> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 🍊 Wednesday Gazette: March 12, 2025 - URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/wednesday-gazette-march-5-2025-2/ - Published: 2025-03-12T12:00:04.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-09T02:23:02.000Z - Author: Gazette Staff - Tags: Newsletter ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2025/03/RG-Feat-Image-Template-5.jpg) A rainy evening in downtown Riverside, where reflections of neon and streetlights shimmer along the sidewalk outside Food Lab. ([Angel Rodriguez](https://www.instagram.com/lifeisruffles/?ref=raincrossgazette.com)) **Wednesday Gazette: March 12, 2025** Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday! I hope you're enjoying this week's weather as much as I am. What do you think is the perfect way to spend a rainy day in Riverside; hit reply and let us know! [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2023/12/author_banner-justin-pardee.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/about/) --- #### [BUSINESS](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/business/) ## John & Janet Gless Named 2024 Citizens of the Year Longtime citrus farmers recognized for agricultural advocacy and community service. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2025/03/250312-gless-1.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/john-janet-gless-named-2024-citizens-of-the-year) John and Janet Gless’ Success in the Citrus Industry and Advocacy for Agriculture Friendly Policy in Riverside Has Earned Them The Citizen of the Year Award By the Greater Riversde Chambers of Commerce. (Courtesy of Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce) The Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce has selected longtime citrus farmers and community advocates John and Janet Gless as the 2024 Citizens of the Year. The couple will be honored at the chamber's 125th inaugural celebration on March 20. **Driving the news:** The Glesses, founders of Gless Ranch Farmer's Market, have been instrumental in preserving and promoting agriculture in Riverside for over four decades. - They pioneered citrus farming in Woodcrest in the 1960s and secured crucial water delivery for the region. **Why it matters:** The couple's commitment has helped maintain citrus as one of Riverside's most iconic cultural identifiers. - For 45 years, they've served as custodians of the California Citrus State Historic Park. **Beyond farming:** The Glesses have collaborated with numerous local organizations and raised awareness about agricultural threats. - They've established partnerships with local businesses through their farmer's market. **The big event:** The 125th inaugural celebration will bring together hundreds of business and community leaders on March 20 at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. - Individual tickets cost $150 per person, with sponsorship opportunities available. [Read or share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/john-janet-gless-named-2024-citizens-of-the-year) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169513/image/0?seed=)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169513/click/0?seed=&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- #### [GOVERNMENT](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/government/) ## Riverside Tightens Screws on Metal Theft with Strict Dealer Regulations Millions in damages prompt Council to target cash payments, require extensive record-keeping. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2025/03/250312-wiretheft-1.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-tightens-screws-on-metal-theft-with-strict-dealer-regulations) A damaged light pole base in Riverside shows exposed wiring and evidence of copper theft during an April 2022 incident at Fairmount Park, where 17 light poles were vandalized. (Courtesy [Riverside Police Department](https://www.facebook.com/RiversidePD/posts/pfbid02knzGVdU575ffML5Dhki4LL6UQvTzCsnpyDhydYtJeJ9jyRkY1pPgcdH6X7rWm8Mdl)) City Council unanimously approved strict regulations for junk dealers and scrap metal recyclers to combat rampant copper wire and metal theft. The ordinance aims to curb millions in damages to city infrastructure and local businesses. **Driving the news:** Councilmember Sean Mill spearheaded the initiative, citing public safety concerns and significant financial losses. - Recent thefts left parts of Magnolia Avenue "completely pitch black," creating unsafe conditions. **Key provisions:** - Businesses must obtain multiple permits and licenses - Operating hours restricted to 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. - Cash payments limited to $10 for scrap metal transactions - Extensive record-keeping and reporting requirements **Why it matters:** The ordinance targets the source of the problem by making it harder for thieves to quickly cash in stolen materials. - Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes praised the approach as "getting better to the source" rather than just penalizing individual thieves. **The impact:** Approximately two businesses within Riverside's jurisdiction will be directly affected by the new regulations. **What's next:** Mill hopes the ordinance will discourage metal theft in Riverside and inspire neighboring communities to adopt similar measures. [Read or share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-tightens-screws-on-metal-theft-with-strict-dealer-regulations) --- #### [NATURALLY RIVERSIDE](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/naturally-riverside/) ## Of Chupacabras and Coyotes Riverside has its own cryptid legend—the chupacabra. While skeptics point to mangy coyotes, eyewitnesses claim something larger and more menacing lurks in the shadows. