Easter sunrise from atop Mt. Rubidoux, as first light breaks over Downtown in historic celebration. (Rob Reul/Claudia Rodriguez)
Wednesday Gazette: April 23, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday!
THANK YOU! The outpouring of support from this community has been profound. Last Friday, I sat in the parking lot of Altura’s 14th Street branch and wept tears of joy and gratitude as I wired the full payment for my wife Lindy’s first surgery– something only possible with the generosity of friends, family, and many of you who contributed to our medical expenses.
For those who may have missed last week's update, my wife Lindy is facing her second major battle with breast cancer. I'm relieved to share that her first surgery was long, hard, and – it appears – completely successful! She has one more significant surgery tomorrow and then moves into recovery.
I also want to thank everyone who signed up to provide meals for my family – I look forward to meeting readers in such an intimate way. And thank you to Ken and Amy for stepping up in my absence. I look forward to fully returning to work in about another week – I have monumental news I can't wait to share with you.
PS. I promise this newsletter won't turn into my personal blog, but sharing this journey felt important.
New owners plan gradual transition for beloved Brockton Arcade diner.
Jonathan Padilla and Karina Ferreira, the new owners in front of Little Green Onions. (Ken Crawford)
Popular Riverside eatery Little Green Onions has new owners. Jonathan Padilla and Karina Ferreira, who also run the successful cafe Toasted, took over the beloved Brockton Arcade establishment last week.
Driving the news: The ownership change marks a new chapter for the iconic googie-style diner, a fixture in Riverside's evolving Midtown neighborhood.
The new owners aim to balance tradition with innovation, planning a gradual transition to create a distinctive brunch destination.
Why it matters: Little Green Onions is a vital gathering place in the community, and its future could impact the ongoing renaissance of the Brockton Arcade.
The arcade is experiencing renewed interest, with other businesses like the Riverside Cookie Shoppe also undergoing recent ownership transitions.
The big picture: Padilla and Ferreira represent a new generation of young entrepreneurs revitalizing Midtown's historic commercial district.
Their success with Toasted suggests exciting possibilities for Little Green Onions' future.
What they're saying: "Our goal is definitely to bring that new generation into that shopping center... We wanna mainly focus on a nice brunch place that Riverside could really count on," Padilla says.
What's next: The owners plan to maintain both Little Green Onions and Toasted while gradually implementing changes to honor the diner's legacy and introduce fresh energy.
Flabob Airport is celebrating 100 years with live music and historical plane flybys.
Flabob Airport is celebrating 100 years with live music and historical plane flybys. (Ken Crawford)
Riverside's historic Flabob Airport marks its centennial with a weekend-long celebration, inviting the community to explore its rich aviation heritage.
Driving the news: The seventh-oldest continuously operating airport in California hosts an open house featuring museums, live music, and informal fly-bys.
Established in 1925, Flabob has been a hub for aviation pioneers and enthusiasts for generations.
Why it matters: The airport continues its mission of "Inspiration through Aviation," focusing on educational programs for youth, veterans, and disadvantaged communities.
Under the Tom Wathen Foundation's stewardship since 2000, Flabob has undergone significant improvements while preserving its historic character.
The big picture: Flabob Airport has played a crucial role in aviation innovation, hosting the first chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association and serving as a launching pad for famous aviators.
Go deeper: Visitors can attend presentations on Flabob's history, enjoy a "Swing Under the Wing" event with live big band music, and explore various aviation-related attractions throughout the weekend.
The city’s beloved Peregrine Falcons have mysteriously vanished from their longtime nesting spot atop the downtown jail. Could avian flu be to blame—or is there still hope for their return?
For years, a pair of Peregrine Falcons known as the “Jail Birds” have returned each spring to nest on the face of Riverside’s downtown jail. But this year, their familiar perch remains empty—and no one’s reported a sighting. In this Naturally Riverside Update, we dig into the mystery of their disappearance, the surprising threat of avian flu, and what it means for the future of one of the city’s most beloved bird pairs.
Brick by Brick: Local Student's Business Builds Riverside in Miniature
How a pandemic project became BrickMoose, a growing enterprise celebrating local architecture.
Aidan, founder of BrickMoose with a large-scale Raincross wall hanging. (Alison Grover)
Aiden Grover, a Riverside STEM Academy student, has transformed a school project into BrickMoose, a company designing custom LEGO-compatible sets of local landmarks.
Driving the news: BrickMoose's miniature versions of Riverside architecture are now sold in shops throughout the city, including the Raincross District.
The company emerged during the pandemic as a school project at Riverside STEM Academy.
Why it matters: These sets offer a unique way for residents and visitors to connect with Riverside's architectural heritage.
Completed models spark conversations and serve as distinctive souvenirs.
The backstory: Grover's first creation was the "ART" sculpture in front of the Riverside Art Museum, now available in the museum's gift shop.
His portfolio includes several impressive landmarks, including UCLA's Royce Hall and the Riverside main library.
What's next: Grover plans to expand BrickMoose's Riverside collection, with potential designs for California Baptist University and Riverside City College.
He envisions creating larger display sets for downtown buildings like the Mission Inn, The Cheech, or the main library.
Alvord Unified School District Board unanimously appointed Reggie Thompkins as superintendent effective May 1 with a $315,000 salary, following his assistant superintendent role at Corona-Norco Unified.
Six UCR students have had their student visas terminated by federal authorities, as announced by Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox on April 7, part of a nationwide action affecting over 965 students and recent graduates across 170 institutions.
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