🍊 Thursday Gazette: May 22, 2025

Thursday Gazette: May 22, 2025

Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Tonight at 5 p.m., neighbors will gather for a community clean-up at the Riverside Military Wall of Honor in Veterans Plaza—planting flags, pulling weeds, and honoring the service of local heroes. It’s a simple, hands-on way to show your appreciation. If you’re free, consider stopping by and lending a hand.

ENVIRONMENT

City Seeks Public Input on Future Land Use and Climate Plan

Interactive tool allows residents to shape city growth through 2050.

The city is calling on residents to share their thoughts on future land use and climate action strategies through 2050. This initiative is part of the General Plan Update (GPU) and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), set to conclude in 2027.

Driving the news: Riverside is updating its General Plan to guide growth and development while simultaneously addressing climate change and poor air quality.

• The city recently received an F grade for air quality from the American Lung Association.

Why it matters: Public input will shape the city's approach to housing, commercial spaces, and environmental policies affecting over two million residents.

• The CAAP aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

The big picture: The planning process, which began in 2024, involves examining current land conditions, evaluating alternatives, and conducting climate assessments.

Go deeper: Residents can explore an interactive map and leave comments at Riverside2050.com.

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ART & ENTERTAINMENT

From Punk Rocker to Film Curator: Riverside's New Underground Cinema Event

Fernando Ochoa brings cult classics to Back to the Grind's basement.

Fernando Ochoa, a former musician, has launched Ripperside Cinema Galore, bringing independent and cult films to Riverside's Back to the Grind basement. The monthly series, born from Ochoa's pandemic-era film immersion, fills a void for local cinephiles.

Driving the news: Ochoa's transition from music to film curation has created a unique cultural space in Riverside, blending his punk rock roots with a passion for alternative cinema.

• The series, which began in October 2022, screens films on the second Saturday of each month.

Why it matters: Ripperside Cinema Galore offers Inland Empire residents a local alternative to traveling to Los Angeles or Orange County for independent film screenings.

• The $10 suggested donation helps cover film acquisition and screening rights.

The backdrop: Back to the Grind's basement, with its brick walls and history of hosting underground arts events, provides an ideal setting for the cult film experience.

What's next: Ochoa plans to screen Penelope Spheeris' 1983 punk classic "Suburbia" on June 14, marking nearly a year since the series' inception.

• Film enthusiasts can follow Ochoa on Instagram for updates on future screenings.

Read and share the complete story...

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Noteworthy

State Senator Sabrina Cervantes, D-Riverside, was cited for suspected drug-impaired driving following a collision in Sacramento that left her with minor injuries, though she strongly denies wrongdoing and claims she was mistreated by police at the hospital where blood tests were conducted to determine intoxication levels.

Riverside County reported a 19% decrease in unsheltered homelessness during January's Point-in-Time Count, while overall homelessness increased by 7% compared to 2023, marking the second consecutive year of slowed growth in the county's homeless population.

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What's Happening in Riverside

Today

• Architectural Walking Tour of Downtown Riverside at Mission Inn Foundation Visitor Center Store ($20)
• Climate Action Town Hall at Alumni & Visitors Center
• David Bisbal - Back In The Usa 2025 at Fox Performing Arts Center ($50- $75)
• Economic Development Committee at Riverside City Hall
• Human Relations Commission at Riverside City Hall
• Planning Commission at Riverside City Hall

Tomorrow

• Riverside Sunrise Rotary at Zacatecas Mexican Cafe
• Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
• Big Bubble Rave (18+) at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
• Hot Girl Club at Riverside Municipal Auditorium (Garden Room)
• The Murder Mystery Co’s Dinner Theater Show at The Old Spaghetti Factory ($70)
• Noche de Cumbia at The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
• Open Mic & Karaoke at Euryale Brewing Company

Save the Date

• May 28: National Senior Health & Fitness Day at Janet Goeske Center
• May 29: Lunch & Learn: Values Based Investing at Virtual: Zoom
• June 27: Museum of Riverside Groundbreaking at 3580 Mission Inn Avenue

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🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.