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2025/03/RG-Feat-Image-Template-6-1.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/of-chupacabras-and-coyotes) Thank you to readers Vanessa Faurot Fairbanks and Marko J. Spasojevic for sharing these photos of local coyotes. For decades, reports of a strange, hairless creature with glowing red eyes and sharp fangs have circulated throughout Riverside, fueling speculation that the infamous chupacabra might be more than just a myth. While some experts dismiss these sightings as nothing more than coyotes with severe mange, locals who have encountered the creature firsthand insist it’s something far more mysterious—and much larger. From eerie encounters in the Box Springs Mountains to unsettling livestock deaths, the legend of the chupacabra continues to capture the imagination of Riverside residents. Is it an urban legend, a case of mistaken identity, or an undiscovered predator lurking in the shadows? [Read or share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/of-chupacabras-and-coyotes) --- #### [EVENTS](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/tag/events) ## Riverside Firefighters’ Pipe and Drum Band Keeps Tradition Alive with St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl The Riverside City Firefighters Association’s Pipe and Drum Band will march through Downtown Riverside for its 5th Annual St. Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl, celebrating Irish and Scottish firefighting traditions with live music, food, and firefighter merchandise. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b3/b2/b3b29e3b-298e-485f-86ca-3034c21e3784/content/images/2025/03/250310-pipedrums-1.jpg)](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-firefighters-pipe-and-drum-band-keeps-tradition-alive-with-st-patricks-day-pub-crawl) RCFA Pipe and Drums will lead a St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl Through some of Downtown’s Most Popular Bars. (Courtesy of RCFA Pipe and Drums) The Riverside City Firefighters Association's Pipe and Drum Band will host its 5th Annual St. Paddy's Day Pub Crawl on March 17, celebrating Irish and Scottish firefighting traditions in Downtown Riverside. **Driving the news:** Founded in 2018, the band draws inspiration from centuries-old traditions brought to America by Irish and Scottish immigrant firefighters. - The event kicks off at 6 p.m. at ProAbition, featuring live performances, food, and firefighter-themed merchandise. **Why it matters:** The pub crawl honors fallen firefighters and strengthens community bonds through music and celebration. - Proceeds from merchandise sales support the band's maintenance and travel expenses. **The big picture:** The tradition of pipe and drum bands in American firefighting dates back to the 1800s when Irish and Scottish immigrants joined fire departments in East Coast cities. **What's next:** The band aims to expand its reach by performing at larger regional events and competitions. - Plans are underway to potentially host an annual Highland Games-style event in Riverside. - The pub crawl route includes stops at ProAbition, The Mission Inn, and The State, with performances at each location. [Read or share the complete story...](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/riverside-firefighters-pipe-and-drum-band-keeps-tradition-alive-with-st-patricks-day-pub-crawl) --- Advertisement ([Become an advertiser](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/advertise/)) [![Advertisement](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/169515/image/0?seed=)](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/169515/click/0?seed=&ref=raincrossgazette.com) --- 📣 ****See something? Say something.** Your tips and ideas are what fuel The Raincross Gazette. If you know of something newsworthy happening in our city, please [share it with us](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/contact/). --- ## What's Happening in Riverside ### Today - [Certified Farmers Market](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/certified-farmers-market/12112242/2025-03-12T08) at 10th & Lemon Streets - [Riverside East Rotary Club](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/riverside-east-rotary-club/13565436/2025-03-12T07) at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern - [Stretch & Dance Class](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/stretch-dance-class/15032946/2025-03-12T09) at Janet Goeske Senior Center - [Rally in Support of The Rule of Law](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/rally-in-support-of-the-rule-of-law/15273583/2025-03-12T11) at