Golden sunrise from Mt. Rubidoux illuminates Riverside, San Bernardino Mountains silhouetted against the glowing sky, another perfect morning view from our beloved mountain. (Luke López)
Thursday Gazette: October 2, 2025
Hello Riverside, Happy Thursday and Happy National Poetry Day! In celebration of this special day, we've crafted a haiku inspired by our beautiful city of Riverside:
Orange groves bloom bright Mission bells echo through time— Palm trees touch the sky
Poetry has a unique way of capturing the essence of a place in just a few words. Why not try your hand at writing a poem about our city? Whether it's a haiku, limerick, or free verse, we'd love to see your creative take on Riverside! Share your poetic creation with us by replying to this email.
Riverside makes it official: Meliia's lemonade stand gets the ribbon
Chamber ceremony at Victoria and Jane formalizes what the community already knew about the summer's most determined entrepreneur
Meliia cuts the ribbon as community leaders celebrate at her lemonade stand Wednesday afternoon at Victoria Avenue and Jane Street. (Courtesy City of Riverside)
The lemonade stand at Victoria Avenue and Jane Street got the ribbon-cutting treatment Wednesday afternoon. The Chamber of Commerce gathered at 4 p.m. to honor Meliia, whose summer at the corner selling lemonade became something larger than a nine-year-old's Disneyland fund: a reflection of what Riverside believes about itself at its best.
Altura Credit Union Offers 0% Loans to Federal Workers During Shutdown
Riverside-based credit union activates emergency loan program for the second time since the 2018-2019 shutdown, the longest in U.S. history
Altura Credit Union's 14th Street branch in Riverside on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025.
Altura Credit Union has activated an emergency loan program for federal employees affected by the government shutdown that began Wednesday.
Driving the news: The credit union is offering 0% interest loans for the first 90 days to federal workers facing delayed paychecks, advancing up to three months of net pay.
Loans carry no prepayment penalty, allowing workers to repay without additional cost once federal paychecks resume.
The details: Federal workers must provide proof of delayed payroll and their most recent pay stub to qualify.
After 90 days, the loan rate reverts to Altura's prevailing fixed rate for personal loans based on credit score.
How to apply: Federal workers can apply at any Altura branch, by phone, or online at alturacu.com.
• New members can join for a $10 fee to access the program.
Riverside Light Parade enters new era as growth brings permits, police escorts
Monthly rides now drawing 600 cyclists prompt organizers to incorporate, seek sustainable funding through October 11 fundraiser
Co-founders Rodney Johnson, John and GiGi Arnold and their new friends at the most recent Riverside Light Parade. (Courtesy Riverside Light Parade)
The Riverside Light Parade, once a casual neighborhood bike ride, now draws over 600 participants monthly. Organizers John and GiGi Arnold are navigating new challenges as the event's success prompts city officials to require permits and police escorts.
Driving the news: The Arnolds have incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to meet new city requirements, including monthly permits costing around $3,000 for police escort services.
The organization is exploring multiple revenue streams to cover costs while keeping rides free for participants.
Why it matters: The Light Parade has become a community tradition, offering safe group cycling for families and connecting different Riverside neighborhoods.
Organizers are committed to maintaining the event's Riverside roots despite financial challenges.
They've adopted Ryan Bonaminio Park for monthly cleanups and partnered with the city's Blue Zones Project to promote cycling and outdoor activities.
What's next: The Arnolds are hosting a fundraiser on October 11 at Riverside Airport Cafe to help cover permitting costs.
They're seeking recurring monthly donations and exploring partnerships with local businesses to sustain the rides long-term.
Riverside unveils first roadway-spanning mural as gateway to Arts and Culture District
Lime Street Bridge transformation represents largest single investment by Altura Credit Union in city beautification project featuring local artists Juan Navarro and Patrick Barwinski.
The newly completed Lime Street Bridge mural declares the entrance to the Arts & Culture District. The Riverside County Administration Center stands in the background. (Michael J. Elderman)
The city of Riverside celebrated the completion of its first mural spanning a roadway, transforming the Lime Street Bridge into a colorful gateway to the Arts and Culture District. The project, funded by Altura Credit Union, represents the largest single investment in city beautification efforts.
Driving the news: The mural, created by local artists Juan Navarro and Patrick Barwinski, covers the bridge connecting the county administrative center to employee parking and serves as the main entrance to the arts district.
Councilmember Philip Falcone emphasized the importance of actively promoting the arts district designation.
What they're saying: "Today we don't just gather under a bridge. We're gathered under a vision now fully realized in paint, color, and imagination," said Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson during the unveiling ceremony.
