Riverside artist Rebecca Waring-Crane’s latest project, Article 24, transforms food insecurity data into a powerful visual statement—inviting the community to take part in raising awareness and inspiring change.
Keith Alex is rebuilding a historical monument on the median at Eleventh and Redwood, welcoming everyone to the Rubidoux Heights neighborhood. He grew up in the area and remembers the monument being there from his childhood. He moved away for a while and returned as an adult, and the monument was gone. He noticed the remaining capstone at a neighbor's house and worked out a deal that he could take the stone if they ever left.
They left. Keith got the stone and initially intended to make a smaller monument at the original site as an homage to the original, but Ward 1 councilmember Philip Falcone showed him an old picture of the historic monument, and they devised a plan to rebuild it as it was: a large curved rock wall and bench with a dome-capped tower with "Rubidoux Heights" carved around the circumference.
The monument is big but not ornate and doesn't seem grand or opulent. Even when completed. It will be humble, but stacking twenty-five yards of boulders is tricky. The new monument is not one man's rock art project. Keith has a background in construction, and the monument is being built by a skilled crew from Riverside's J. Ginger Masonry and R.C. Earthworks, according to a well-engineered plan. That's not to say there isn't a good dose of love involved.
From left to right: Monument and bench at 11th and Redwood (Ken Crawford), Concept rendering. (Keith Alex)
"My whole love has been community, and I have the time and the know-how." Keith said in a recent interview." When Philip approached me with an opportunity to create the monument, I took it. I think it's cool to be able to make something I know will be here for the neighborhood in 100 years."
The existing landscaping in the median wasn't ugly. It looked pleasant and deliberate and was always maintained. But the monument will add something different to the intersection. It turns a place to pass by into a place to stop, to meet, intentionally or by fate. A place to sit and to gather. Who knows the fruits those encounters may bear? It is certain that in a heavily walked neighborhood, it will be there as a place to stop and chat and share a morning coffee with neighbors. There is no function except to give space to pause, which may be reason enough.
Riverside artist Rebecca Waring-Crane’s latest project, Article 24, transforms food insecurity data into a powerful visual statement—inviting the community to take part in raising awareness and inspiring change.
