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.
COMMUNITY
Cal State Students Launch Community Drive for Riverside's Homeless Youth
Social work project partners with Operation SafeHouse to collect essentials for transitional youth.
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.
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HOUSING
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.
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.
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SPORTS
Cal Baptist Men’s Soccer Unveils 2025 Schedule
Lancers open season at home with three big matches, including a non-conference showdown against USC.
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.
Read and share the complete story...
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Noteworthy
Riverside Neighborhood Partnership hosts a lunch fundraiser Saturday, July 12 from 11am-4pm at Antone's Italian Eatery, featuring music and raffles, with 15% of proceeds benefiting RNP's Good Neighbor Awards Gala.
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.
What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Reading + Math = Fun! at My Learning Studio ($57- $67)
- Future Vets, Helping Pets! Summer Animal Kids Camp, Week 4 at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center ($200- $240)
- Craft and Chat at Riverside Woman's Club
- Adult Ballet Classes all levels at Riverside Ballet Arts ($25- $144)
- Free Shakespeare in the Park, Romeo and Juliet at California Citrus State Historical Park
Tomorrow
- Riverside Sunrise Rotary at Zacatecas Mexican Cafe
- What’s Bugging You? At Heritage House at Heritage House
- Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
- Big Bubble Rave (18+) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
- Fridays are Fun! at My Learning Studio ($247- $277)
- Open Mic & Karaoke at Euryale Brewing Company
- Tiny Tots and Pre Ballet at Riverside Ballet Arts ($25.00 - $52.00)
- Cruise Night at Tuxie's Drive In
Save the Date
- July 12: Bingo at the Janet Goeske Center at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
- July 12: Olivewood Memorial Park Historical Cemetery Tour at Olivewood Memorial Park ($20)
- July 26: Bye Bye Summer Bash at First United Methodist Church of Riverside
- October 18: The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Ride at Riverside Plaza ($15- $80)
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