A monarch butterfly rests on California Narrowleaf Milkweed at Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District, showcasing the beauty of pollinator-plant connections. (Courtesy of RCRCD)
📸
Show Off Riverside's Beauty! We're proud to feature community photos at the top of our newsletters and on social media—capturing the charm and vibrancy of our city. Got a favorite shot of Riverside? Share it with us and help us celebrate the beauty of our community!
Bridging Divides: Riverside Workshop Aims to Improve Political Conversations
Braver Angels Riverside invites residents to a free workshop on February 15 to foster respectful, productive dialogue across political differences.
Chani Beeman and Rich Vandenberg, organizers from Braver Angels, stand in front of Riverside City Hall, fostering dialogue and unity in the community. (Brenda Flowers)
Riverside residents can attend a free workshop on February 15, 2025, to improve political conversations across party lines. Hosted by Braver Angels Riverside, the event will take place at Hunt Park's Renck Community Center from 10 a.m. to noon.
Driving the news: The workshop aims to equip participants with skills for respectful political dialogue, focusing on active listening and finding common ground.
Organizers Rich Vandenberg and Chani Beeman, from different political backgrounds, emphasize the goal is not to change minds but to improve communication.
Why it matters: The event addresses growing concerns about political polarization and the need for better understanding between opposing viewpoints.
Braver Angels, a national non-profit, uses research-based approaches to increase empathy through face-to-face interactions.
The big picture: The workshop is part of a broader effort to strengthen community bonds and democracy at the local level.
Supported by Ward 5 Councilmember Sean Mill and the Inland Empire Braver Angels Alliance, the event aims to bridge divides without promoting specific viewpoints.
What's next: Participants will learn practical techniques for navigating political conversations respectfully, potentially leading to more constructive dialogue in the community.
Events at the library, RAM, and the RCAA gallery host BHM events.
The Art Alliance Gallery at the Riverside Art Museum. (Ken Crawford)
Riverside's cultural institutions are hosting a series of events celebrating Black History Month, focusing on masculinity, literature, and visual arts.
Driving the news: These events aim to explore Black experiences and promote diverse voices in the community.
Why it matters: These programs offer opportunities for community engagement and reflection on important social issues.
They showcase the work of local Black artists and writers, increasing visibility and representation.
The big picture: The events span multiple venues and art forms, including:
A panel discussion on masculinity featuring African American writers at the Riverside Main Library.
An exhibition at the Riverside Art Museum documenting a writing retreat for Black women.
A member showcase at the Riverside Community Arts Association Gallery featuring works by Black artists.
What's next: The California Museum of Photography will preview an exhibition of Ansel Adams' work documenting college campuses in the 1960s during the upcoming Artswalk.
Annual Riverside Reads Program Selects Boys of Riverside as Focus of 2025 Event
The library encourages picking up your copy soon in preparation of March and April events.
The Riverside City Library's annual Riverside Reads program has chosen "The Boys of Riverside" by Thomas Fuller as this year's community reading selection. The book tells the story of the California School for the Deaf Riverside boys football team's recent success.
Driving the news: The book has gained national attention and was named Amazon's Book of the Year 2024, making it a timely choice for the community reading event.
Free copies are available at local library branches while supplies last.
Why it matters: The selection aims to increase awareness of Riverside's Deaf community, one of the largest in the nation, while fostering community engagement.
The program includes discussions, workshops, and seminars curated by the Library.
What's next: A kickoff event is scheduled for March 15 at the La Sierra Senior Center, featuring author Thomas Fuller and members of the CSDR Football team.
Additional events will be held at local library branches throughout March and April.
The big picture: Riverside Reads, now in its tenth year, continues to engage the community through literature and shared experiences.
Go deeper: A full calendar of Riverside Reads activities and more information about the book and program can be found on the Riverside Reads website.
The Sub Station, a beloved UCR-area sandwich shop since 1972, is struggling with post-pandemic challenges as owner Richard Munio prepares to celebrate its 53rd anniversary on February 16 with special pricing that pairs current menu costs with original 1972 prices.
Arcade Bakehouse, one of Riverside’s most popular breakfast/brunch spots, unveiled a new menu this week, available daily from 9:00a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
📣
See something? Say something. Your tips and ideas are what fuel The Raincross Gazette. If you know of something newsworthy happening in our city, please share it with us.
