A Riverside sunset paints Lake Evans at Fairmount Park in warm golden hues, a serene close to the day (Riverside Pictures. Past and Present.../Khamsay Vorakoumane). Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Wednesday Gazette: August 6, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! We’ve been lucky with a mild summer so far, but things are starting to heat up. As temperatures rise, it’s a good time to brush up on how to stay safe in the sun. The City's extreme heat tips cover everything from staying hydrated and protecting pets to knowing where to find local cooling centers when you need a break from the heat.
And don’t forget—Riverside’s summer pools are still open through August 14, a perfect way to cool off while the weather climbs. Stay safe, stay cool and enjoy the rest of summer.
August ArtsWalk Features Literary Celebrations, Gallery Debuts and Jazz by the Riverside Concert Band
One last weeknight event before the kids go back to school. Pro tip: The Cheech might have the best air conditioning in Downtown.
The Riverside Art Museum, once a YWCA facility designed by Julia Morgan, the AIA Gold Medal-winning architect behind Hearst Castle, is a stunning work of art itself and home to inspiring exhibits and free to explore on ArtsWalk nights. (Ken Crawford)
We’re excited for all of the ArtsWalks, and there is so much going on at this August edition. The kids’ first day of school will be so much cooler with some handmade earrings or a keychain to decorate the backpack. Enjoy live music from the Riverside Concert Band performing under the breezeway of the newly landmarked City Hall, browse the Anniversary Show at RCAA Arts Center and the vibrant artistic culture of Oaxaca at Urge Palette / Pain Sugar Gallery, check out YONKE at Division 9 Gallery, and visit The Cheech for a clothing exchange and resource walk supporting LGBTQ youth. Plus, meet local indie authors at the Inlandia Indie Author Book Market and celebrate the grand opening of Downtowne Bookstore “Chapter Two.”
New Wayfinding Signs Enrich Experience on Santa Ana River Trail
Nearly 250 markers installed along 20-mile Riverside County section help riders navigate cross-county route.
Maps, mile markers and other signs help travelers on the Santa Ana River Trail keep their bearings. This sign is at the northern end of Tyler Avenue. (Ken Crawford)
New signage system aims to enhance navigation and user experience along 20 miles of the multi-county route. The project, funded by American Rescue Plan Act money, addresses long-standing challenges for trail users.
Driving the news: County officials celebrated the completion of the wayfinding project on May 9 at Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park, marking a significant improvement for the trail system.
The project installed 230 new markers, including mileage indicators, directional signs, and interpretive panels.
Why it matters: The Santa Ana River Trail, once completed, will span 110 miles across three counties, potentially confusing long-distance cyclists and hikers.
The new uniform signage system aims to create consistency across jurisdictional boundaries.
The big picture: The project implements guidelines developed in 2011 by the Santa Ana River Technical Advisory Committee, calling for markers every quarter- to half-mile along the entire route.
Officials estimate 250 to 300 individual markers will be needed when all sections are connected.
What's next: Two major gaps in the trail system remain, requiring users to navigate city streets in some areas.
San Bernardino County continues work on northern segments near the mountains, while Orange County has already completed its 30-mile section.
Students from a youth leadership program spanning Coachella Valley to Riverside's west end took over City Hall for a day, presenting ordinances addressing community struggles to Mayor Lock Dawson, who called it "a privilege to meet our next generation of leaders."
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Young entrepreneur’s lemonade stand wins community support, Downtowne Bookstore opens a new concept space, and crape myrtles burst into bloom across Riverside.
Baseball memories wanted for a special history project, August brings art, sports, and parades, and Riverside seeks final input on future housing designs.
