🍊 Tuesday Gazette: June 24, 2025

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!

SPORTS

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 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.

Read and share the complete story...

Advertisement (Become an advertiser)

ART

Riverside's Best Muralists Tackle Concurrent Downtown Projects

Memorial project and beautification effort part of citywide commitment to arts and innovation.

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.

Read and share the complete story...

COMMUNITY

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.

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.

Read and share the complete story...

Advertisement (Become an advertiser)

Noteworthy

A man who locked himself in a McDonald's restroom on Indiana Avenue died at a local hospital after becoming combative with officers and experiencing medical distress during a trespassing arrest Friday morning, prompting a multi-agency investigation.

The Rotary Club of Riverside awarded $52,000 in scholarships to 52 deserving seniors from Poly and Ramona High Schools, providing each student $1,000 to support their college education.

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.

Advertisement (Become an advertiser)

What's Happening in Riverside

Today

• Riverside Magnolia Farmers Market at Riverside Magnolia Farmers Market
• Study Skills & Test Taking at My Learning Studio (Free- $75)
• Reading Assistance Program at My Learning Studio ($79- $85)
• Riverside County Board of Supervisors Meeting at County Administrative Center
• 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
• 2025 Southern California Contracting Conference at Riverside Convention Center
• Half-Price Hysteria at Pet Adoption Center Thrift Store at Pet Adoption Center Thrift Store
• Sunday Movie Matinee at La Sierra Library
• Riverside Open Mic Music Series at Back to the Grind
• Deep Creek Fly Fishers Club Meeting at Izaak Walton Bldg at Fairmount Park

Save The Date

• June 27: Museum of Riverside Groundbreaking at Museum of Riverside
• June 30: Raise a Glass with The Raincross Gazette: Celebrating 10,000 Subscribers at Bar Ni Modo at The Farmhouse Collective
• July 1: Aaron Norris Creative Fund Annual Grants & Scholarships Awards at Riverside County Office of Education
• October 18: The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Rideat Riverside Plaza ($15- $80)

🗓️ See More Events     📝 Submit Your Event

📸 Submit a photo to be featured in our newsletters and social media accounts.

🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.