This is the 13th correction in Raincross Gazette’s 235-week history and our first correction since June 26, 2025. We began tracking corrections in January 2025 and placed them at the top of our newsletter to maximize transparency with readers.
The Riverside Arts and Culture mural at 5th and Main brings the city’s landmarks to life—an illustrated map of Downtown that celebrates our historic districts, local icons, and citrus heritage. (Bob Sirotinik)
Tuesday Gazette: July 15, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Tuesday! Today is Talk to Us Day—a reminder that conversations, especially the simple ones, matter. Whether it’s sharing a story, offering feedback or just saying hello, we love hearing from the people who make Riverside what it is.
As a reader-supported newsroom, your voice truly shapes what we do. Got a story tip, idea or neighbor worth highlighting? Hit reply and talk to us—we're all ears.
City Council to Reconsider Cannabis Location Restrictions After Failed June Vote
After cutting permits in half, Council considers rules that would ban retailers from Downtown and Midtown, create 1,000-foot buffers around parks.
The former Hawaii Swimwear shop at 3652 Van Buren Blvd is among properties purchased by cannabis retail applicants who now face uncertainty as the City Council reconsiders location restrictions.
Riverside's City Council will vote Tuesday on stricter cannabis business regulations, including 1,000-foot buffer zones around parks and bans in Downtown and Midtown areas. The proposal follows a failed 3-2 vote last month and March's decision to reduce citywide permits from 14 to seven.
Driving the news: The new regulations would limit cannabis retailers to one per Council Ward and establish minimum distances between businesses, significantly reducing potential locations.
The amendments also propose a 1,000-foot buffer between cannabis retailers and public parks, up from the initially suggested 600 feet.
Why it matters: The restrictions aim to address concerns about the concentration of cannabis businesses in certain areas and potential safety impacts.
The police department cited increased service calls around cannabis outlets and illegal sales by tobacco retailers.
The big picture: The proposed changes have sparked controversy, with some council members opposing the exclusion of large neighborhoods from cannabis retail.
Applicants who have already invested in the process warn of potential legal action against the city.
What's next: If approved, the new regulations would significantly reshape the landscape for cannabis businesses in Riverside, limiting their operational areas and potentially impacting the local cannabis industry.
Braver Angels Forms New Riverside Alliance to Bridge Political Divides
Local chapter launches with commitment to fostering civil dialogue across political divides.
Members of Riverside’s new Braver Angels Alliance gathered July 12 to launch their chapter, aiming to bridge political divides through civil dialogue. (Michael J. Elderman)
A new Braver Angels chapter has formed in Riverside, bringing together residents committed to reducing political polarization through civil dialogue. Nine members attended the inaugural meeting on July 12 at Crest Community Church, pledging to work on the initiative.
Driving the news: Co-chairs Chani Beeman and Rich Vandenberg will lead the Riverside Alliance for its first year, building on momentum from a successful workshop held in February.
The national nonprofit, founded in 2016, takes its name from Abraham Lincoln's first inaugural address.
Why it matters: The alliance aims to help community members engage constructively across political differences, hosting events and activities to foster understanding.
Vandenberg emphasized that the goal is "not to change what people believe but to change how they see one another."
The big picture: Beeman and Vandenberg, who come from different political backgrounds, exemplify the organization's approach by building a strong relationship based on their shared love of Riverside.
What's next: The alliance plans to announce details about upcoming programs as it develops local initiatives.
Back from the Road: There is Magic on the Highways
Traveling by car offers freedom of movement and also forces you to go through what is usually passed over.
The Gazette’s own Ken outside the U.S. Mint in Denver, a stop on his family’s summer road trip. (Ken Crawford)
I’m just getting back into town and the rhythm of work after a week on the road with my wife and my younger son. I don’t fear flying, but I love the road trip. The road trip forces you to see all of America, not just the parts we like to brag about. We started in Riverside and made our way through the desert Southwest, and somewhere on the Santa Fe Trail toward Raton, I went 45 minutes in broad daylight without seeing another car. Just me and this ancient American trail cutting through the high desert that looked the same as when it was a wagon route. You can't get that wide-open solitude any other way except when driving.
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