Wednesday Gazette: July 16, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! I would love to get your feedback on our corrections policy. When we make mistakes, we not only issue a correction in the article, but we also announce corrections at the top of our newsletters, like yesterday's edition correcting an incorrect Italian regioni tally in Sunday's review of Benedetto Gelato. Personally, I far prefer to deal with my mistakes by stuffing my face with gelato.
You probably wouldn't be surprised that Americans' trust in media is at its lowest point in five decades, and as a small upstart newsroom with no trained journalists on staff (yet!), it's a given that we will make mistakes. I've designed our current corrections policy to maximize transparency, but we often hear from readers that our top-of-newsletter corrections are overkill or get in the way of the news we're publishing. I am committed that the Gazette will operate with integrity, so if I were to make a change in our policy, I would like to do so with more of your feedback. If you have any thoughts at all about how we handle our mistakes, please reply to this email and share them for our consideration. Thanks!
POLTICS
Aram Ayra Announces Bid for Ward 2 City Council Seat
After unsuccessful 2021 bid, Ayra returns with experience as Budget Commissioner and nonprofit director.
Aram Ayra, Budget Engagement Commissioner and nonprofit leader, officially announced his campaign for Riverside's Ward 2 City Council seat. The move follows Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes' decision not to seek re-election in 2026.
Driving the news: Ayra's campaign focuses on balanced, results-driven solutions to improve residents' daily lives and strengthen the local economy.
- He emphasizes public safety, homelessness, housing options, and fire prevention as key priorities.
Why it matters: If elected, Ayra would become the first Armenian-American to serve on the City Council, potentially bringing fresh perspectives to local governance.
- His experience includes roles in city commissions, nonprofit work, and community organizing.
The big picture: Ayra sees Ward 2 as positioned to lead economic transformation, citing institutions like UC Riverside and the California Air Resources Board.
- He advocates for diversifying the economy while acknowledging warehouses' current role.
What's next: Ayra plans to focus on development that creates good-paying jobs and reinvestment along the University Avenue corridor.
- He aims to better connect UC Riverside's 25,000-strong student population with the city's future.
Read and share the complete story...
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COMMUNITY
Spirit Halloween to Open Temporarily in Future High-End Liquor Store Location
Local entrepreneur Jazz Patel plans premium retail concept for Magnolia Avenue space after party store vacates.
A former party supply store on Magnolia Avenue is getting a temporary Halloween makeover while entrepreneur Jazz Patel prepares to launch a high-end liquor store concept in the space.
Driving the news: Spirit Halloween has leased the building short-term, bridging the gap until construction begins on Patel's ambitious retail project.
- Patel aims to replicate and expand on his successful El Cerrito Liquor formula, which has become a regional destination for premium spirits and craft beers.
Why it matters: The new store represents a growing trend of unique, locally owned businesses in the Midtown/Magnolia Center area, potentially attracting affluent customers from across the Inland Empire.
- Plans reportedly include tasting rooms and entertainment lounges alongside the retail operation.
The other side: Some community members have expressed concerns about adding another liquor store to the neighborhood, questioning its necessity and potential impact on existing businesses.
What's next: Construction on the new liquor store will begin after Spirit Halloween's lease expires, with Patel's vision for a premium retail experience taking shape.
- Specific details about the store's name, timeline, and buildout plans are yet to be revealed.
Read and share the complete story...
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Noteworthy
CBU outfielder Nicholas Dumesnil, the 2025 WAC Player of the Year, was selected by the Detroit Tigers with the 249th overall pick in the eighth round of the MLB Draft.
Fox 11 spotlighted Riverside's Altura Credit Union Community Gallery Tuesday, showcasing local artists' works on display at The Cheech, where the dedicated gallery space features rotating exhibitions celebrating homegrown talent.
Riverside County's Youth Advisory Council is recruiting high school students, including homeschoolers, for its annual retreat featuring motivational speakers, interactive activities, and opportunities to influence county youth policies.
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What's Happening in Riverside
Today
- Riverside East Rotary Club at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern
- Stretch & Dance at Janet Goeske Senior Center
- World Snake Day at Heritage House at Heritage House
- Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee at Riverside City Hall
- California Joe: Adventure Magic Show at Marcy Library
- Bunco Nite at The American Legion Post 79 ($15)
- Riverside Open Mic Music Series at Back to the Grind
Tomorrow
- Reading + Math = Fun! at My Learning Studio ($57- $67)
- Lego Day at Marcy Library at Marcy Library
- Economic Development Committee at Riverside City Hall
- Planning Commission at Riverside City Hall
- Good Trouble Lives on in Riverside at Riverside Main Library
Save the Date
- July 21: Bingo at the Janet Goeske Center at Janet Goeske Center ($20- $100)
- July 26: Bye Bye Summer Bash at First United Methodist Church of Riverside
- October 18: The Riverside Citrus Classic Bike Ride at Riverside Plaza ($15- $80)
🗓️ See More Events 📝 Submit Your Event
📸 Submit a photo to be featured in our newsletters and social media accounts.
🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.
