There are only a few weeks left until Christmas. We at the Raincross Gazette believe in supporting local businesses. Look for our upcoming guide for the person who "has everything" in your upcoming Sunday newsletter. If you are looking for a quintessentially Riverside gifting experience, you should stop by the Mission Inn Foundation and purchase a copy of the official Riverside Monopoly board game by Hasbro. "Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want." Anna Lappe
Riverside Fire Department Recognized for Excellence in Public Safety
Reaccreditation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence highlights the department's handling of 43,000+ incidents, placing it among the top five fire agencies in California.
RFD’s Truck 3 rolls through downtown on Market St. (Camille Grochowski/Gazette)
The Riverside Fire Department (RFD) has been reaccredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence, making it one of only five fire departments in California to achieve this recognition. Fire Chief Steve McKinster presented the department's annual overview to the City Council, highlighting the reaccreditation and the department's response to over 43,000 incidents in the past year.
Driving the news: RFD's reaccreditation showcases the department's commitment to excellence and its ability to meet rigorous industry standards.
The department operates 14 stations across the city, responding to a wide range of emergencies.
Why it matters: The reaccreditation demonstrates RFD's dedication to providing high-quality fire and emergency services to the Riverside community.
In the past year, RFD responded to more than 43,000 incidents, requiring 19,000 hours of emergency mitigation.
The big picture: Chief McKinster emphasized the department's commitment to continuous improvement and leadership in emergency services.
Looking ahead: RFD aims to maintain its status as a world-class leader in providing progressive, professional, and exceptional fire, rescue, and emergency life services.
Notable: Captain Mark Thompson was honored as the sworn employee of the year for his leadership of the department's Honor Guard.
Thompson has been with the organization since 2002 and currently serves at the downtown fire station on Truck 1.
University Donations Surpass $100 Million Mark in Four-Year Growth Spurt
Donors propel California Baptist University to new heights with over $102 million in gifts, funding scholarships, programs, and campus growth that will impact generations to come.
Over the past four years, donations to California Baptist University have increased, culminating in more than $102 million in gifts and gift commitments during that time. This remarkable growth is fueling scholarships, academic programs, and campus projects that are shaping the future of Lancer Nation.
In the fiscal year ending June 2024, gifts and pledges were nearly $19.5 million – more than double what was given three years earlier. Donors generously contributed to schools, colleges, programs, athletics and other needs across the university.
Woodcrest Christian’s Eyan Turk runs fastest time in state at championship meet.
(Courtesy of Woodcrest Christian High School)
Eyan Turk: Cross Country Champ!
Eyan Turk is making an early case for a seat at the table with the elite athletes in Riverside's past. Eyan just completed his second state championship cross-country run, finishing three miles in 14 minutes and 32.5 seconds, the best time at the meet among all divisions.
Turk is a senior at Woodcrest Christian and University of Kentucky commit poised to having an exceptional college career. Lexington is a long way from home but Riversiders bring home with them wherever they go. Eyan talks a little about Riverside as he prepares for his big move to the Bluegrass State.
A unique housing community blends sixties-era values with modern affordability and shared responsibility.
Nestled near Mount Rubidoux, Braemar Cooperative Apartments. (Annie Chesnut)
A lot of Californians are still steeped in the sixties. You know them: they still use words like “radical,” they have a nice peace sign on their car or clothing, and they believe in peace, love, and understanding.
Parts of that philosophical point of view are still present in a small community right here in Riverside. If you stand in the middle of Bonaminio Park and look towards Mount Rubidoux, you will see a gated apartment complex sitting up the hill a bit. The buildings are unassuming, off-white stucco structures, most of them with two stories and four apartment units each.
The property is called Braemar Cooperative Apartments, with ninety units and 8+ acres. The apartments come in several sizes, from studios to roomy two-bedroom units. There is a clubhouse, a swimming pool, and lots of water-wise gardens as the co-op moves to reduce water usage by eliminating grassy areas.
A historical presentation by Dave Stolte followed by a more casual gathering makes for a unique holiday experience.
Ruth West and Dave Stolte looking over negatives at the Weber House. (Andrew Villalobos)
Old Riverside Foundation President Dave Stolte will be doling out a double dose of the wonderful Weber House on Sunday, December 8. First, at 1 PM, the Riverside Historical Society meeting will take place in the Brockton Avenue basement of the Riverside Medical Clinic. Dave will be going over some of what he submitted in the RHS Journal story on the ORF headquarters, The Peter J. Weber House. He promises to go off script and share some of the other things going on at the House and share updates on his research for his upcoming book on Peter Weber.
“The Weber House, a local landmark, is compelling to me on multiple levels. First, for its artistry, it is in an uncommon Medieval Spanish style and is highly decorated. It was designed by architect Peter J. Weber, who worked as lead designer for G. Stanley Wilson on hundreds of buildings over a thirty-seven-year period, including the Mission Inn’s final expansions. Secondly, the Weber House was built on a shoestring budget during the Great Depression, and Weber relied on salvaged materials to make it happen. Third, it embodies the power of local advocacy in historic preservation — the House was threatened with demolition in the 1980s. I’ll be sharing details about all this during my talk on Sunday.”
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.
Steven’s got a face you just can’t resist. Just look at his goofy grin and “I’m listening” ears. Steven is 10 months old, 53lbs, and a big fan of zooming around the yard, playing with toys, and going for walks. At the end of the day, Steven will snuggle up with you and not judge your streaming or snack selections. Please consider adopting sweet Steven today; he’s been waiting almost two months for his new family. The Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center is open from 12 pm – 7 pm every day except Tuesday. Visit petsadoption.org for more information on Steven and other available pets.
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