🍊 Wednesday Gazette: February 12, 2025

Wednesday Gazette: February 12, 2025

Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday!

We've got a jam-packed issue for you this morning, so we'll jump right into it. And as always, we can't do this work alone – if you are aware of newsworthy activity in town, please email tips@raincrossgazette.com to make sure it's on our radar. And if you know of an event that should be on our calendar, please add it yourself (it's free!) or encourage event organizers to publish the event to get it in front of our readers.

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BUSINESS

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Riverside

Find the best places to enjoy romance, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences this Valentine’s Day, from sunset views to a cozy coffee date.

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and Riverside has plenty of ways to celebrate. Lock in your love downtown, watch a sunset with a sweet treat, or share something special—whether it’s tacos, cocktails, or a cozy coffee date. For a unique twist, take a romantic tour, pick up a custom bouquet, or try a hands-on experience together. However you spend the day, Riverside has something to make it unforgettable.

Explore Our Full Guide to Valentine's Day in Riverside...

EVENTS

The Dickens Festival Returns Downtown to New White Park Location

The February 22nd event has a long history and deep connection with Riverside.

The Riverside Dickens Festival is coming back to Downtown Riverside on Saturday, February 22, bringing Victorian-era charm to the city. The event, which celebrates Charles Dickens and the literary culture of his time, will move from the Jensen Alvarado Ranch to White Park.

Driving the news: The festival's return to Downtown marks a significant moment for Riverside, reconnecting the city with its Victorian roots and cultural heritage.

• Councilperson Phillip Falcone expresses excitement about the festival's homecoming, highlighting its importance as a signature downtown event.

Why it matters: The Dickens Festival offers a unique blend of history, literature, and community engagement, reflecting Riverside's early development and Victorian influences.

• The event provides an immersive experience, allowing attendees to step back in time and interact with costumed characters from Dickens' works.

The details: Festival-goers can enjoy live music, theatrical performances, street artists, and a marketplace offering crafts, books, and gifts.

• Tickets are priced at $20 for adults (12 and above) and $35 for couples.

Background: Founded in 1992, the Riverside Dickens Festival has become a beloved tradition, organized by volunteers passionate about Dickens and history.

• The festival celebrates the author who created iconic characters like Oliver Twist and Ebenezer Scrooge, shaping our perception of Victorian England.

Read or share the complete story...

SPORTS

Arlington Boys Soccer Makes CIF Open Division Playoffs For Second-Year

Open division is an elite division and puts Arlington among the best teams in the nation.

Arlington High School's soccer team has secured a spot in the CIF-SS Open Division playoffs for the second consecutive year, solidifying their status as an elite program.

Driving the news: The Lions have overcome significant challenges, including a more competitive league and the loss of key players, to earn their place among the top teams in the region.

• Junior Hugo Chavez has stepped up, leading the team with 19 goals and 14 assists.

Why it matters: Arlington's inclusion in the Open Division demonstrates their consistent excellence and ability to compete at the highest level of high school soccer.

• They join Mater Dei, JSerra, and Mira Costa HS as the only four programs to participate in the Open Division in its first two years.

What's next: Arlington, seeded 8th, will face top-ranked JSerra Catholic School in the first leg of the CIF Open Division Quarterfinals.

• The match is scheduled for Thursday, February 13th, at 6:00 p.m. at Arlington HS.

The bottom line: Coach Kevin Watson praises his team's resilience and commitment, emphasizing their determination to make Riverside proud in the upcoming playoff battle.

Read or share the complete story...

NATURALLY RIVERSIDE

Love, Acorns, and Drama: The Wild Romances of Riverside’s Favorite Woodpecker

This Valentine’s Day, take a closer look at the Acorn Woodpecker—Riverside’s most social (and scandalous) bird, where love, family, and survival are all part of the story.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, love is in the air. Literally, in particular, Riverside’s favorite woodpecker is out and about collecting acorns in anticipation of the mating season. And mating arrangements for Acorn Woodpeckers are the stuff of soap operas. It takes a little background to appreciate the romances of Acorn Woodpeckers and how unusual they are…

Read or share the complete story...

NEWS

Riverside Named as #2 Most-Likely Location For NFL Expansion

Critics see adding third team to the Los Angeles market unlikely.

A new study has ignited excitement among Inland Empire football fans, naming Riverside as a top contender for potential NFL expansion.

Driving the news: A Windfall study cited by AOL.com ranks Riverside as the second most promising metro area for NFL expansion, behind Austin and ahead of Orlando.

• Riverside is currently the largest U.S. metro area without a first-division pro sports team.

Why it matters: An NFL franchise in Riverside could bring significant economic benefits, boost local businesses, and foster community pride.

• The prospect of tailgating traditions and local rivalries has fans buzzing with anticipation.

The challenge: Riverside's proximity to Los Angeles, home to the Rams and Chargers, raises questions about carving out a distinct fan base in a saturated market.

What's next: While NFL expansion is a complex process, Riverside's high ranking in the study keeps hope alive for local football enthusiasts.

• The conversation is expected to continue until the NFL Draft in April, giving fans plenty to discuss at the water cooler.

Read or share the complete story...

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Noteworthy

Average Riverside County gas prices jumped 3.1 cents to $4.555 per gallon this yesterday, marking the largest single-day increase since April and the highest amount since July 31 continuing a two-week upward trend driven by West Coast refinery issues.

The RUSD Board has declined to advance discussions on a controversial parental notification policy similar to one adopted by Chino Valley Unified, despite support from Trustee Amanda Vickers.

What's Happening in Riverside

Today

• Certified Farmers Market at 10th & Lemon Streets
• Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
• Stretch & Dance Class at Janet Goeske Senior Center
• Commission of the Deaf at Riverside City Hall
• Finance Committee at Riverside City Hall
• Softball at California Baptist at California Baptist
• Mission Grove Neighborhood Alliance Monthly Meeting at Orange Terrace Community Center
• One Piece T.C.G. (trading card game) - Beer Wars at Euryale Brewing Company

Tomorrow

• Airport Commission at Riverside City Hall
• Budget Engagement Commission at Riverside City Hall
• Mobility and Infrastructure Committee at Riverside City Hall
• Planning Commission at Riverside City Hall
• Rio Da Yung OG at Riverside Municipal Auditorium ($30 - $50)
• UC Davis Aggies at UCR Highlanders Womens Basketball at SRC Arena
• UT Arlington Mavericks at CBU Lancers Womens Basketball at Fowler Events Center
• Women's Basketball vs. UC Davis at SRC Arena
• Valentine's Paint and Sip at Tacos al Fuego

Save the Date

• February 19: Galentine's Day - Women's Health Event at Janet Goeske Center
• February 28: Booker T. Washington - Frank A. Miller Tablet Dedication at Mt. Rubidoux Summit
• February 28: DOT by Colman Domingo at The Box Riverside ($22 - $25)
• March 1: An Evening at the Fox at Fox Performing Arts Center
• March 7: Pardi Gras Pub Crawl 2025 at Loft 84 Wedding & Event Center ($35)

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