Wednesday Gazette: January 29, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday!
Tomorrow evening is the Mayor's State of the City address at the Convention Center. Amy and I will be there representing the Gazette; if you will be there, please come say hi because we love meeting readers. If you cannot attend, the event will be live-streamed on the City's social channels, and we'll have a recap for you on Friday morning.
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GOVERNMENT
Riverside Explores Safe Parking Program for Residents Living in Vehicles
The Housing and Homelessness Committee reviewed successful programs in other cities as potential models for Riverside's provision of secure lots, basic amenities, and pathways to permanent housing for unhoused community members.
The Riverside Housing and Homelessness Committee is exploring the implementation of a safe parking program to provide secure overnight parking and services for individuals living in their vehicles.
Driving the meeting: City officials presented an overview of safe parking programs operating throughout California, highlighting successful models in Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Los Angeles.
- These programs offer a homelessness intervention by providing safe parking spaces and connecting participants to resources.
Why it matters: The initiative aims to address the growing issue of vehicle homelessness in Riverside while providing essential services and support to those in need.
- Committee members expressed interest but raised concerns about funding, costs, and potential locations.
Proposed program features include:
- Application process and background checks
- On-site restrooms and showers
- Security guard services
- Prohibition of drug and alcohol use
What's next: City staff will develop proposals with different tiers and cost estimates within 60 days, focusing on specific subpopulations as requested by the committee.
- Community input sessions will be held before the proposals return to the committee for review.
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COMMUNITY
IE People’s History Looking for Community Participation in Upcoming Conference
The People's History Conference is returning for its second year at CSUSB, aiming to enhance the resolution and perspectives of the Inland Empire's historical record.
Driving the news: The conference aims to uncover "histories-from-below," focusing on marginalized communities' experiences in the Inland Empire, a region with over 4.6 million diverse residents.
- Submissions for academic presentations, community projects, and art projects are being accepted until February 3, 2025.
Why it matters: The conference bridges academic research, creative expression, and community activism, fostering collaboration among scholars, historians, artists, activists, and students.
- It contributes to developing localized ethnic studies curricula for educators, ensuring diverse histories are integrated into educational settings.
The big picture: The Inland Empire plays a pivotal role in the development of California, the American West, and the United States.
- The conference explores critical issues through a historical lens, telling stories from the perspective of affected communities.
What's next: Organizers plan to produce an edited volume of essays from conference participants, further solidifying the event's contribution to scholarship on the Inland Empire.
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GARDENING
Rare Fruit Growers Host Workshops at Land Use Center
A Scion exchange and a seminar on Fruit Cocktail Trees are among the planned activities.
The California Rare Fruit Growers Inland Empire Chapter is hosting a free workshop on scion exchange and backyard fruit growing this Saturday in Riverside. The event offers hands-on learning opportunities for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Driving the news: The workshop, held at the Land Use Learning Center, will feature two informative sessions on fruiting vines, cocktail trees, and scion exchange techniques.
- Attendees will learn how to create multi-grafted "fruit cocktail trees" that produce various fruits.
Why it matters: This event provides a unique opportunity for local gardeners to expand their knowledge and connect with the gardening community.
- Priority will be given to California Rare Fruit Growers members and scion donors.
The details: The workshop takes place on Saturday, February 1st, from 10:00 AM to 1:45 PM at 4500 Glenwood Dr., Riverside, CA 92501.
Go deeper: Interested participants can contact the Land Use Learning Center at (951) 683-7691 ext. 207 for more information.
What they're saying: "We are happy to have Inland Empire Rare Fruit Growers here at the Land Use Learning Center. They are an excellent resource and present a great opportunity for local gardeners," says Jenny Iyer, Public Affairs Manager at RCRCD.
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What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Certified Farmers Market at 10th & Lemon Streets
- Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
- Commission on Aging at Riverside City Hall
- Zine-Making with Found Materials at Marcy Library
- Homegrown Heroes at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
- The Book of Mormon at Fox Performing Arts Center
Tomorrow
- R'Pantry 10th Anniversary at UCR
- Men's Basketball vs. UC Davis at SRC Arena
- The State of the City Address- 2025 at Riverside Convention Center
Save the Date
- February 1: Riverside Arts Academy: Rising Stars Gala at Coil School for the Arts ($125 - $175)
- February 19: Galentine's Day - Women's Health Event at Janet Goeske Center
- March 7: Pardi Gras Pub Crawl 2025 at Loft 84 ($35)
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