Lake Evans at Fairmount Park undergoing dredging to restore its beauty and health. (Ken Crawford)
Friday Gazette: November 22, 2024
I know we, as a culture, are actively pushing the beginning of the holiday season forward. Halloween was always a holiday, but now it is part of “The Holidays.” You can resist that movement, but Thanksgiving is imminent, and The Holiday Season is undeniably upon us. I appreciate the reset, especially after a contentious election season that left me and many of you careworn. Cable news and 24-hour news cycles have outsized national politics. We should vote, but we shouldn’t lose perspective on how little our one vote is.
Just as in economic capital, political and even emotional capital spent locally has a more conspicuous impact. Whether you feel energized or defeated, take that and spend it here, in Riverside. Feel how empowering it is to watch the impact of your effort in real time. Our good friends at Love Riverside have a list of local organizations that offer continuous opportunities to serve our neighbors. Take some time to make Riverside a better place.
The traditional Black Friday event takes place on November 23rd.
Fireworks lit the sky over the Mission Inn at last year's Festival of Lights Switch-on Ceremony (Michael J. Elderman/Gazette).
Each year, the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa gets dressed up for the holiday season with over 10 million lights and decorations. The Main Street Pedestrian Mall has been transformed into a Christmas Bazaar with food, music, and holiday craft vendors. The Mission Inn Festival of Lights has become a premier holiday event garnering attention from across the nation as one of the best and biggest displays in the country. The switch-on ceremony is the biggest single event on the civic calendar. Come see one of the most beautiful buildings in her holiday best and stick around for some of the other festive fare. The switch–on ceremony will include a dance performance by Kensington Kelly Brown, a concert by Matt Mauser and The Tijuana Dogs, and Richard Goodall, 2024 America’s Got Talent Winner.
Tommy Salami’s Brings the Best of Marisa’s Deli to Woodcrest Pizzeria
Fans of the defunct Canyon Crest Deli should find the familiar family-run restaurant a happy surprise.
Tommy Salami is a pretty handsome guy. (Ken Crawford)
Gary Romano has broken my heart a few times. Before remodeling the Stater Brothers on Mary Street, he bought Milano's, my childhood local pizzeria. I was happy to have him in the neighborhood and was told there would be a Romano's in that shopping center after the new Stater Brothers was completed. I'm certain it's not Gary Romano's fault that there is still no pizza on Lincoln and Mary, but I sure wish there was.
The second time was the closing of Marisa's Deli at Canyon Crest Town Center. Again, circumstances were beyond his control, but it was still a big disappointment. Marisa's was a standout in a sandwich-heavy town. Their excellent bread and creative originals made it a favorite of many.
Sports Shorts: Poly Hosts King for Preseason Boys Soccer
CSDR defends their CIF title in Flintridge, and Woodcrest Christian cross country standout competes for individual title.
Poly Boys Varsity Soccer Hosts King on Tuesday Night. (Joey Magaña)
High School Soccer
Preseason matches have begun for high school soccer. On Tuesday, November 26, the Poly Bears host the King Wolves in a warm-up for the regular season. This game may not be an official league match, but that doesn't mean the guys aren't taking it seriously. Many of these boys have been playing with and against each other since they were six years old. Bragging rights are enough incentive to bring out their A-game early. The match will be at Poly High School on Tuesday at 7 PM.
Last School Standing!
Congratulations to all the schools that made the CIF-SS Football Postseason. There is only one Riverside school left. The Cubs are taking the long bus ride to the San Gabriel Valley to defend their CIF, Division 1, 8-man title against the Flintridge Prep Wolves. Both teams are undefeated and have never played against each other.
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.
Gadget is a 6-month-old kitten who has been waiting for a home since July. Gadget is sweet and friendly and charms everyone with her playful spirit. She loves batting around toys and exploring her surroundings, always ready for a game. Gadget gets along well with others, happily interacting with both people and fellow pets. Her warm, social nature makes her a joy to be around, bringing energy and affection to every room she enters. Visit petsadoption.org for more information on Gadget and other available pets.
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