In Wednesday's newsletter, we incorrectly encouraged you to celebrate National Bagel Day by purchasing from Parzel's Bagelry at the Victoria Grove Produce Market. Unfortunately, that market closed on October 31, 2024. We initially planned to point you toward Parzel's bagels at Mikey G's coffee residency at Harvest Church but found out Tuesday evening that their bagels won't regularly be available there until later this month. In a last-minute effort to still support a locally-owned small business, I (Justin Pardee) revisited Seth Zurer's July 2024 story about Parzel's to find out where else you can purchase their bagels and included the direct to Victoria Grove Produce Market.
I apologize for the misinformation and breach of your trust; please forgive me.
This is the 5th correction in Raincross Gazette's 210-week history and our first correction since November 4, 2024. We began tracking corrections in January 2025 and placed them at the top of our newsletter to maximize transparency with readers.
PS. This correction tracking and formatting is inspired by Tangle News, which covers the top political stories in the U.S. by summarizing arguments from all sides.
Smoke from the Scout Fire earlier this week. (Ken Crawford)
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday!
I hope I’m not jinxing anything by saying I’m so glad we are done with the wind for now. I’m ready to move forward with a trail of hand lotion and chapstick in my rearview mirror. With the improving weather and the end of post-holiday Doldrums, I finally feel that New Year energy. I don’t have a resolution, but I’ve shared my mantra for the year with my colleagues. In dealing with my own fire losses last August, I adopted “annoyed is not suffering” as a way to remind myself that while dealing with getting things back to normal after our fire was annoying, I did not lose anything that wasn’t replaceable. I never spent a night without shelter or food. I’m still living that reality, but I’ve added a new, more forward-thinking mantra to the mix for 2025. “Be open to having your mind blown.” I will probably write more on this soon, but for now, that means that I want to be prepared for incredible things to happen. I don’t want my tendency to “know it all” to block off opportunities to learn something new. I want to be prepared for a moment that changes everything for the better this time. Hopefully, Riverside has some amazing plans for 2025, and I get to share them with you all.
P.S. The Riverside African American Historical Society is hosting the 30th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Walk at Bordwell Park on Monday. Information and Registration is available at the RAAHS website.
Sports Dad moments, a soccer update ,and King High Girls are a top 20 team.
Gage Middle School 8th-grade boys getting coached. (Ken Crawford)
This is a busy time for High School and College Sports. So, why am I covering a Middle School Volleyball Tournament? Because “Sports Dad” is a big part of my identity. As I sat for eight hours last Saturday in the Arlington High School gym, I realized that this event perfectly encapsulates what I feel about sports and community. From the approximately one hundred boys, the coaches, the referees, the parents, the high school student volunteers, the snack bar operators, and Arlington High School facilities employees who worked a Saturday to make it all happen. This was a big event, logistically and in impact.
We watched these boys play a sport that very few had any real experience with. They played with a heart for their teammates and their schools. We saw the full range of sincere emotions, from rapture to tears.
The team stays busy while waiting for the Elizabeth Street location to be finished.
What’s left of my Nitro Matcha. (Ken Crawford)
We’ve seen the Mural on Elizabeth and Magnolia; Mikey G’s coming soon. Not soon enough for the Mikey G’s crew. While working and waiting on the flagship Midtown location, the crew has been keeping up on their coffee chops with pop-up events around town.
Harvest Church has long been a friend of the shop, and they have been doing regular Sunday pop-ups at the Arlington Avenue church. As of January 1, 2025, Mikey G’s relationship with Harvest has progressed from pop-up to “residency.” Every day from 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m., you can stop by “The Space” at Harvest for a high-quality, innovative, and well-made beverage.
Local Farm Provides Alternate Source for Eggs During Shortage
Meños Organic Farms raises their own hens on-site at the Van Buren location.
Meños Farms on Van Buren and Victoria. (Ken Crawford)
Egg prices have risen sharply over the last two weeks. Supply issues resulting from a bird flu outbreak on the East Coast have eggs at a dollar a piece or more in many local stores. Many stores have difficulty keeping eggs in stock, even at very high prices.
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.
Sally is the type of gal who has no problem making friends, as she loves to meet new people and other dogs. She’s only 1 year old but can harness her energy, and she is doing very well on walks (after some initial excitement pulling). You’ll up your rank in Sally’s eyes if you bring her a stuffed toy or let her shower you with affection. Sally is 1 year old, 52 lbs, and has been waiting to be adopted since December 4th. Meet her at the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, open 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. every day except Tuesdays. You can see Sally and other pets 24/7 at petsadoption.org.
The Salted Pig, Riverside's first gastropub owned by former city councilmember Ronaldo Fierro, has closed its location on the Main Street Pedestrian Mall, with plans to return to its original 12th Street site later this year.
Beignet Spot is collecting supplies for wildfire relief, including N-95 masks, toiletries, and baby supplies. Drop off donations at 4019 Market St. in Riverside.
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