Wednesday, July 15, 2026
A rainy evening in downtown Riverside, where reflections of neon and streetlights shimmer along the sidewalk outside Food Lab. (Angel Rodriguez)

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!

BUSINESS

John & Janet Gless Named 2024 Citizens of the Year

Longtime citrus farmers recognized for agricultural advocacy and community service.

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.

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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)

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.

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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?

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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...

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