As most residents of Riverside (and the region) are aware, a controversy developed late last year over the Serra Cross atop Mount Rubidoux. Last August, Americans United for Separation of Church and State sent a letter questioning the constitutionality of the cross on account it was a religious symbol on public land. (Mount Rubidoux was…
With several thousand in attendance, including police officers from throughout California and the West, the community of Riverside said goodbye to slain police officer Michael Crain on Wednesday, Feb. 13. Services began at The Grove Community Church before continuing at Riverside National Cemetery where Crain, 34, was laid to rest. Prior to his 11-years with…
After nearly 30 years — and several months of anticipation — Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour is once again back in Riverside! The relaunched chain held a grand opening this week for its 5th (and largest) restaurant near Riverside’s Castle Park. Those who grew up in Southern California during the 1970s and 1980s will fondly remember…
As expected, clothing retailer Forever 21 closed its Riverside Plaza location this past weekend, leaving the Plaza’s largest building vacant. F21 opened at the Plaza in August 2009 replacing Gottschalks, which closed a month earlier as that chain ceased operations. The building dates back to 1957 when constructed for San Bernardino-based Harris’, which remained in…
Built by Frank Augustus Miller in seven major phases between 1902 and 1931, the historic Mission Inn hotel covers an entire city block in downtown Riverside. The Inn’s four “wings” — Mission, Cloister, Spanish and Rotunda — are a collection of varying and eclectic architectural styles. The primary architects of the Inn were Arthur Benton,…
Downtown Riverside’s first modern mid-rise — the eight-story Crocker-Citizens Bank building — opened in 1965. Since then, several more office buildings have popped up, adding to the city’s modest, but growing skyline. Some of these include Mount Rubidoux Manor (@1971), Security Pacific Bank (California Tower) (1973), County Admin Building (1975/2002), City Hall (1975), Riverside Centre…
Several new additions to the downtown Riverside entertainment and shopping mix have recently opened (or are readying to open), adding to the area’s already decent collection of eateries, bars and shops. Already open — 9th Street Italian Deli (Ninth & Market), Pixels Bar (near University & Lemon), and Beyond the Olive, which is inside the…
This month marks the end of an era in Riverside as Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge departs from city office since first being elected in 1979. Though we prefer not to get overly political on this site (there are plenty of other places for that), say what you will, but we feel Loveridge will be recognized…
This year marks a milestone as the annual Festival of Lights marks its 20th season. What began in 1993 as a modest, hotel-only event has grown into one of the premier holiday lights displays in the country. Each year, thousands of visitors gather in and around the Mission Inn and along the pedestrian mall in…
Late last year, we stumbled upon a crew filming on the pedestrian mall between the Mission Inn and the Loring Building in downtown Riverside. Intrigued by what appeared to be a doctor standing next to a tall mirror, we stopped for a few minutes to watch. Upon the call for “action,” a middle-aged couple approached…