Outside the George Brown Federal Building & Courthouse - [Commission of the Deaf](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/commission-of-the-deaf/14805601/2025-03-12T17) at Riverside City Hall - [Finance Committee](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/finance-committee/15035838/2025-03-12T15) at Riverside City Hall - [**Celebrate Riverside County Arts and Culture Month**](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/celebrate-riverside-county-arts-and-culture-month/15247796/2025-03-12T00) **at Participating Locations throughout Riverside County (free- $35.00)** - [Holi Celebration](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/holi-celebration/15289597/2025-03-12T16) at Riverside Public Library | Marcy Branch - [Baseball vs. San Francisco](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/baseball-vs-san-francisco/14962391/2025-03-12T13) at Riverside Sports Complex - [A Chic Cookie Affair](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/a-chic-cookie-affair/15304243/2025-03-12T19) at Twinkies Boutique ### Tomorrow - [Airport Commission](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/airport-commission/14678658/2025-03-13T15) at Riverside City Hall - [Budget Engagement Commission](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/budget-engagement-commission/14678659/2025-03-13T17) at Riverside City Hall - [Mobility and Infrastructure Committee](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/mobility-and-infrastructure-committee/15035840/2025-03-13T13) at Riverside City Hall - [Lunchtime Jazz](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/lunchtime-jazz/15234611/2025-03-13T13) at RCCD Center for Social Justice and Civil Liberties - [Softball vs. Cal State Bakersfield](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/softball-vs-cal-state-bakersfield/14962495/2025-03-13T15) at Amy S. Harrison Field - [Mind the Gender Gap ii](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/mind-the-gender-gap-ii/15247350/2025-03-13T18) at Civil Rights Institute Inland Southern California - [The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Van Halen's '1984'](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/the-black-jacket-symphony-presents-van-halens-1984/14622642/2025-03-13T19) at Fox Performing Arts Center ($25- $40) - [UCR Jazz Ensembles](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/ucr-jazz-ensembles/14962433/2025-03-13T19) at Culver Center of the Arts ### Save the Date - March 14: [Annie Jr](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/annie-jr/15276651/2025-03-14T19) at The Box ($18 - $20) - March 14: [Celebrate Riverside County Arts and Culture Month](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/celebrate-riverside-county-arts-and-culture-month/15247796/2025-03-14T00) at Participating Locations throughout Riverside County (free- $35) - March 14: [MoR Exhibition - "First Comes Love: Courtship in the Victorian Era"](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/mor-exhibition-first-comes-love-courtship-in-the-victorian-era/15204615/2025-03-14T12) at Heritage House - March 21: [Savvy Chic Kids Consignment Early Bird Shopping](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/savvy-chic-kids-consignment-early-bird-shopping/15212888/2025-03-21T09) at Mission Grove Shopping Center - Former KMart (free- $16) - March 22: ["The Science of Scent" - Bath Bomb Workshop](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/the-science-of-scent-bath-bomb-workshop/15106997/2025-03-22T09) at Heritage House ($10) - March 28: [Goeske Spring Festival](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/goeske-spring-festival/15204946/2025-03-28T10) at Janet Goeske Center - March 30: [Monopoly Challenge Riverside Edition at ProAbition](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/monopoly-challenge-riverside-edition-at-proabition/15280014/2025-03-30T17) at ProAbition ($30- $100) - April 4: [World Premier Melodrama by Westmont Village Masquers Theatre Club](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/world-premier-melodrama-by-westmont-village-masquers-theatre-club/15120702/2025-04-04T19) at Westmont Village - April 5: [Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/alzheimers-dementia-support-group/15213180/2025-04-05T14) at Discovery Commons Raincross - April 5: [4th Annual Downtown Riverside Tweed Ride](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/4th-annual-downtown-riverside-tweed-ride/15292077/2025-04-05T11) begins at Riverside Historic Courthouse - April 5: [In/VISIBLE, Un/HEARD: Riverside’s Civil Rights Stories](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/#/details/invisible-unheard-riversides-civil-rights-stories/15221584/2025-04-05T10) at Multiple Sites 🗓️ [See More Events](https://www.raincrossgazette.com/calendar/)📝 [Submit Your Event](https://hub.cityspark.com/Event/Submission/Raincross?ref=raincrossgazette.com) 📸 [Submit a photo](http://raincrossgazette.com/submitphoto?ref=raincrossgazette.com) to be featured in our newsletters and social media accounts. 🏆 [Nominate a remarkable Riversider](https://rgnotw.paperform.co/?ref=raincrossgazette.com) as Neighbor of the Week.