Neighbors favor Trader Joe’s for vacant Rite Aid site near Woodcrest and this week’s games feature Lancer women’s soccer and CSDR’s home opener.
Neighbors favor Trader Joe’s for vacant Rite Aid site near Woodcrest and this week’s games feature Lancer women’s soccer and CSDR’s home opener.
Neighbors lined up at the Dairy Queen on Central and Magnolia over Labor Day weekend, keeping a Riverside tradition alive with evening ice cream treats. (Noall Knighton) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Thursday Gazette: September 4, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Thursday! Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15, with this year’s national theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” It’s a special time to learn, reflect, honor and celebrate the traditions, stories and contributions that have shaped our community. We’d love to hear your suggestions for ways Riversiders can join in, whether it’s through food, art, music, history or gathering together. Simply reply to this email!
Neighbors Say Trader Joe’s is Top Choice to Replace Empty Rite Aid Near Woodcrest
Community members point to the grocery chain as the best fit for the Van Buren Boulevard site, though concerns about traffic and safety remain.
The Rite Aid on Washington and Van Buren awaits a replacement tenant. (Ken Crawford)
Residents of Woodcrest, Riverside, are rallying for a Trader Joe's to replace the recently closed Rite Aid at 17055 Van Buren Blvd. The grocery chain's potential arrival has sparked enthusiasm and debate among locals.
Driving the news: A Nextdoor post about the vacant Rite Aid location garnered over 100 reactions and 140 comments in just two days, with overwhelming support for Trader Joe's.
The Rite Aid closure follows the company's bankruptcy filing earlier in 2025.
Why it matters: Trader Joe's would bring convenient access to seasonal produce and unique products not available at other local stores, potentially boosting the local economy.
The site sees an estimated 47,000 cars pass through daily, offering excellent visibility for businesses.
Yes, but: Some residents express concerns about increased traffic near local schools and potential safety issues.
The area's current road infrastructure may require modifications to accommodate higher traffic volumes.
The big picture: Trader Joe's currently has only one location in Riverside, making the potential new store an attractive option for many residents.
The strong community response highlights a desire for more diverse and convenient grocery options in the area.
What's next: While no official announcements have been made, the community's enthusiasm may influence future decisions about the site's development.
Lancer Women’s Soccer on a Sunday night and CSDR returns to Arlington Ave. for their first home game of the season.
Even the overflow was overflowing for welcome night. (Ken Crawford)
Another crowded week in sports for Riversiders. Recent games have been well-attended and high energy, showing just how strong local support is. Local high school and college sports are a great value and an even better time. This week brings big football matchups, crosstown soccer showdowns and even girls flag football under the lights. See you in the bleachers!
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Riverside firm denied restraining order in shareholder dispute, September ArtsWalk brings a new mural and artist meet & greet, six quick pizza stops across town and the latest on Meliia’s Disneyland fund.
No City Council meeting this week. The Board of Ethics will review open meeting law complaints against four councilmembers. How digital tools from Rivy the chatbot to smarter operations are reshaping city government. Plus, an update on Meliia’s GoFundMe.
Hillcrest, La Sierra and Norte Vista are now in our Back to School collection, meet Neighbor of the Week Katie Wider. Plus, Anthony Solorzano’s series continues and this week’s creative prompt is “New Paint Job.”
