One of the many awesome "Day After a Storm" photos of City Hall.
Friday Gazette: February 28, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! Tonight is the beginning of Ramadan for Muslims. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims who fast in honor of the First Revelation to Muhammad and the beginning of Islam. A traditional greeting for your Muslim friends at work or school is “Ramadan Mubarak,” which is Arabic for “Blessed Ramadan.” Of course, a “Happy Ramadan” will do just fine.
Riverside Public Library Launches New Book Locker Service
Innovative program provides 24-hour access at seven community locations, extending library reach beyond traditional hours.
Riverside City Councilmember Philip Falcone (left), Library Director Erin Christmas (center), and Assistant City Manager Kris Martinez cut the ribbon at the new Library Locker program installation at the Main Library. (Ken Crawford)
The City of Riverside Public Library launches a new book locker program at seven locations across the city, extending library services beyond traditional hours and branches.
Driving the news: The library held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Main Library to celebrate the introduction of the Library Locker program, designed to enhance accessibility for patrons.
The service allows users to reserve books online and pick them up from convenient locker locations using their library card number.
Why it matters: This initiative reflects the library's commitment to adapting to community needs and changing expectations of access.
It provides a flexible solution for residents with busy schedules who may not be able to visit during regular library hours.
The details: Book lockers are now available at seven locations throughout Riverside, including:
Main Library
Stratton Community Center
Orange Terrace Community Park
Marcy Library
La Sierra Senior Center
Arlanza Community Center
Renck Community Center
What they're saying: "We're bringing the library closer to where people live and spend their time," said Library Director Erin Christmas, emphasizing the convenience of the new system.
What's next: The library encourages residents to take advantage of this new service, which is now operational at all seven locations.
Sports Shorts: Rams March to CIF Finals While Former Lancer Makes NBA History
Our sports roundup features championship basketball, wrestling excellence, and can't-miss weekend matchups.
Local athletes continue to make headlines with championship runs, historic milestones, and crucial matchups ahead.
Boy’s CIF Basketball
Ramona
Ramona Basketball got the semifinal win away at Elsinore. It will compete for the CIF-Southern Section Division 4AA Championship against Santiago (Garden Grove) This Saturday, March 1, at Toyota Arena in Ontario. Senior Forward duo Troy Terell and Andrew Green lead the Rams with a combined total of over 800 points scored this season. Tickets can be found here.
Poly
After their dramatic win against Rancho Verde in the quarterfinal, Poly was unable to get it done against Fairmont Prep in the Semis. They have been eliminated from the Southern Section playoff but have qualified for the state tournament in Sacramento. We will keep you updated on their upcoming games when the bracket is drawn on March 2.
Going Back to Cali
Taran Armstrong is returning to California after signing a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors. There have been many exciting players to come through the Lancers basketball program in the NCAA era. Among the most exciting is Taran Armstrong. He was known for his maximum effort and flashy passes. Even though he was injured for much of his two-year tenure at CBU, he was able to win WAC Freshman of the Year and second-team WAC Conference awards. He left CBU to sign a professional contract in his home country of Australia. His contract with the Warriors is the first NBA contract signed by a former Lancer. Congratulations, Taran!
Games of the Week
RCC Invitational Track Meet Friday, February 28. 9:30 a.m.- All day Wheelock Stadium at RCC Free with paid parking
Ramona Rams vs. Santiago(GG) Saturday, March 1, 9:30 a.m. Toyota Arena, Ontario Tickets
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.
If you’re ready to take on a dog that takes on the world with enthusiasm, curiosity, and excitement, then Spellman is your guy. He loves a good walk (his tail wag will confirm) but also enjoys a good talk (you’ll be surprised by the conversations you may find yourself having with him). Spellman can’t wait to take on the world with his new family; is that you? He is 2 years old, 66 lbs, and has been available to adopt since December. Spellman is currently in a foster home; email foster care@petsadoption.org to set up a time to meet him.
UC Riverside's new Middle School Initiative aims to boost college attendance rates in the Inland Empire by teaching seventh-graders about university admissions, addressing the region's college graduation rate of just 17.5%, which falls significantly below the state average.
The recently restored Rubidoux Heights Monument at 11th and Redwood is now complete following the renovation project covered in our earlier story.
California's new "daylighting" law (AB 413) prohibits parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk as of January 1, 2025, aiming to increase pedestrian safety by improving visibility at intersections throughout Riverside and other California cities.
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