Tuesday Gazette: September 30, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Tuesday! Tomorrow at 4:00 p.m., we celebrate the extraordinary spirit of Meliia, the 9-year-old Ukrainian refugee who has captured Riverside's heart with her lemonade stand on Victoria Avenue.
Even through triple-digit heat, this determined young entrepreneur keeps her stand open because she knows her neighbors are counting on her. What began as her discovery that American children could run their own businesses has blossomed into something beautiful – a testament to the power of hard work and dreams. While selling lemonade to fund her Disney dreams, Meliia has also created over 167 handmade dragons, turning her entrepreneurial venture into an artistic endeavor.
Her story reminds us that the American Dream lives on in the most unexpected places – one cup of lemonade at a time. Join us and the Riverside Chamber of Commerce tomorrow as we officially recognize this remarkable young business owner who embodies everything our community values: determination, creativity, and the courage to create opportunity rather than wait for it.
See you there!
HIGHER EDUCATION
Pioneering UCR-RCCD partnership opens 1,500-bed student housing complex to community college students
Pioneering UCR-RCCD partnership opens 1,500-bed student housing complex to community college students
A $347.8 million student housing complex opened at UC Riverside, marking the first time a UC campus has welcomed community college students to its residence halls. The North District 2 complex offers 1,568 beds, with half of its below-market units reserved for Riverside Community College District students on transfer pathways.
Driving the news: The innovative partnership addresses housing insecurity among community college students while providing them access to university facilities and campus life.
- RCCD selected 248 residents from 1,000 applicants, who must meet specific academic and transfer-oriented criteria.
Why it matters: The project expands access to higher education and creates supportive living environments for student success, according to UCR Chancellor S. Jack Hu.
- It allows community college students to envision their future at a four-year university while completing their associate degrees.
By the numbers: The complex features 652 below-market beds priced at $750 to $850 monthly, with the remaining 916 beds renting at standard campus rates of $1,300 to $1,700.
What's next: UCR has added nearly 4,000 beds over five years, increasing on-campus housing from 32% to 35% of students, with room for future expansion on the North District tract.
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SPORTS
The last friendly derby
UCR, CBU close exhibition era with forgettable 1-1 draw before joining same conference
Friday night’s rain-soaked 1-1 draw between UC Riverside and California Baptist wasn’t much to remember. Twenty minutes lost to weather, uninspiring soccer from both sides, and CBU’s Liam Jones getting his first taste of artificial turf in less-than-ideal conditions.
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What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- 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 Class at Janet Goeske Senior Center
- Free Reading Assistance Program at My Learning Studio
- Men's Soccer vs. CSUN at UCR Soccer Stadium
- Riverside Mission Belles at Victoria Presbyterian Church
- Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Meliia's Lemonade Stand at Corner of Jane and Victoria
- Riverside Open Mic Music Series at Back to the Grind
- Twilight in Concert at Fox Performing Arts Center
Save The Date
- October 4: Tombstone Cinema: Hocus Pocus 2 at Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery ($15)
- October 5: Free Christian Art Exhibit: Icons in Transformation at Immanuel Lutheran Church
- October 5: Full Circle Players Fall Repertory Productions at The Box Riverside ($22- $25)
- October 5: Local History Book Fair and Silent Auction at Riverside City Hall
- October 6: Moon Festival at Heritage House
- October 15: Fifty & Better Health Fair at Janet Goeske Center
- October 18: Pink on Parade Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at Ryan Bonaminio Park ($22.20 - $32.80)
- October 18: The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Ride at Riverside Plaza ($15- $80)
- October 25: Aquamotion Aquathon at Shamel Park Pool
- October 25: Friends of the Mission Inn Present: Nosferatu - a Silent Movie at The Mission Inn ($30- $35)
- November 15: NORA's 44th Annual Dinner & Auction Gala at Victoria Club ($175)
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🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.
