This Valentine’s Day, take a closer look at the Acorn Woodpecker—Riverside’s most social (and scandalous) bird, where love, family, and survival are all part of the story.
This story was written by Justin Pardee while watching a City Council meeting video from home, where he was quite sick. This kind of error is a side effect of being an extremely small newsroom with limited resources; we're working to build systems to ensure these kinds of errors don't slip through the cracks and will continue to prioritize publishing correction notices when they do.
This is the 6th correction in Raincross Gazette's 217-week history and our first correction since January 15, 2025. We began tracking corrections in January 2025 and placed them at the top of our newsletter to maximize transparency with readers.
Golden rays break through the clouds, casting a serene glow over Sycamore Canyon. (Brea Deniz)
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Wednesday Gazette: February 12, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Wednesday!
We've got a jam-packed issue for you this morning, so we'll jump right into it. And as always, we can't do this work alone – if you are aware of newsworthy activity in town, please email tips@raincrossgazette.com to make sure it's on our radar. And if you know of an event that should be on our calendar, please add it yourself (it's free!) or encourage event organizers to publish the event to get it in front of our readers.
Find the best places to enjoy romance, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences this Valentine’s Day, from sunset views to a cozy coffee date.
Valentine’s Day is almost here, and Riverside has plenty of ways to celebrate. Lock in your love downtown, watch a sunset with a sweet treat, or share something special—whether it’s tacos, cocktails, or a cozy coffee date. For a unique twist, take a romantic tour, pick up a custom bouquet, or try a hands-on experience together. However you spend the day, Riverside has something to make it unforgettable.
The Dickens Festival Returns Downtown to New White Park Location
The February 22nd event has a long history and deep connection with Riverside.
Vintage postcard depicting Victorian-era White Park. (From the Collection of Glenn Wenzel)
The Riverside Dickens Festival is coming back to Downtown Riverside on Saturday, February 22, bringing Victorian-era charm to the city. The event, which celebrates Charles Dickens and the literary culture of his time, will move from the Jensen Alvarado Ranch to White Park.
Driving the news: The festival's return to Downtown marks a significant moment for Riverside, reconnecting the city with its Victorian roots and cultural heritage.
Councilperson Phillip Falcone expresses excitement about the festival's homecoming, highlighting its importance as a signature downtown event.
Why it matters: The Dickens Festival offers a unique blend of history, literature, and community engagement, reflecting Riverside's early development and Victorian influences.
The event provides an immersive experience, allowing attendees to step back in time and interact with costumed characters from Dickens' works.
The details: Festival-goers can enjoy live music, theatrical performances, street artists, and a marketplace offering crafts, books, and gifts.
Tickets are priced at $20 for adults (12 and above) and $35 for couples.
Background: Founded in 1992, the Riverside Dickens Festival has become a beloved tradition, organized by volunteers passionate about Dickens and history.
The festival celebrates the author who created iconic characters like Oliver Twist and Ebenezer Scrooge, shaping our perception of Victorian England.
Arlington Boys Soccer Makes CIF Open Division Playoffs For Second-Year
Open division is an elite division and puts Arlington among the best teams in the nation.
AHS Lions celebrating Ivy League Championship. (Courtesy of Arlington HIgh School)
Arlington High School's soccer team has secured a spot in the CIF-SS Open Division playoffs for the second consecutive year, solidifying their status as an elite program.
Driving the news: The Lions have overcome significant challenges, including a more competitive league and the loss of key players, to earn their place among the top teams in the region.
Junior Hugo Chavez has stepped up, leading the team with 19 goals and 14 assists.
Why it matters: Arlington's inclusion in the Open Division demonstrates their consistent excellence and ability to compete at the highest level of high school soccer.
They join Mater Dei, JSerra, and Mira Costa HS as the only four programs to participate in the Open Division in its first two years.
What's next: Arlington, seeded 8th, will face top-ranked JSerra Catholic School in the first leg of the CIF Open Division Quarterfinals.
The match is scheduled for Thursday, February 13th, at 6:00 p.m. at Arlington HS.
The bottom line: Coach Kevin Watson praises his team's resilience and commitment, emphasizing their determination to make Riverside proud in the upcoming playoff battle.
Love, Acorns, and Drama: The Wild Romances of Riverside’s Favorite Woodpecker
This Valentine’s Day, take a closer look at the Acorn Woodpecker—Riverside’s most social (and scandalous) bird, where love, family, and survival are all part of the story.
(Anish Lakkapragada/Unsplash)
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, love is in the air. Literally, in particular, Riverside’s favorite woodpecker is out and about collecting acorns in anticipation of the mating season. And mating arrangements for Acorn Woodpeckers are the stuff of soap operas. It takes a little background to appreciate the romances of Acorn Woodpeckers and how unusual they are…
Riverside Named as #2 Most-Likely Location For NFL Expansion
Critics see adding third team to the Los Angeles market unlikely.
An AI-generated illustration of an NFL stadium as seen from atop Mt. Rubidoux, blending fantasy with Riverside’s iconic landscape. (Bob Sirotnik)
A new study has ignited excitement among Inland Empire football fans, naming Riverside as a top contender for potential NFL expansion.
Driving the news: A Windfall study cited by AOL.com ranks Riverside as the second most promising metro area for NFL expansion, behind Austin and ahead of Orlando.
Riverside is currently the largest U.S. metro area without a first-division pro sports team.
Why it matters: An NFL franchise in Riverside could bring significant economic benefits, boost local businesses, and foster community pride.
The prospect of tailgating traditions and local rivalries has fans buzzing with anticipation.
The challenge: Riverside's proximity to Los Angeles, home to the Rams and Chargers, raises questions about carving out a distinct fan base in a saturated market.
What's next: While NFL expansion is a complex process, Riverside's high ranking in the study keeps hope alive for local football enthusiasts.
The conversation is expected to continue until the NFL Draft in April, giving fans plenty to discuss at the water cooler.
Average Riverside County gas prices jumped 3.1 cents to $4.555 per gallon this yesterday, marking the largest single-day increase since April and the highest amount since July 31 continuing a two-week upward trend driven by West Coast refinery issues.
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