A look back at the moment when the Mission Inn tested millions of lights, preparing to bring cheer and magic to Riverside all holiday season long. (Phillip Falcone)
Friday Gazette: December 20, 2024
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday!
December 21st, around 1 a.m., is the Winter Solstice, making tonight the longest night of the year. Though many do, you do not need to assign magic to the moment to see it as a demarcation point.
It's significant because the days are going to start getting longer.
It's significant because it's the start of a new cycle.
It is significant as both a finish and a starting line.
This has been a big year for me. I left a long-time job to chase the dream of telling the story of Riverside in real time. I got to jump into this role, being the only dedicated Riverside Reporter in the city, because this time last year, 117 of you contributed $11,000 during last year's giving campaign. I respect the magnitude of this task and am honored to be in this position. The Raincross Gazette and I have seen a lot of growth this year, and much more still needs to come.
To meet my goal of being the best teller of the emergent story of our city, I need a lot of growth both as a writer and as a person. If The Gazette is to reach its ultimate goal of being the source of record for Riverside, it needs to grow as well. Next up, we need another full-time reporter camped at City Hall, attending all council and committee meetings, fostering relationships, and entrenching themselves in the culture that governs and administers Riverside so they can report back to the rest of us. In many ways, this is the central role of local media, and The Gazette is ready to take on that challenge.
So far, we've raised $2,249 toward our $40,000 goal. Here's how you can help us close the gap and hire another nextreporter to serve as your eyes and ears at City Hall:
Two Exciting Thrift Events Come to Sunnyside This Weekend
Liberty’s Buy Sell Trade will host the shop local opportunities just in time for Christmas.
L is for Liberty, where curated fashion, quirky finds, and vintage treasures come together at her Buy Sell Trade shop. (Ken Crawford)
Two exciting thrift and vintage events are coming to Riverside's "Midtown" section, offering shoppers a chance to find unique gifts under $20.
Driving the news: Liberty's Buy Sell Trade is partnering with local flea markets to host Thriftmas on December 20 and Liberty's Block on December 21.
Both events will take place outside Liberty's Buy Sell Trade at 3750 Sunnyside Drive.
Why it matters: These events support local entrepreneurs and the sustainable fashion movement while providing affordable holiday shopping options.
Spending money locally helps small businesses offer more unique merchandise and experiences.
The details: Thriftmas, hosted with Todos Unidos Flea, runs from 5-10 pm on Friday. Liberty's Block, in collaboration with On The Block Flea, takes place Saturday from 11 am-4 pm.
Big picture: Liberty's events are part of a growing community in Riverside's newly coined "Midtown" area, designed to support new vendors and network with existing businesses.
What they're saying: "I believe in supporting the new and young local entrepreneurs that encompass the budding sustainable fashion movement," says Liberty, the organizer.
Tom Craft retires as Tigers coach after an incredible 13-year run, including two State Championships.
Retiring RCC Football Coach Tom Craft. (Stephen Day/Riverside Scene)
After 13 remarkable seasons, Tom Craft, the architect of Riverside City College's recent football success, is retiring. His departure marks the end of an era filled with unparalleled success and leaves behind a legacy that will be hard to match.
Craft's tenure at RCC was nothing short of extraordinary. He led the Tigers to two state and national championships in 2019 and 2023. His teams were perennial conference champions, clinching 11 titles in 13 seasons. Beyond the wins and titles, Craft's impact is evident in the long list of players who flourished under his guidance. He coached numerous All-Americans and California State Players of the Year, shaping them into not just exceptional athletes but also leaders on and off the field.
California Baptist University’s Physician Assistant graduates are making a transformative impact in mental health care, thanks to hands-on training and a focus on addressing critical healthcare gaps.
When it comes to transforming lives, graduates of California Baptist University’s Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program are proving they’re a prescription for success in the mental health field.
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at CBU prepares entry-level medical professionals to assist physicians in delivering medical care. A standout feature of the program is its required behavioral medicine rotation, which provides students with hands-on experience in mental health settings. This unique component gives graduates a competitive edge, particularly amid the national shortage of mental health professionals.
Meet this week’s 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.
Have you ever seen such a handsome boy? Say "hi" to Chofis – your new best friend who can't wait to meet you. If you're looking for a companion who is a friend to people and dogs alike, please consider adopting Chofis. This charming dude is 2 years old and weighs 85lbs. He enjoys going for walks, fetching tennis balls, and playing tug of war. He also listens well and loves to show off his goofy side. Chofis is an all-around great catch who's ready to bring some charm, fun, and good-boy energy to your holiday season.
As of today, the pet adoption center has reached an incredible 2,168 adoptions in 2024—surpassing its original goal of 2,000! For some perspective, the center adopted out 1,946 pets in 2023 and 1,874 in 2022. The highest year was 2020 with 2,289 adoptions. With just 9 more days to adopt (the center is closed on Tuesdays and Christmas Day), it’s on track to make 2024 its best year yet. Let’s keep up the momentum and give even more pets the forever homes they deserve!
Visit petsadoption.org for more information on Chofis and all adoptable pets.
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