Happy Valentine’s Day from the Gazette Staff! The 17-foot “LOVE” monument on Main Street has become a Downtown Riverside destination for padlocks symbolizing lasting commitments. (Isaac López)
Friday Gazette: February 14, 2025
We talk a lot about love at the Gazette. Love for the city and people of Riverside is the stated motivator for what we do. We believe that love is an action, and we love Riverside by seeking out and telling the best stories the city has to offer. If you feel like loving Riverside this Valentine’s Day, our good friends at LoveRiverside can take your donation and turn it into real assistance to a Riversider who needs a little help.
Riverside Closes Out Black History Month Atop Mount Rubidoux with a Historic Event
A tablet commemorating Booker T. Washington’s visit to The Mount will be dedicated in a grand ceremony near the summit.
Top: Booker T. Washington and Frank A. Miller at the summit of Mount Rubidoux (The collection of the Mission Inn Foundation), Below: Mt. Rubidoux bathed in golden light (Bob Sirotnik).
A bronze tablet commemorating Booker T. Washington's 1914 visit to Riverside will be unveiled at Mount Rubidoux's summit on February 28, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. The event, organized by local historical societies and the city's Parks Department, marks the end of Black History Month.
Driving the news: The tablet honors Washington's day-long tour of Riverside, which included stops at local churches, Sherman Institute, and the Mission Inn, culminating in a visit to Mount Rubidoux with Frank A. Miller.
The 37-inch by 20-inch tablet features a recreation of a photograph showing Washington and Miller at the summit.
Why it matters: This permanent installation serves as a reminder of the historic connection between Washington, a renowned African American educator and orator, and Miller, the Mission Inn's founder.
The hour-long ceremony will include:
A community choir performance
Remarks from Councilmember Philip Falcone
Historical insights from Glenn Wenzel
Readings from Washington's writings by RUSD's Heritage Program
A performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
Go deeper: Kenneth B. Morris Jr., a descendant of both Washington and Frederick Douglass, will attend, providing a tangible link to these pivotal historical figures.
What to know: The event is free and open to the public, but attendees must walk 1.5 miles uphill to reach the summit. Limited seating is available, so bringing a camp chair is recommended.
Smaller Bins, Lower Bills? City Considers Smaller Trash Bins to Cut Waste and Costs
Committee recommends a 12-month pilot program offering 64-gallon bins at 15% discount to 300 residents
The Mobility and Infrastructure Committee is considering a pilot program to offer 64-gallon trash bins as an alternative to the standard 96-gallon size. The initiative aims to encourage waste reduction and potentially lower costs for residents who generate less trash.
Driving the news: The proposed 12-month pilot would provide up to 300 participants with the opportunity to exchange their 96-gallon trash bin for a smaller version.
Participants could receive a 15% reduction in monthly refuse rates, translating to a $5.60 monthly savings for standard curbside service.
Why it matters: The program targets low-waste-generating households, particularly seniors, who often produce less trash and may prefer smaller bins due to physical limitations.
By the numbers: The total fiscal impact to the Solid Waste Fund for the 12-month pilot is estimated at $45,000.
This includes $23,000 for new bins and $22,000 in potential revenue loss from the rate reduction.
What's next: The committee recommended moving forward with the pilot program proposal. The next step will be presenting the plan to the full City Council for consideration.
Looking ahead: The current residential solid waste rate plan expires on June 30, 2028. If approved, the pilot program would help inform the development of new rates scheduled for city council discussion in 2027.
Also: CBU Homecoming and the latest on CIF-SS playoffs.
WAC Preseason Player of the Year Nick Dumesnill. (Courtesy of CBU/Mariah Rodriguez)
The Lancers and Highlanders are set to begin their 2024 baseball campaigns with home games this weekend.
Driving the news: California Baptist University (CBU) opens with four home games against the University of Portland and Pepperdine, while UC Riverside (UCR) hosts Utah Valley for a four-game series.
CBU's Gary Adcock returns for his 21st season as head coach.
Why it matters: UCR competes in the Big West, consistently ranked among the top mid-major baseball conferences in the NCAA.
The Highlanders face a challenging schedule against powerhouses like Cal State Long Beach, Cal State Fullerton, and UC Irvine.
What's new: CBU boasts an award-winning new clubhouse and bleachers for fans to enjoy this season.
CIF postseason update: Several Riverside Unified and Alvord district high school teams have advanced in soccer and basketball playoffs.
Notable advancements include Poly (Boys Basketball Division 2AA), Norte Vista (Boys Basketball Division 3A), and Ramona (Girls Soccer Division 5).
What's next: Key upcoming games include Poly vs. Viewpoint and Ramona vs. Santa Paula in boys basketball on February 14.
CBU hosts Utah Tech for their basketball homecoming game on February 15.
Crooks is the last standing skateboard shop in Riverside and one of the longest-operating retail shops Downtown.
Crooks Skate Shop at 3870 Lemon St. (Ken Crawford)
This Saturday, February 15, marks Skate Shop Day, a celebration of local, independent skateboard shops. Riverside's sole remaining independent skate shop, Crooks Skateboards, is gearing up for the event with special releases, signings, and activities.
Driving the news: Crooks Skateboards, a fixture in Riverside for nearly 25 years, serves as both a retail outlet and a community hub for local and visiting skaters.
The shop recently relocated to Lemon Street between 9th and University.
Why it matters: Independent skate shops play a crucial role in supporting skateboarding culture and local economies.
Crooks offers a wide range of skateboarding gear, apparel, and exclusive releases, including Nike SB Orange Label products.
The big picture: Skate Shop Day aims to encourage support for small, locally-owned businesses in the skateboarding industry.
Even non-skaters can contribute by purchasing shop-brand merchandise like t-shirts or hats.
What's next: Allen Lusk and the Crooks crew invite the community to join them for a day of celebration and support on February 15.
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.
Roger was so excited to be the Valentine’s Day Pet of the Week that he dressed for the occasion! 💘
Will you be Roger’s Valentine? Beyond his dashing looks and “dog next door” charm, Roger has plenty of other qualities that make him a great catch. He gets along well with dogs of all ages and sizes and is fantastic with kids. If you enjoy long walks—whether on the beach or just around the neighborhood—Roger is the perfect companion, as he walks wonderfully on a leash.
If Roger sounds like the ideal plus-one for your family or lifestyle, email fostercare@petsadoption.org to set up a meeting. He’s currently in foster care and would love to find his forever home.
See something? Say something. Your tips and ideas are what fuel The Raincross Gazette. If you know of something newsworthy happening in our city, please share it with us.
What's Happening in Riverside
☔
Be sure to check event websites for any updates or cancellations this weekend due to the rain.
