Heat advisory shifts weekend plans, charter review appointments delayed, Casa Blanca STEM school opens, fall football guide and one overlooked pup still waits for a home.
Brilliant hues light up the Riverside sky at sunset, painting a dramatic end to the day (Riverside Pictures. Past and Present.../Adrian Saldivar). Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Thursday Gazette: August 7, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! It’s National Farmers Market Week, and what better way to celebrate than by visiting one of Riverside’s markets brimming with fresh produce, flowers, artisan bread, and handmade goods?
Riverside Magnolia Farmers Market – Tuesdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 4550 Brockton Ave. (in front of G Tower at Riverside Community Hospital, free parking available)
Support local farmers and makers this week and beyond—your taste buds and community will thank you!
City Approves $400,000 Agreement with Caltrans to Clear Homeless Encampments From State Highways
Public Safety Engagement Team will remove encampments and debris from 18.4 miles of freeway system through 2027 under pilot program.
Orange Street overpass on the 60 Freeway in Riverside, an area impacted by homeless encampments now targeted for cleanup efforts.
Riverside City Council unanimously approved a $400,000 agreement with Caltrans to remove homeless encampments from state highway right-of-way within city limits through June 2027. The pilot program authorizes the city's Public Safety Engagement Team to clear encampments and debris from 18.4 miles of freeway system.
Driving the news: The agreement addresses concerns about encampments degrading highway infrastructure, impacting operations, and creating safety risks for homeless individuals and the public.
The city can bill Caltrans up to $50,000 quarterly for maintenance costs.
Why it matters: Councilmembers strongly supported the agreement, citing the urgent need to address encampments visible to residents entering the city via freeways.
The program covers portions of Interstate 215, State Route 60, and State Route 91.
The details: The agreement establishes two priority levels for encampment removal, with Priority Level 1 requiring immediate action for imminent threats.
Priority Level 2 removals require 14 days of outreach services when possible.
What's next: The City Manager is authorized to execute the agreement and make minor non-substantive changes, with the option to extend beyond the initial term ending June 30, 2027.
The agreement aligns with the City's Strategic Priority No. 2 Community Well-Being.
Art Laboe's 100th Birthday Celebration Honors Radio Legend's Lasting Legacy
Angel Baby Rodriguez continues iconic dedication show as community gathers to remember pioneering DJ.
Radio legend Art Laboe, whose 'oldies but goodies' broadcasts broke barriers and built community for generations. (Art Laboe Connection)
The Farm House Collective in Riverside will host a centennial celebration for radio pioneer Art Laboe this Saturday. The event honors Laboe's legacy of bridging generations and cultures across the Southwest through his dedication shows.
Driving the news: Angel Baby Rodriguez, who now hosts "The Art Laboe Connection," emphasizes his role in preserving Laboe's legacy rather than replacing him.
The choice of Riverside holds special significance as it's where Laboe started his Sunday night special on KGGI about 30 years ago.
Why it matters: Laboe's impact extended beyond entertainment, helping to desegregate Los Angeles radio and creating intergenerational bonds through his "oldies but goodies" format.
He was one of the first DJs to play rock and roll on the West Coast and feature Black, white, and Latino artists together.
The big picture: Rodriguez continues Laboe's meaningful traditions, including prison dedications, which help connect inmates with their families through music.
The celebration reflects Laboe's legacy of creating physical spaces where communities gather and celebrate together.
What's next: The event, limited to 500 tickets, aims to mirror Laboe's original drive-in shows and dance halls, continuing his tradition of uniting communities through music.
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Heat advisory shifts weekend plans, charter review appointments delayed, Casa Blanca STEM school opens, fall football guide and one overlooked pup still waits for a home.
Young entrepreneur’s lemonade stand wins community support, Downtowne Bookstore opens a new concept space, and crape myrtles burst into bloom across Riverside.
