Council approves $200M Northside soccer stadium talks, Riverside Light Parade group adopts park for cleanups and National Senior Citizens Day celebrates our elders.
Riverside Smudge Pots batter sprints to first after connecting as Perris Prospectors catcher reacts, Saturday. (Ken Crawford)
Thursday Gazette: August 21, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Today’s featured photo takes us back to Saturday at the ballpark, where the Riverside Smudge Pots faced off against the Perris Prospectors. It was a great day to sit in the sun, cheer from the stands and enjoy America’s pastime. Did you make it out to the game? Let us know.
Arts Academy Students Perform at National Festivals
Five musicians selected for prestigious LA Philharmonic event; mariachi ensemble competes at nationals.
A young mariachi singer from Riverside Arts Academy performs at the 2025 Mariachi Nationals. (Courtesy of Riverside Arts Academy)
Five Riverside Arts Academy students performed at the prestigious YOLA National Festival, while the academy's mariachi ensemble competed at the 2025 Mariachi Nationals.
Driving the news: The students joined 180 top young musicians at Walt Disney Concert Hall for a week-long festival led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
Jakob Saffi, Liam Membreno, Tobias Membreno, Jasmine Yang, and Donnie Vasquez were selected through a competitive national audition process.
Why it matters: The students' participation showcases Riverside's musical talent on a national stage, proving local musicians can compete at the highest levels.
Adam Karelin, the academy's executive director, called it "a moment of pride for all of Riverside."
The big picture: Riverside Arts Academy is expanding its reach and impact in the community.
The nonprofit is currently enrolling students in grades 2-12 for fall programs, with a deadline of Aug. 31.
• 97% of students receive financial assistance to participate in orchestra, mariachi, choir, band, and guitar programs.
What's next: The academy aims to continue fostering musical talent and providing opportunities for young musicians in the Inland Empire.
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Council approves $200M Northside soccer stadium talks, Riverside Light Parade group adopts park for cleanups and National Senior Citizens Day celebrates our elders.
