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!
COMMUNITY
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.
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.
Read and share the complete story...
Advertisement (Become an advertiser)
SPORTS
Games of the Week: September 5-11, 2025
Lancer Women’s Soccer on a Sunday night and CSDR returns to Arlington Ave. for their first home game of the season.
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!
Read and share the complete Games of the Week Guide...
Advertisement (Become an advertiser)
Noteworthy
Forbes ranks UC Riverside No. 27 among public universities in its 2025-26 college rankings, a 10-spot jump from last year that places UCR at No. 77 overall among all universities.
Strong winds uprooted trees across Riverside Tuesday, including one on Mt. Whitney Avenue that crashed into a home, prompting citywide emergency responses as crews secured utilities and cleared debris while a flood watch remained in effect.
UC Riverside computer scientists developed a "certified unlearning" method that erases private and copyrighted data from AI models without needing original training data, addressing rising privacy concerns and regulatory requirements.
What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Lincoln Park Community Group at Lincoln Park Community Center
- Architectural Walking Tour of Downtown Riverside at Mission Inn Foundation & Visitor Center ($21.20)
- First Thursdays at First Congregational Church of Riverside
- Free Admission - First Thursday of every month during ArtsWalk at Riverside Art Museum
- In Conversation: Sofia Valiente and Photo Students of Sherman Indian High School at Culver Center of the Arts
- Richard Wright and the Chicago Black Renaissance at Riverside Main Library Community Room
Tomorrow
- Courthouse, Murals and Heroes Walking Tour at Mission Inn Foundation ($23.18)
- Haggus at Riverside Municipal Auditorium ($47.54)
- Tech Assistance for Seniors at Arlington Library
- Tiny Tots and Pre Ballet at Riverside Ballet Arts ($25- $52)
Save the Date
- September 8: Icons in Transformation Ribbon Cutting and Gala at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Victoria Country Club ($75)
- September 10: Beginning Square Dance Lessons with Line Dancing at Cowtown Square Dance Center ($5- $7)
- September 13: 21st Annual Burnt Offerings BBQ at Magnolia Church
- September 14: Meet Ludmila Pawlowska, the artist behind Icons in Transformation at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Schools
- September 26: Concert Under the Stars at Private Residence ($200)
- October 6: Moon Festival at Heritage House
- October 15: Fifty & Better Health Fair at Janet Goeske Center
- October 18: The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Rideat Riverside Plaza ($15- $80)
- October 25: Friends of the Mission Inn Present: Nosferatu - a Silent Movie at The Mission Inn ($30- $35)
🗓️ See More Events 📝 Submit Your Event
Advertisement (Become an advertiser)
📸 Submit a photo to be featured in our newsletters and social media accounts.
🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.
