Riverside’s Summer Postcards – Day 3: Dena Sampel’s Memorial Day trip took her to Carmel and Pinnacles National Park, where she explored the stunning Balconies Cliff Trail.
Thursday Gazette: August 14, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! With temps hanging in the mid-90s all week — and the first week of school in full swing — a little lunchbox creativity can go a long way in keeping kids cool at midday. Think frozen grapes, yogurt tubes or applesauce pouches that double as ice packs. Watermelon slices, fruit skewers and chilled pasta salads are also easy wins for beating the heat until the final bell.
We hope all our Riverside kiddos have a fantastic first week back at school — stay cool and enjoy every moment! ☀️
After 5 Years of Preparation, Parkview Legacy Foundation Launches Grants Program for Local Nonprofits
Foundation created from hospital sale unveils three-tiered funding approach targeting housing, health, economic mobility.
Parkview Legacy Foundation President and CEO Damien O’Farrell, center, with members of the Board of Directors, from left, Jose Medina, Karen DeMarco, Matt Stowe (rear), Kim Saruwatari, Dwight Tate (rear) and Board Chairperson Dr. Antonio Mejico. (Courtesy of Parkview Legacy Foundation)
Parkview Legacy Foundation unveils a three-pronged grants program to bolster nonprofits in Riverside, focusing on housing stability, social mobility, health access, and collaborative solutions. The initiative marks the culmination of five years of community research since the foundation's 2019 inception.
Driving the news: The Impact Grants Program offers three funding streams: special needs grants, core operations support, and collective impact funding for multi-agency partnerships.
Applications are now open for eligible nonprofits serving the Riverside region.
Why it matters: The program addresses critical gaps in funding and support for local organizations, aiming to strengthen the nonprofit sector and tackle systemic challenges.
The foundation's approach emphasizes equity and serving historically marginalized populations.
The big picture: Created from the sale of Parkview Community Hospital, the foundation spent nine months researching best practices and community needs before developing the grant structure.
State law requires proceeds from nonprofit hospital sales to continue benefiting the communities they served.
What's next: While focused on specific ZIP codes in and around Riverside, the foundation recognizes the need for regional collaboration and maintains partnerships at county, state, and national levels.
Successful local projects could potentially be scaled to other regions, maximizing impact despite limited resources.
Penrose Record Room Offering Above Bargain-Bin Quality at Blowout Prices
Shop owner’s selective approach to inventory means this weekend’s sale features a curated selection instead of the usual castoffs.
Penrose Record Room Bins. (Ken Crawford)
Penrose Record Room in Riverside is offering over 10,000 select vinyl records for $5 each during a weekend clearance sale on August 16-17. The event provides a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire high-quality records at bargain prices.
Driving the news: Shop owner Matt Beld's strict curation standards ensure even clearance-priced records maintain higher quality than typical bargain bins.
The sale coincides with vinyl's continued resurgence among music fans seeking physical media.
Why it matters: This event stands out in the vinyl market due to Beld's selective approach to inventory.
Unlike stores that accept anything to fill space, Penrose regularly turns away collections that don't meet quality standards.
The details: The sale runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both days, with records priced at $5 each or 100 for $200.
Customers can enter through stairs under the Life Arts Building on Lemon Street.
What's next: The sale continues while supplies last, offering collectors a chance to expand their libraries with quality vinyl at clearance prices.
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Council subcommittee approves Inspector General framework, CBU women defend WAC title as UCR men energize home opener and August rains bring Riverside’s own tumbleweed species.
Back-to-school routines return with safety reminders, young entrepreneur’s lemonade stand inspires community and committee moves to limit Council debate and public comment.
Beloved local dentist named Neighbor of the Week, artists turn junk into social commentary at Division 9, and a creative prompt about your favorite brush, comb, or pick.
