I lost my Mom on January 22 to a prolonged battle with Alzheimer's and Endometrial Cancer. I want you to get to know my mom if you don't already.
Patricia Ann "Patti" Crawford was born on July 8, 1952, and passed away on January 22, 2025.
Patti was born in Salina, Kansas. She lived most of her life and raised her family in Riverside, California. She was married to Sam Crawford, who passed away in 2017. She is survived by her children, seven siblings, and countless friends.
Patti was dedicated to the noblest cause, making those around her laugh and bringing them joy in the moment. She was a chicken strip aficionado and enjoyed pizza with no sauce. Friends and family will miss her wry wit and storytelling the most. She was generous with her time and her heart and loved as deeply as she was loved.
If you're feeling charitable, please make a donation to The Assistance League. My mom was an educator with a soft spot for those in need. The Assistance League embodies my mom's heart for kids who just need a little extra help.
Council Approves Fire Tech Upgrade Amid Calls to Reconsider Power Line Project
Council greenlights $891,000 for fire department software while residents urge underground transmission lines, citing wildfire risks.
Recent wildfires in Southern California have sparked renewed calls for Riverside to reconsider the Riverside Transmission Reliability Project (RTRP). Residents are urging the city to underground power lines to mitigate fire risks.
Driving the meeting: The Eaton Fire in Altadena has heightened concerns about the potential fire hazards of overhead power lines.
Many speakers cited the Santa Ana River bottom, where RTRP would install overhead lines, as a high-risk area for fires.
Why it matters: The city council approved RTRP last May, but recent events have prompted a reevaluation of the project's safety implications.
Councilmember Chuck Conder requested a presentation on underground options, citing recent technological developments and cost considerations.
The response: Mayor Pro Tem Sean Mill directed staff to add the RTRP discussion to a future agenda.
Meanwhile: The council unanimously approved a $891,000 expenditure for a new Tablet Command Incident Management System for the Riverside Fire Department.
Fire Chief Steve McKinster said the system will enhance situational awareness and improve emergency response coordination.
What's next: The fire department technology upgrade and the calls to reconsider RTRP underscore Riverside's ongoing efforts to enhance public safety in the face of increasing wildfire risks.
Riverside to Celebrate Black History with Annual Parade and Expo
The 45th annual event honors the historical, current, and future contributions of Riverside’s African American community.
Pathfinders at the 2024 parade. (Ken Crawford)
Riverside's 45th annual Black History Expo & Parade will celebrate African American culture and achievements on February 8, 2025. The event, one of Southern California's oldest and largest of its kind, is expected to draw thousands of attendees.
Driving the news: The parade, starting at 10 a.m. from Riverside City College, will feature floats, marching bands, and community representatives, ending at the Historic Riverside County Courthouse.
The expo following the parade will showcase local businesses, organizations, and Black history and culture.
Why it matters: This event highlights the ongoing contributions of Riverside's African American community, celebrating past, present, and future achievements.
It serves as a unifying force, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds.
The big picture: Organized by the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation, the celebration goes beyond Black History Month, emphasizing current community connections and contributions.
What's next: Attendees can explore the expo, enjoy live entertainment, and visit food trucks set up in the City Hall parking lot.
Riverside Caps Mobile Home Rent Hikes at 4% Annually
Council approves ordinance to protect seniors and low-income residents from excessive increases.
Riverside's City Council approved amendments to the Mobile Home Parks Rent Stabilization Ordinance, limiting annual rent hikes to 4% or 80% of the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower. The decision aims to prevent homelessness among vulnerable populations, particularly seniors on fixed incomes.
Driving the meeting: Residents urged stronger protections for mobile home tenants, while park owners advocated for higher caps to cover rising costs.
The ordinance will take effect in January 2026.
Key provisions:
Annual rent increases capped at 4% or 80% of CPI
Rent increases limited to once per calendar year
Establishment of a Rent Review Board
Why it matters: Housing officials report seniors are one of the fastest-growing demographics becoming unhoused in Riverside.
Long waitlists exist for affordable senior housing projects in development.
The debate: Councilmembers grappled with balancing tenant protections and park owner needs.
Some expressed concern about pass-through fees for capital improvements, which may be revisited in future discussions.
What's next: Park owners must register annually with the city and provide information on rents and other charges.
Advocates vow to continue pushing for lower caps and limits on pass-through fees.
Highlanders and Lancers softball both start the season with busy schedules and a Wednesday prime time rivalry game.
NCAA softball season starts this weekend. (Courtesy of cbulancers.com)
NCAA softball heats up as UCR and CBU prepare for action-packed week
Riverside's college softball teams are gearing up for a busy start to their seasons. UCR faces seven games in five days, while CBU takes on five games in three days, including a matchup against No. 2 ranked Oklahoma.
Driving the news: Both teams kick off their seasons with intense schedules, highlighting the competitive nature of NCAA softball in Riverside.
The crosstown rivalry game between UCR and CBU is set for Wednesday, February 12, at 6 p.m.
Why it matters: These early-season games provide crucial opportunities for both teams to establish momentum and gauge their performance against top-ranked opponents.
CBU's clash with Oklahoma on Friday offers a chance to compete against one of the nation's best teams.
Meanwhile: CIF Girls Water Polo playoffs are underway, with Poly and Norte Vista advancing to the second round after first-round victories.
Poly will face Buena in Ventura, while Norte Vista takes on Heritage in Menifee.
What's next: CIF Soccer postseason brackets for both boys and girls will be released on February 8, with a complete rundown of Riverside schools' playoff matchups expected next week.
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.
Gamora is a stunning shepherd mix with a gentle soul and a heart full of love. She adores going for walks and does wonderfully on a leash. Belly rubs? They’re her absolute favorite. At 2 years old and 63 pounds, she’s the perfect mix of sweetness and strength—a devoted companion who’s as loving as she is protective.
Gamora arrived at the Pet Adoption Center in December and is still waiting for her perfect match. She can be a little selective about her canine friends, but with people, she’s all about affection and loyalty.
Come meet Gamora 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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UPDATE: Last week's featured adoptable pet, Bubbles, found a home! Thanks for helping spread the word.
The State has opened its third Inland Empire location in Downtown Riverside on Main Street.
Riversiders can dispose of bulky household items like mattresses, couches, and tires for free at the City Corporation Yard next Saturday, Feb. 15 from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
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