Sunset over Via Vista: a fiery sky greets tropical clouds rolling in from the west—Riverside’s summer nights don’t ask for attention, they command it. (Bob Sirotnik)
Tuesday Gazette: June 3, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Tuesday! Today’s the day—our June Raincross Rundown is out! 🎉 Check out our curated list of events and happenings we’re most excited about this gateway-to-summer month. Don’t see something that interests you? Browse even more options on our community calendar.
A curated list of upcoming events and happenings The Gazette team is most excited about.
June starts off a busy summer schedule in Riverside. (Ken Crawford)
June in Riverside brings big names, bold art, and plenty of community connection. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson kicks things off with a science-meets-cinema event at the Fox, followed by ArtsWalk, Pride Month programming, and new exhibitions at The Cheech. Celebrate Juneteenth at Hunt Park, enjoy free museum Sundays, groove at Concerts in the Park, or catch an outdoor film at Farm House Collective. From weird (hello, “Weird Al”) to wonderful (hello, RCC Film Festival and classic car meet-ups), there’s no shortage of reasons to get out and explore.
Riverside Reports Success in Curbing Homelessness Growth Through Prevention Programs
City officials credit collaboration with county partners and targeted prevention efforts for stabilizing homeless population, achieving "functional zero" for youth homelessness.
Mulberry Village, a model of supportive housing in Downtown—providing safety, dignity, and a fresh start for formerly unhoused residents. (Courtesy of the City of Riverside)
Riverside has achieved "functional zero" for youth homelessness and is making strides in addressing the issue across all demographics. The city's collaborative efforts with local organizations and focus on prevention have led to a decrease in overall homelessness numbers.
Driving the news: The 2024 Point in Time Count revealed 473 homeless individuals in shelters, an improvement from previous years.
Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson credits the success to intentional, demographic-specific resource allocation and partnerships with 18 different organizations.
Why it matters: The city's approach serves as a model for other municipalities in Riverside County, demonstrating the effectiveness of multi-faceted strategies in combating homelessness.
Mayor Pro Tem Sean Mill emphasizes that no single approach can solve the issue, highlighting the importance of diverse tactics.
The big picture: Seniors over 55 now represent the largest homeless demographic in Riverside, prompting officials to apply successful youth-focused strategies to this age group.
21% of unsheltered individuals have been homeless for less than a year, with job loss, low income, and housing disruptions as primary causes.
What's next: City officials urge those facing economic crises to seek help from the Family Research Center at Riverside Unified School District or the city's Housing and Human Services department.
Riverside Middle School Students Advance to National History Day Finals
Georgia Nunez-Corvera and Layla Wescott won state championships with projects on Sesame Street's educational impact and disability rights protests.
Georgia Nunez-Corvera and Layla Wescott will be competing in the National Finals of the History Day competition. (Courtesy of William Wescott and Annie Nunez)
Two Riverside Unified School District students will compete at the National History Day competition in Maryland after winning state championships in Sacramento.
Driving the news: Georgia Nunez-Corvera of Sierra Middle School and Layla Wescott of Amelia Earhart Middle School won in their respective categories, advancing from a pool of 1,500 participants across California.
The national competition will take place June 8-12 at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Why it matters: These students' projects tackle significant social issues, showcasing Riverside's commitment to education and social awareness.
Nunez-Corvera's exhibit explores Sesame Street's role in educational rights, while Wescott's website documents the 1977 disability rights protests.
The big picture: Nearly 3,000 students from across the U.S. and international schools will compete at the national level.
Winners receive cash prizes and special recognition, with first-place winners earning $1,000 and the title of National Endowment for the Humanities Scholars.
What's next: Judging will occur on June 9, with an awards ceremony on June 12 at the Xfinity Center.
The Riverside community eagerly anticipates the results, proud of its students' dedication to historical research and social justice issues.
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