Correction.
In Monday’s article, the headline incorrectly stated that the Budget Engagement Commission approved $62 million for a new police headquarters. The commission does not have the authority to approve or disapprove funding. It reviewed and discussed the proposal as part of its advisory role.
This is the 10th correction in Raincross Gazette’s 232-week history and our first correction since March 28, 2025. We began tracking corrections in January 2025 and placed them at the top of our newsletter to maximize transparency with readers.
Wednesday Gazette: June 18, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! Heads up, neighbors—if you catch the scent of smoke in the air this week, don’t worry. The Riverside Fire Department is conducting prescribed burns in the Sycamore Canyon area June 17–19 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. These planned burns are part of a strategic effort to manage vegetation and reduce the risk of wildfires. You may notice some drift smoke, but it’s all part of keeping our city safer.
COMMUNITY
Riverside Organizations Host Juneteenth Events Celebrating History and Emphasizing Ongoing Struggle
B.L.A.C.K. Collective and Inland Civil Rights present celebrations this week combining historical reenactments, performances and calls to action.
Two Riverside groups are organizing Juneteenth events this week, offering historical reenactments, live performances, and cultural celebrations.
Driving the news: The B.L.A.C.K. Collective's 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and the Inland Civil Rights organization's "Rhythm in Action" program aim to commemorate the end of slavery while addressing ongoing struggles for equality.
- Both events feature local Black artists, vendors, and community voices.
Why it matters: Organizers frame the celebrations as acts of remembrance and resistance, highlighting the continued fight for true liberation and economic empowerment.
- Denise C. Booker of The B.L.A.C.K. Collective says, "We are tired of empty gestures, forgotten promises, and the illusion of inclusion."
The details: The B.L.A.C.K. Collective's event is on June 21 at Hunt Park, while the Inland Civil Rights organization's program is on June 19.
- Activities include historical reenactments, African libation ceremonies, and performances by local Black artists.
Go deeper: Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops announced the end of slavery in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
- The holiday became a federal observance in 2021.
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EDUCATION
MLK Graduate Joseph Or Takes Leadership Philosophy to Yale
From founding debate club to pioneering climate education research, the incoming Yale freshman has spent four years creating opportunities and driving change.
Joseph Or, a recent Martin Luther King High School graduate, is headed to Yale University with a track record of leadership and environmental advocacy. His high school career was marked by founding clubs, spearheading initiatives, and contributing to statewide curriculum development.
Driving the news: Or's accomplishments span from leading Speech and Debate and Model UN clubs to conducting climate education research and policy work at major institutions.
- He became the youngest credited contributor to a California Department of Education-sponsored curriculum.
Why it matters: Or's journey exemplifies the power of student initiative and the impact young leaders can have on their communities and beyond.
- His work on racial disparities in climate education has already influenced curriculum design across the Inland Empire.
The big picture: At Yale, Or plans to major in Ethics, Politics, and Economics on the pre-law track, building on his high school experiences.
- He encourages other students to create their own opportunities and "be an agent of initiative and change."
What's next: As Or prepares for Yale, he remains open to exploring new passions and continuing his path of self-improvement.
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Noteworthy
Riverside police arrested a 58-year-old man for allegedly striking a protester with his SUV on University Ave. Saturday night, leaving the woman in critical condition, while also charging a 39-year-old woman for destroying evidence; anyone with additional information should contact Detective Mike Smith.
The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory for Riverside County through tonight, Wednesday at 8 PM, warning of 90-degree temperatures that pose moderate heat illness risks across the Inland Empire valleys and mountains below 4,500 feet.
UC Riverside researchers discovered that mitochondrial dysfunction in brain cells contributes to MS-related mobility problems, affecting 80% of patients worldwide, according to findings published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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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
- Cultural Heritage Board at Riverside City Hall
- Safety, Wellness, and Youth Committee at Riverside City Hall
- Super Mario Bros Felting at Marcy Library
- Riverside Open Mic Music Series at Back to the Grind
- Teen Zone at La Sierra Library
- Is Your Dog the Next Face of Barktoberfest? at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center
Tomorrow
- Rhythm in Action - A Celebration of Juneteenth at The Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California
- Architectural Walking Tour of Downtown Riverside at Mission Inn Foundation Visitor Center Store ($20)
- Reading + Math = Fun! at My Learning Studio ($57- $67)
- California Dreamin'- Paint & Sip at The Old Spaghetti Factory
Save the Date
- June 22: Little Paleta Cart Workshop with Artist David Flury at The Cheech Center for Chicano Art and Culture
- June 22: Writing Workshop with Lucila Tosolino at Riverside Art Museum
- June 27: Museum of Riverside Groundbreaking at Museum of Riverside
- June 30: Raise a Glass with The Raincross Gazette: Celebrating 10,000 Subscribers at Bar Ni Modo at The Farmhouse Collective
- July 1: Aaron Norris Creative Fund Annual Grants & Scholarships Awards at Riverside County Office of Education
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🏆 Nominate a remarkable Riversider as Neighbor of the Week.
