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.
BUSINESS
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
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.
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BUSINESS
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 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.
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COMMUNITY
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
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.
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ART
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 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.
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What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- DÍa de los Muertos: Remembering Loved Ones at Riverside Main Library Community Room
- Deafheaven at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
- Downtown Riverside Haunted Tours at Eliza Tibbets Statue ($39.19)
- Free Admission during ArtsWalk at Riverside Art Museum
- Full Circle Players Fall Repertory Productions at The Box Riverside ($22.00 - $25.00)
- Lincoln Park Community Group at Lincoln Park Community Center
- Victorian Hoaxes! at Main Street and University Avenue Riverside, CA 92501
- Women's Soccer vs. Long Beach State at UCR Soccer Stadium
- Women's Volleyball vs. UC Irvine at SRC Arena
Tomorrow
- Building Our Region's Korean Communities Exhibition Opening at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
- Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation
- Downtown Riverside Haunted Tours Presented at Eliza Tibbets Statue ($39.19)
- Full Circle Players Fall Repertory Productions at The Box Riverside ($22.00 - $25.00)
- Labor of Love: Our Power is Our People at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
- Murder Mystery Co. Dinner Theater Show at The Old Spaghetti Factory ($69.00)
- Shoreline Mafia - Back In Bidness Tour at Riverside Municipal Auditorium
- Volunteer Interest Hour at Riverside Meals on Wheels, Inc
Save the Date
- Oct 4: Tombstone Cinema: Hocus Pocus 2 at Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery ($15.00)
- Oct 5: Icons in Transformation at Immanuel Lutheran Church
- Oct 5: Local History Book Fair and Silent Auction at Riverside City Hall
- Oct 6: Moon Festival at Heritage House
- Oct 6: City Hall 50 Anniversary Celebration at 3900 Main St
- Oct 12: Icons in Transformation at Immanuel Lutheran Church
- Oct 15: Fifty & Better Health Fair at Janet Goeske Center
- Oct 18: Pink on Parade Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at Ryan Bonaminio Park
- Oct 18: The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Ride at Riverside Plaza
- Oct 25: Aquamotion Aquathon at Shamel Park Pool
- Oct 25: Friends of the Mission Inn Present: Nosferatu at The Mission Inn
- Nov 15: NORA's 44th Annual Dinner & Auction Gala at Victoria Club
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