The pedestrian bridge over Lime Street between 10th and 12th streets is getting a colorful makeover. (Ken Crawford)
Tuesday Gazette: June 24, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Tuesday! We’re less than a week away from our Toast to 10,000 Subscribers—happening Monday, June 30 at 6:00 p.m. at Bar Ni Modo! If you’re planning to join us, don’t forget to RSVP for your free drink ticket.
Also this week, two new murals are underway Downtown as part of Riverside’s commitment to arts and innovation. Local artists are honoring Aaron Norris with a memorial mural at Lemon and University, while a second team adds bold color to the Lime Street pedestrian bridge. We’ll be following both projects as they come to life!
Smudge Pots Rallied from 8-1 Deficit to Beat Temecula 17-10
Two-time champions opened 2025 season with stunning comeback victory in vintage baseball opener.
The 2025 Smudge Pots in their new “Orange Crush” uniforms. (Courtesy of Riverside Smudge Pots)
The Riverside Smudge Pots, two-time Southern California Vintage Base Ball League champions, kicked off their 2025 season with a dramatic 17-10 comeback victory over the Temecula Dear Bros. The team overcame an 8-1 deficit in a game played under 1886 rules with period-appropriate equipment and uniforms.
Driving the news: The Smudge Pots debuted new orange "City Connect" alternate uniforms, adding flair to their vintage-style play.
The team is actively seeking a new home field for their Aug. 21 home opener, planning a major community event.
Why it matters: The Smudge Pots are part of a growing vintage baseball movement, offering a unique blend of sports history and community entertainment.
The league, founded in 2018, now boasts eight teams across Southern California.
The big picture: Team founder Chris "The Curator" Johnson aims to create an immersive old-timey experience for fans, complete with concessions, merchandise, and musical acts.
What's next: The Smudge Pots are working with parks and recreation to secure a field for their home opener, with details expected in the coming month.
Riverside's Best Muralists Tackle Concurrent Downtown Projects
Memorial project and beautification effort part of citywide commitment to arts and innovation.
Local artists working on dueling murals on Sunday Night, downtown. (Ken Crawford)
Two pairs of artists are working on separate mural projects in Downtown during evening hours, adding vibrant public art to the city's landscape.
Driving the news: Mano Mirande and Jerry Williams are creating a memorial mural for Aaron Norris, while Juan Navarro and Patrick Barwinski are beautifying a pedestrian bridge near the justice center.
Both projects are part of Riverside's commitment to arts and innovation.
Why it matters: These murals contribute to the city's ongoing efforts to enhance public spaces and promote local artistic talent.
The evening work schedule allows residents to view the art in progress while avoiding daytime heat and crowds.
What's next: The Gazette will continue to follow the progress of both murals through completion.
Residents are encouraged to visit the sites during evening hours to witness the artistic process firsthand.
Riverside Light Parade Founders Launch Affordable E-Bike Program
Monthly community ride organizers, John and GiGi Arnold, partner with local shop to offer $400 e-bikes, making participation more accessible.
GiGi and John Arnold on their new Riverside Light Parade E-bikes. (Ken Crawford)
Riverside's monthly Light Parade organizers John and GiGi Arnold partner with C&B Pack and Ship to offer affordable e-bike rentals and sales, starting at $400, to increase community participation.
Driving the news: The Arnolds obtained a dealer's license after multiple companies approached them about the parade's growth, choosing to focus on accessibility rather than traditional sponsorship deals.
The new e-bikes feature 500-watt motors, 50-mile ranges, and fold for easy storage.
Why it matters: The Light Parade, drawing about 300 riders monthly, aims to create positive community activities in Riverside.
Participants decorate their bikes with lights for evening rides through the city.
The details: Orlando from C&B Pack and Ship in Pine Center handles sales from his store location, allowing the Light Parade organizers to offer equipment without operating a traditional bike shop.
The e-bikes have a 350-pound weight capacity and reach speeds up to 24 mph, with safety features like alarms and auto-start functions.
What's next: The next Light Parade is scheduled for this Saturday evening at the Historic Riverside Courthouse.
Riverside residents can help shape the future of Fairmount Park at a community visioning session Thursday, June 26 from 5-8 p.m. at The Armory, or by completing an online survey to share ideas for the park's master plan.
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