From sunset picnics at Sycamore Highlands to legendary Zambian rock at the Farmhouse, community leaders reveal their favorite ways to make the most of long summer days in the City of Arts & Innovation.
Fireworks burst above Mount Rubidoux and reflect perfectly in the still pool below—an unforgettable backyard view captured by Charlotte McKenzie, overlooking Bonaminio Park. Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Thursday Gazette: July 10, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! We’re still waiting on the official report from the Riverside Police Department about this year’s drone enforcement program, but in the meantime, ABC7 has an early look at how the drones were used to spot illegal fireworks over the holiday.
Did you notice a difference in your neighborhood this year? We’re still collecting stories and would love to hear yours—hit reply and tell us what it was like where you live.
Riverside's Operation SafeHouse is calling for clothing, hygiene products, and cookware donations to support transitional youth experiencing homelessness. The organization serves 21 youth in its transitional living programs and provides services to 400 youth annually.
Driving the news: Demand for services is rising following a decline during the COVID pandemic, with the Street Outreach Program currently working with 43 transitional aged youth seeking program placement.
Recent community surveys revealed widespread dissatisfaction with youth-specific shelters and affordable housing options in Riverside.
Why it matters: Approximately 30% of youth served by Operation SafeHouse are aging out of foster care, with growing numbers of youth experiencing homelessness who were never in the dependency system.
Many families are facing significant economic challenges, struggling to meet basic needs and seeking comprehensive support services.
The big picture: Riverside achieved "functional zero" status for youth homelessness earlier this year through partnerships between SafeHouse, the City of Riverside, and the Mayor's Initiative to End Youth Homelessness.
This means every identified youth experiencing homelessness is either housed or being connected to appropriate support.
Riverside's Aspire Complex Opens 33 Units for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
The $25 million downtown development provides furnished apartments and support services for residents ages 18-24.
The Aspire, a new 33-unit development by Innovative Housing Opportunities, stands at 3rd Street and Fairmount Boulevard, offering Riverside youth transitioning out of foster care a safe and stable place to call home. (Courtesy of the City of Riverside)
Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO) unveiled The Aspire, a 33-unit apartment complex in downtown Riverside, providing housing for young adults aging out of foster care. The $25 million development offers furnished one-bedroom apartments and support services to residents aged 18-24.
Driving the news: The Aspire aims to address the urgent need for supportive housing for youth transitioning from foster care, helping to combat homelessness and promote economic success.
Residents engage in life-changing programs, work training, and community college classes.
Why it matters: Young people who experience homelessness are five times more likely to face chronic instability as adults, according to Mayor Lock Dawson.
The project plays a critical role in Riverside's efforts to end youth homelessness.
The big picture: IHO develops affordable housing across Southern California, with projects in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Norwalk, and Irvine.
The company's mission is to provide high-quality homes for low to moderate-income residents.
What's next: IHO seeks community support through donations and volunteer opportunities to continue its mission of creating affordable housing solutions.
Lancers open season at home with three big matches, including a non-conference showdown against USC.
(Courtesy of CBU Men's Soccer)
California Baptist University’s men’s soccer team has released its highly anticipated 2025 schedule, kicking off with three key home matchups at CBU Soccer Stadium in Riverside:
August 14 vs. CSU Bakersfield @ 7 p.m. – A strong season opener
August 17 vs. USC @ 5 p.m. – A marquee non-conference clash
August 21 vs. UC Santa Barbara @ 7:30 p.m. – Wrapping up the opening homestand
The schedule was teased with a social post reading, “Schedule Drop Tomorrow #LanceUp⚔️”, and is now live on the official CBU Athletics website. The full fixture list includes both non-conference and Western Athletic Conference (WAC) matchups, setting the stage for a competitive season.
The City of Riverside will host the 2025 AAU Diving National Championship July 12-23 at the Riverside Aquatics Complex, bringing over 1,000 athletes and supporters to compete in elite youth diving competitions across 12 days.
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