🍊 Wednesday Gazette: December 4, 2024

Wednesday Gazette: December 4, 2024

Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday National Cookie Day!

As if you needed an excuse, today is the perfect day to stop by the Riverside Cookie Shoppe to sample (aka "eat all of") their just-dropped Christmas Cookie Collection. If you need another excuse, you could also say you're supporting a small local business. And if you need another-another excuse, it's Wednesday, that's good enough for me.


HOUSING

Mission Grove Housing Project Gets Green Light from City Council

Council cites housing needs in 6-1 vote to approve 347 units at Mission Grove Plaza, overruling density restrictions

The Riverside City Council voted 6-1 to approve a 347-unit apartment complex at the former Kmart site in Mission Grove, overruling the Airport Land Use Commission's determination of inconsistency. The project faced opposition from residents concerned about traffic and density but was supported by others as necessary housing development.

Driving the meeting: The council considered an appeal to overrule the Airport Land Use Commission's finding that the project was inconsistent with density requirements for the area near March Air Reserve Base.

Why it matters: The project will provide much-needed housing units to help meet state-mandated housing goals, but some residents worry it will negatively impact traffic and neighborhood character.

The details: The development includes 347 apartments in five 4-story buildings on a 9.92-acre site currently occupied by a vacant Kmart building.

  • It will have 24 studio, 133 one-bedroom, 180 two-bedroom, and 10 three-bedroom units.

What they're saying: Supporters argue the project will revitalize an underutilized site and provide housing near jobs and amenities. Opponents cite concerns about increased traffic, density, and impacts on airport operations.

What's next: With council approval, the developer can move forward with construction plans. The project is expected to take about 28 months to complete.

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ART & ENTERTAINMENT

Art, Lights, and a Festive Night

Celebrate Riverside’s vibrant art scene with free gallery access and a special photo show, all while taking in the magic of the Festival of Lights.

Kevin Mijares is one of many Riversider Magazine Photographers who will be selling prints at the event on Thursday. (Ken Crawford)

There’s plenty to enjoy during the December Artswalk. Museums and galleries like The Cheech and UCR Arts remain open and free for the evening, offering a chance to explore creative spaces while sidestepping the Festival of Lights weekend crowds. Don’t miss the Riversider Magazine Photo Show and Sale, where you can meet talented photographers, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy music and classic cars. Let’s continue to support local artists in new and meaningful ways this season!

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NATURALLY RIVERSIDE

Poinsettias, Southern California’s Christmas Gift

Known as "Flor de Nochebuena" in Mexico, the plant holds deep roots in Aztec traditions.

Vibrant holiday poinsettias at Parkview Nursery on Chicago. (Bob Sirotnik)

Poinsettia is up there with Santa, Rudolph, mistletoe, and holly as a symbol of the Christmas season. A.k.a. Euphorbia pulcherimma = (“the most beautiful Euphorbia”), poinsettia is our country’s economically most important potted plant. As many as 70 million are sold per year. That translates into tens of thousands sold in Riverside alone. And the reason for being so popular stems from the efforts of a Southern California family. How did this Mesoamerican native come to settle in SoCal and capture the hearts of Yuletide enthusiasts nationwide?

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