friendly era ended with a whimper. The meaningful one begins with possibility.
It's a hectic time of year but maybe a night at the basketball arena with some nachos is a perfect break from shopping. We are butting up against Christmas break for both college and high school athletics but there are plenty of incredible events this week.
UCR @ CBU Basketball may be the best sports event in Riverside all year.
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