Riverside launches a five-year initiative to boost community health and longevity, starting with a free family-friendly event at the Municipal Airport on May 17.
Auggie and June Bug aren’t water dogs. The ducks know it. (Ken Crawford)
Wednesday Gazette: May 7, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday!
A few weeks ago a seasonally paired duck duo dropped by my pool for a swim. Through my sliding glass door, I watched as they paddled and preened, then perched in the sun on the pool deck. I know wild ducks are at least seasonally monogamous and I was glad this cute couple chose my backyard for their date.
My two dogs, Auggie and Junebug, were not ready to roll out any red carpets. They "terriered" forward barking, confident their presence would scare the ducks off to their next stop. The ducks simply slipped into the water, perfectly protected from the unswimmingest pooches. It took less than a minute for the canine mania to turn into curiosity. The barking stopped and the dogs followed the ducks toeing the coping but never going in.
Now the ducks return regularly, and my dogs just stare in wonder at their water-loving friends. With breeding season approaching, these devoted visitors will soon have a nest of ducklings to attend to, making their poolside visits less frequent. They're always welcome, though, if they need a moment away from their parenting duties. Auggie and Junebug would be happy to have them back.
Blue Zones Project Kicks Off with Community Festival
Riverside launches a five-year initiative to boost community health and longevity, starting with a free family-friendly event at the Municipal Airport on May 17.
Ribbon cutting at the Riverside Blue Zones headquarters with Director Erin Edwards, Ward 1 Councilmember Phillip Falcone, staff, and community members in attendance. (Courtesy Blue Zones Project Riverside)
Riverside launches a five-year initiative to become a Certified Blue Zones Community, aiming to improve residents' health and longevity. The project, led by former Ward 1 Councilmember Erin Edwards, officially begins with a free festival on May 17 at the Riverside Municipal Airport.
Driving the news: The Blue Zones Project focuses on transforming environments to make healthy choices more accessible through policy changes, improved infrastructure, and stronger social networks.
The initiative is a public-private partnership supported by local health organizations and government entities.
Why it matters: Blue Zones are regions where people live longer, healthier lives, with residents reaching age 100 at rates exceeding global averages.
More than 75 North American communities have implemented the Blue Zones model, reporting reduced obesity, tobacco use, and healthcare costs.
The big picture: The project aims to engage 15% of Riverside's population through individual pledges, volunteerism, purpose workshops, and support groups called Moais.
Four key policy areas will be addressed: built environment, food systems, alcohol, and tobacco.
What's next: Over the next five years, Blue Zones Project Riverside plans to convert hundreds of local establishments into approved Blue Zones locations.
The Riverside Airport Café is the first to earn this designation, adding plant-based menu items.
Riverside Celebrates 25 Most Remarkable Teens of 2025
City Council ceremony honors local youth for leadership, courage, and achievement.
Twenty-five exceptional students from Riverside high schools were recognized at City Hall for their outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, arts, and community service.
Driving the news: The annual "25 Most Remarkable Teens" program, launched in 2004, celebrates youth excellence and empowers students to participate in public decision-making.
Honorees were selected by their peers on the Riverside Youth Council, representing a diverse cross-section of local schools.
Why it matters: The program, jointly led by the Mayor's Office and Riverside Police Department, highlights the positive contributions of young people to their community.
It provides a platform for youth voices in civic engagement and public policy.
The big picture: Honorees come from various high schools across Riverside, including John W. North, Norte Vista, Riverside Polytechnic, and Riverside STEM Academy.
The recognition spans multiple categories, including personal courage and acts of valor.
What's next: The ceremony, held in the Council Chambers, brought together community members, educators, and local leaders to celebrate Riverside's youth achievements.
Eastside Library Facility Project Advances with Temporary Move to Lincoln Park
Interim site provides walkable access for residents while new facility is constructed at Bobby Bonds Park.
The library at Lincoln Park will serve the Eastside neighborhood while the new facility is constructed at Bobby Bonds. (Ken Crawford)
Riverside's SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library has relocated to a temporary site at Lincoln Park Community Center. The move comes as city officials continue planning for a permanent $20 million facility set to open in 2026.
Driving the news: City officials hosted an open house and welcoming ceremony for the library's interim location, which will offer morning services and afternoon mobile outreach.
The previous Chicago Avenue site closed on April 11 when the lease expired.
Why it matters: The temporary location at 4261 Park Ave. provides a walkable, neighborhood-based solution for residents.
Library Director Erin Christmas emphasized the convenience of the new site, noting its proximity to where residents already spend time.
The big picture: The permanent library at Bobby Bonds Park, approved by the City Council in 2019, remains in the planning stage.
What's next: The Lincoln Park site will operate Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with additional Sunday service at Hunter Hobby Park.
Residents can now select Lincoln Park as a book pickup location through the Riverside Public Library website.
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