Riverside artist Rebecca Waring-Crane’s latest project, Article 24, transforms food insecurity data into a powerful visual statement—inviting the community to take part in raising awareness and inspiring change.
Tomorrow is National Margarita Day. Whether you like your limey libation over ice or as a fruity, fluorescent slush, grab some chips and salsa and enjoy the warm weekend. If you would like to eschew the premixed bottle for something a bit more elegant, check out the Home Bar Basics recipe from Old Riverside Foundation Board President Dave Stolte, for a simple but tasty version of America's favorite cocktail. Salud! from the Raincross Gazette.
The True Cost of Culture: Unpacking The Cheech's Economic Impact
Museum outperforms initial projections, drawing 227,932 visitors in first two years with 89.6% from outside the city.
Weekday morning at The Cheech. (Bob Sirotnik)
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture has generated $29 million in economic impact for Riverside in its first two years, outperforming initial projections across measurable metrics.
Driving the news: The center has drawn 227,932 visitors since opening in June 2022, more than double the anticipated 100,000 annual visitors.
89.6% of visitors came from outside Riverside, generating $2.2 million in restaurant spending, $1.5 million in retail purchases, and $510,000 in hotel revenue.
Why it matters: The Cheech provides year-round economic benefits, unlike seasonal attractions, and employs 75 workers across various roles.
For every dollar of direct output, an additional $0.60 in economic activity is generated within Riverside.
The big picture: The center operates under a 25-year management agreement with an $800,000 annual fee from the city, covering about one-third of operating costs.
The remaining costs are covered through revenue-producing activities and philanthropic efforts.
What's next: Upcoming exhibitions include the first retrospective of Chicana artist Amalia Mesa-Bains and works by local artists created in collaboration with community members.
Renee Hill, Trailblazing Superintendent, Announces Retirement from Riverside Unified School District
First person of color to lead district leaves legacy of equity and excellence after 28-year career
Superintendent Hill works with a student at a computer workstation during a classroom visit. (Courtesy Riverside Unified School District)
Renee Hill, Superintendent of Riverside Unified School District (RUSD), is retiring in July 2025 after a 28-year career with the district. Hill, the first person of color to hold the top position, has served as superintendent since 2021.
Driving the news: Hill's tenure saw significant achievements, including a 5% increase in graduation rates among historically underserved students and national recognition for Riverside STEM Academy.
The district received California School Boards Association's Golden Bell Awards for five consecutive years.
Why it matters: Hill implemented the C.A.R.E. initiative, focusing on students' social-emotional well-being, personalized learning, resource access, and staff development.
She navigated complex challenges, including curriculum transparency debates and COVID-19 pandemic response.
What's next: RUSD plans to conduct a nationwide search for Hill's successor.
The district aims to continue working towards its goals of serving all students.
Mission Inn Foundation Hosts Monopoly Tournament at Citrus Park
Play the official Riverside Edition Monopoly for real prizes for a great cause.
Monopoly: Riverside Edition (Ken Crawford)
The Mission Inn Museum and Foundation is holding the first-ever Riverside Edition Monopoly tournament. Tournament participants will be eligible to win cash, prizes, and trophies. Funds raised from the event will support the Mission Inn Foundation as it prepares for warmer weather and an incredible new tour roster.
Visit the Mission Inn Museum website or stop by their new location at 3750 Market. While there, pick up a copy of the official Hasbro Monopoly Riverside Edition. Why buy Reading Railroad when you can have Mark from Riverside? The event is at the California Citrus State Historic Park on Saturday, February 22. You can purchase tickets individually or in groups at the Mission Inn Museum website. This looks like great fun in support of a great cause. What’s more “Riverside” than a sunny, 80-degree day in the grove?
Sports Shorts: Poly Squeaks Out a Win Vs. Rancho Verde
RCC hosts major track and field events at Wheelock.
Poly Bears celebrate narrow victory over Rancho Verde. (Ken Crawford)
Poly High School's boys basketball team secured a narrow 49-47 victory over Rancho Verde in the CIF quarterfinals, advancing to face Fairmount in the semifinals.
