Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of Ken Crawford joining the Gazette as the first employee of this publication and the first reporter in over a decade hired to exclusively cover news and events in the city of Riverside. Since starting last year, Ken has written over 200 stories and lived up to his day one promise. "I am taking this job in the spirit of service to the city and people of Riverside and take the work very seriously," Crawford said on his first day with the Gazette.
If you want to share some love, please drop Ken a comment on our Instagram, or help him do his job and send your story ideas to tips@raincrossgazette.com.
PS. We're still aiming to hire our second reporter, dedicated exclusively to City Hall coverage, as soon as we can. If you'd like to help us get closer to that goal, please consider becoming a paid member to help us power the newsroom Riverside deserves.
Riverside Breaks Ground on Innovative Agricultural Center in Northside
Solar-powered farming project aims to combat climate change impacts while honoring city's citrus heritage.
City Manager Mike Futrell and NAIC Director Joyce Jong during the NAIC Ribbon cutting ceremony. (Ken Crawford)
The City of Riverside has launched construction on the Northside Agriculture Innovation Center (NAIC), a groundbreaking project that combines solar technology with farming to create climate-resilient agricultural systems.
Driving the news: The 8.8-acre site will transform vacant land into a hub for sustainable agriculture, featuring solar PV greenhouses, agrivoltaics, and a community garden.
The project aims to address challenges affecting food systems, including extreme weather and water availability resulting from climate change.
Why it matters: The NAIC represents a significant development for the Northside neighborhood, which has historically faced environmental challenges and blight.
The center will serve as an educational resource, training the next generation of farmers to be better prepared for climate challenges.
The big picture: The project emerged from an extensive community-driven effort to improve health and wellness, develop the workforce, and foster innovation in sustainable agriculture.
What's next: Phase 1 includes 50,000 square feet of solar PV greenhouses, 14,000 square feet of agrivoltaics, and a 14,000-square-foot solar PV pole barn.
Future phases will add a co-work learning center, classrooms, and a demonstration kitchen when additional funding becomes available.
From high school painters to civil rights heroes, women’s stories are a prominent feature of the first Thursday stroll downtown.
Selection from Phenomenal Women at RCAA. (Ken Crawford)
Riverside's art venues are buzzing with activity, offering a diverse array of exhibitions despite potential rain. From The Cheech's new Amalia Mesa-Bains showcase to thought-provoking displays at RAM and UCR, there's something for every art enthusiast.
Driving the news: The Cheech unveils "Archaeology of Memory," a large-scale installation by influential artist Amalia Mesa-Bains, exploring femininity, culture, and religion.
Joel Sternfeld's "On This Site" at RAM challenges viewers with landscapes hiding significant historical events.
Why it matters: These exhibitions offer powerful lenses for social engagement, history, and community dialogue.
The big picture: Riverside's art scene is celebrating diversity and addressing important issues.
The RCAA Gallery honors Women's History Month with "Phenomenal Women" and "Mind The Gender Gap ii."
UCR's California Museum of Photography showcases work from Sherman Indian High School students.
What's next: Upcoming events include a panel discussion on challenges facing women in the arts at the Civil Rights Institute on March 13.
Booker T. Washington and Frank Miller Tablet Unveiling Celebrated with City and Community Leaders
The crowd was charged with bringing good will back down the mountain and into the city.
Pastor T. Ellsworth Gantt addresses mountaintop crowd. (Ken Crawford)
A new tablet commemorating Booker T. Washington and Frank A. Miller's ascent of Mt. Rubidoux was dedicated on February 28, marking the end of Black History Month. The ceremony brought together city officials, community groups, and local churches near the summit.
Driving the news: The Friends of Mt. Rubidoux, the Riverside African American Historical Society, and Riverside Parks co-sponsored the event, highlighting the historical significance of the mountain and its role in Riverside's community.
Why it matters: The tablet serves as a reminder of the city's history and the importance of education, economic self-determination, and unity across racial lines.
Kenneth B. Morris Jr., a descendant of Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglass, emphasized the need to carry forward the lessons of history.
The big picture: Speakers at the event stressed the importance of taking the spirit of unity and compassion experienced on the mountain back into the community.
Pastor T. Ellsworth Gantt urged attendees to "do better now" and work towards unity despite current divisive forces.
What's next: The new tablet, located near the summit on the way to the cross, adds to the existing monuments on Mt. Rubidoux.
Those interested in supporting future projects can visit the Friends of Mt. Rubidoux website for more information.
CBU’s Instagram account shared visually stunning aerial video showcasing campus activity “in miniature” style that’s worth a peek.
Councilmember Sean Mill is championing an ordinance to deter copper wire theft by restricting scrap metal businesses after Riverside Public Utilities replaced an estimated 60,000 feet of stolen wire in the past four months.
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