🍊 Thursday Gazette: August 7, 2025

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?

• Downtown Riverside Farmers Market – Saturdays, 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Main Street between 5th and 6th Streets
• Galleria at Tyler Farmers Market – Sundays, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m., 3487 Tyler St.
• County of Riverside Farmers Market – Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., 4080 Lemon St.
• 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!

HOMELESSNESS

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.

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.

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ART & ENTERTAINMENT

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.

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.

Read and share the complete story...

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Noteworthy

Riverside Police arrested two adults on human trafficking charges after investigating the disappearance of two teenage girls from a group home who were later found and returned safely.

The Riverside Sports Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for its 2026 Wall of Distinction class—submit your athlete, coach or contributor nominations to Jerry Hurley or Dennis Pope.

Geoff Gorham and Hall of Famer Pep Fernandez return to host Friday Night Pep Rally with weekly game highlights at 11 p.m. on Riverside TV's YouTube channel.

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What's Happening in Riverside

Today

• Blue Zones Project Riverside Mission Inn Running Moai at Fairmount Park
• Chicano Art & History Tour & Painting Workshop at Riverside Art Museum
• Free Admission - First Thursday of every month during Riverside ArtsWalk at Riverside Art Museum

Tomorrow

• Back to School Craft at Arlington Library
• Noche de Rock y 80s, Live Rock en Español tribute in Riverside! at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
• Open Mic & Karaoke at Euryale Brewing Company

Save the Date

• August 9: Bingo at the Janet Goeske Center at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
• August 9: Inland Empire Dance Festival at The Box Riverside (Free- $25)
• August 9: Olivewood Cemetery Tour at Olivewood Memorial Park ($20)
• August 22: Goeske Talent Show at Janet Goeske Foundation ($10)
• October 18: The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Ride at Riverside Plaza ($15- $80)

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🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.