A review of outdoor lighting and "live performance" noise regulations and the nomination of the Trujillo Adobe for the National Register of Historic Places are all on this week's agendas.
If I believed what I saw on the news or read in the comment sections, Iād think kids never go outside, no one uses the parks, and Riverside isnāt beautiful. But evenings like this prove otherwise. (Ken Crawford)
Friday Gazette: April 11, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday!
We talk a lot about love at the Gazette. We believe our readers are smart enough to spot authenticity. If our love for this city doesn't drive what we do, they'll find their news elsewhere.
Spring in Riverside gives us plenty to love, with weekends so packed with activities that it's impossible to do it all. This weekend alone offers the new Mt. Rubidoux tour, Air Show, Film Festival, and Braver Angelsāeach is worthy of your time.
Another event you should consider is coming next Thursday, April 17. Veteran newspaper columnist David Allen will be at the Riverside Womanās Club at 11:30 a.m. Allen's writing for various Inland Empire newspapers embodies exactly the love for community that The Raincross Gazette aspires to achieve.
He writes as a man about townācasual but expert. In an impossibly large region to cover, he stays engaged from Pomona to Palm Springs and never misses a big event or story.
He will be at the Riverside Womanās Club, talking about his career as an Inland Empire columnist and book author, this Thursday, April 17, at 11:30 a.m.
Mission Grove Residents Challenge March JPA's Revised Innovation Hub Plans
Residents challenge March JPA's promises of jobs and community benefits at April 8 meeting, citing lack of details and fears of warehouse-dominated development.
(Brenda Flowers)
March Joint Power Authority unveiled six key changes to its March Innovation Hub project at a community meeting, aiming to foster innovation and create job opportunities. The revised plan promises 3,100 new permanent jobs, a new fire station, and 578 acres of conservation land and open space.
Driving the meeting: Community members expressed skepticism about the project's details and potential impact on the area.
Concerns included lack of specifics about the innovation hub and fears of temporary warehouse jobs replacing long-term opportunities.
Why it matters: The project's success could significantly influence local employment and development in the Inland Empire.
The plan aims to blend industrial buildings with a modern business park to nurture technology and education.
The big picture: March JPA's approach to presenting the updates faced criticism from attendees.
Some community members felt the meeting structure limited meaningful dialogue and transparency.
What's next: As plans continue to evolve, residents hope for more transparency from March JPA regarding the project near Alessandro Boulevard and Cactus Avenue.
Mid Season Major Sports Doldroms and a trip to the new happening place in town.
The Farm House Collective will be showing sports events on their big screen in an environment for kid-friendly than a sports bar. (Ken Crawford)
The Farmhouse Collective in Riverside is quickly becoming a popular gathering spot for families, offering a unique blend of community, sports, and entertainment.
Driving the news: Despite being in its first phase of opening, the venue has attracted significant crowds, particularly parents with small children.
Many restaurants and stores are not yet operational, but this hasn't deterred visitors.
Why it matters: The Collective provides an affordable, safe way for Riversiders to experience the excitement of live sporting events in a family-friendly environment.
Co-owner Beverly Bailey emphasizes that sports are a big part of their future plans, including college and professional football.
What's next: The Farmhouse Collective plans to host watch events for Lakers and Dodgers games, with more sports offerings to come.
Visitors are encouraged to bring friends and family for wholesome community entertainment.
The big picture: The venue serves as a gateway to community building through sports, offering a spacious area where locals can gather to watch their favorite teams while their children play safely.
Record Store Day is as much event as it is a shopping experience. Here are a few things going on around town.
Record Store Day is a great day to visit your favorite shop, or find a new local record store. (Ken Crawford)
You can buy a laptop for a couple hundred dollars and a hard drive loaded with more music than you can listen to in your whole life for a couple hundred more. There are plenty of working party DJs making it happen with that setup. It works, but it doesn't have the romance of a crate full of records and two turntables.
This romance of physical media is what Record Store Day celebrates each year, and Riverside's independent record stores are gearing up for the 2025 edition on Saturday, April 12.
Eyes to the Skies: Thunderbirds Headline March Field Air Show
Historic Riverside base welcomes public for annual aviation showcase.
The SoCal Air Show at March Air Reserve Base is a Riverside tradition. (Julian Jolliffe)
The Southern California Air Show returns to March Air Reserve Base on April 12-13, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and a host of military aircraft demonstrations. The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, with aerial performances starting at 10 a.m.
Driving the news: The Thunderbirds will showcase their precision flying skills in F-16 Fighting Falcons, headlining a lineup that includes military transport and refueling demonstrations.
Other highlights include the Heritage Flight, pairing modern jets with WWII-era aircraft, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team.
Why it matters: The air show offers a unique opportunity for the public to experience military aviation up close and learn about its role in national defense.
Static displays allow visitors to explore various aircraft, including the B-52 Stratofortress and A-10 "Warthog."
Between the lines: March Air Reserve Base, established in 1918, is one of the oldest continuously operating military airfields in the U.S., with deep ties to the Riverside community.
The bottom line: While visible from various locations around Riverside, attending the event at the base provides a more immersive experience.
For those seeking alternative viewing options, the March Field Air Museum offers special packages.
Meet this weekās featured furry friend from the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center. Dedicated to eliminating pet homelessness, the center provides compassionate care and facilitates adoptions for animals in need of loving homes. Find your new companion and help support their mission of humane care and responsible pet ownership.
George is ready to find his new homeācould it be with you? This handsome guy is just under 2 years old and weighs 53 lbs. Heās a little shy at first and takes some time to warm up to new people. But once he feels comfortable, Georgeās goofy, affectionate personality shines through. Heāll even give you gentle nose taps to ask for attention!
George is great with other dogs, cats, and kids. Heās been waiting for his forever family since January and is currently enjoying a vacation from his kennel. Want to meet him? Email fostercare@petsadoption.org to set up a visit today.
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Update! Double the happy endingāfeatured past pets Sparky and Spellman have been adopted!
Tickets are now on sale for California Baptist University's 2025-26 theatre season featuring five productions, including "A CBU Christmas" which sold out the past two years.
Residents can learn about and provide input on the proposed $200 million Riverside Adventure Park development, which could create approximately 2,800 jobs and transform 126 acres of vacant land, at a community meeting April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Springbrook Clubhouse.
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