Driving the news: The closely contested match showcased strong defensive play from both teams, with Poly's JRob Croy delivering a standout performance in the closing minutes.
• The win sets up a semifinal clash against Fairmount in Anaheim on Friday, February 21, at 7 p.m.
Why it matters: Riverside City College is set to host its 17th annual track and field invitational on February 28, 2024, featuring NCAA Division I and II schools.
• This marks the first appearance of UC San Diego at the event, joining other Division I programs like UC Riverside and Cal Baptist.
The big picture: Several local teams remain in CIF competition across various sports, including boys and girls basketball, and boys and girls soccer.
• Notable matchups include Poly vs. Fairmount Prep in boys basketball and Hillcrest vs. Nordhoff in girls basketball.
What's next: UCR faces CBU in baseball on February 28, while UCR's women's basketball team takes on Cal Poly on February 22.
Rebecca Waring-Crane’s Art Calls Attention to Childhood Hunger
Riverside artist Rebecca Waring-Crane’s latest project, Article 24, transforms food insecurity data into a powerful visual statement—inviting the community to take part in raising awareness and inspiring change.
Want to join in? Scan the QR code! (Ken Crawford)
Local artist Rebecca Waring-Crane is using her latest project, "Article 24," to spotlight childhood hunger in Riverside. The large-scale installation invites community participation to create 16,500 cardboard spoons, representing local children facing food insecurity.
Driving the news: Waring-Crane's project builds on her previous work, "Empty," which used ceramic spoons to visualize the scale of childhood hunger in the Alvord Unified School District.
• The new installation draws inspiration from Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasizing children's right to health and nutrition.
Why it matters: 16,553 elementary school children in Riverside qualify for the federal free lunch program, highlighting a significant local issue.
• The project aims to transform abstract statistics into a tangible, immersive experience that can inspire action.
How to participate: Community members can create cardboard spoons from thin packaging materials like cereal boxes.
• Completed spoons can be dropped off at the Zapara School of Business, La Sierra University, by noon on February 28.
The big picture: "Article 24" serves as both an art installation and a call to action, engaging the community in addressing childhood hunger in Riverside.
La Sierra University’s Brandstater Gallery Hosts Collection of Biblical Movie Posters
The collection is an exploration of media and genre. A reception will be held on Sunday Night.
The Ten Commandments. (Ken Crawford)
La Sierra University's Brandstater Gallery is showcasing a collection of biblical movie posters spanning over 100 years. The exhibition features posters from the "Sword and Sandal" genre, once among the most popular film categories.
Driving the news: The collection, part of Fr. Michael Morris's larger assemblage, offers a visual timeline of illustration, typography, photography, and printing technology evolution.
• Notable pieces include a Spanish poster of "Los Diez Mandaientos" starring Yul Brenner and Charleton Heston.
Why it matters: Gallery Director Tim Musso emphasizes the collection's educational value, highlighting its potential for studying design principles and visual storytelling.
• Each poster encapsulates a complex narrative in a single image, making it an ideal resource for students and visitors alike.
The details: The exhibition is currently on display at the Brandstater Gallery on La Sierra University's campus.
• A reception and historical panel discussion are scheduled for Sunday, February 23, at 6 p.m.
Go deeper: Visitors can enter through the main gate at 4500 Riverwalk Parkway and follow signs to the gallery parking lot.
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.
Dorothy is a go-getter. She loves to go get and bring back toys and balls during a lively game of fetch. If you offer the promise of a walk or other adventure, she can not wait to go and may start with a little excited pulling. Dorothy is sweet, strong, and lots of fun. She loves to be active but also enjoys belly rubs and snuggles. Dorothy is two years old, 56 lbs, and has been waiting for her new family for over two months.
Come meet Dorothy and all the adoptable pets at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center in person. Stop by any day except Tuesdays, from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., or learn more at petsadoption.org. If you know someone looking for a loyal, loving companion, send them her way—she just might be the perfect fit!
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