Correction.

In the previous version of Eat This Riverside: Outstanding Italo-Argentine Ice Cream at Benedetto Gelato, it was stated that Italy has 21 regioni; the correct number is 20.

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.

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.

GOVERNMENT

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.

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.

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POLITICS

Braver Angels Forms New Riverside Alliance to Bridge Political Divides

Local chapter launches with commitment to fostering civil dialogue across political divides.

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.

• Interested residents can learn more on the group's Facebook page or at braverangels.org.

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COMMUNITY

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.

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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Noteworthy

RCRCD educator Erin Snyder, who spent 24 years teaching environmental stewardship through programs like California Naturalist courses and Project Learning Tree, has passed away, with the district planning a scholarship in her honor.

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What's Happening in Riverside

Today

• City Council at Riverside City Hall
• Reading Assistance Program at My Learning Studio ($79- $85)
• Teaching Creative Writing: A Conversation at Inlandia Institute ($10- $50)
• Civil Engineering and Construction Management Summer Camp at CBU ($200)
• Inland Empire Chorus Rehearsal at Temple Beth El Synagogue
• Tuesday Karaoke at The Hideaway

Tomorrow

• Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
• Stretch & Dance at Janet Goeske Senior Center
• World Snake Day at Heritage House at Heritage House
• Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee at Riverside City Hall
• California Joe: Adventure Magic Show at Marcy Library
• Bunco Nite at The American Legion Post 79 ($15)
• Riverside Open Mic Music Series at Back to the Grind

Save The Date

• July 21: Bingo at the Janet Goeske Center at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
• July 26: Bye Bye Summer Bash at First United Methodist Church of Riverside
• October 18: The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Ride at Riverside Plaza ($15- $80)

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