A review of outdoor lighting and "live performance" noise regulations and the nomination of the Trujillo Adobe for the National Register of Historic Places are all on this week's agendas.
The Mission Inn Foundation has two new ways to experience Mt. Rubidoux, one of Riverside's most cherished landmarks. These initiatives offer participants the flexibility to engage with this iconic site according to their interests and schedules and pay tribute to Frank Miller, the businessman who transformed the Mission Inn into an architectural treasure and improved Mt. Rubidoux for public enjoyment. Miller constructed a road to the summit, making the mountain more accessible and enhancing its role as a community gathering place.
"The Mission Inn Foundation amazing docents get a chance to show a vital part of our history. This mountain was and always will be a way for our community to come together and celebrate Riverside," says Mission Inn Foundation President, Jennifer Gamble.
Virtual Run: Experience Mt. Rubidoux at Your Own Pace
The Mt. Rubidoux Virtual Run serves as a fitness challenge and a fundraiser supporting the Mission Inn Foundation's preservation efforts. Priced at $43.40 (including a $3.40 fee), the virtual format allows participants to complete their run or walk on their own schedule before registration closes on April 15, 2025.
Unlike traditional races with a mass start time, the virtual run gives participants flexibility to experience the route at their convenience. Runners can track their progress using fitness apps and share their achievements on social media, creating a community experience despite the individual nature of the activity.
All proceeds benefit the Mission Inn Foundation's ongoing educational programs and preservation projects, connecting physical activity with historical appreciation.
Docent-Led Walking Tour: Expert Guidance on a Historic Journey
For those seeking a more structured and educational experience, the Foundation is offering a guided walking tour of Mt. Rubidoux led by knowledgeable docents. This tour provides historical context and insights that enrich the hiking experience. Meeting at the corner of Tequesquite and San Andreas near Ryan Bonaminio Park, the 1.5-mile journey follows a paved road with a gradual 500-foot elevation gain, making it accessible for most fitness levels. The tour has been rated as "mild" difficulty by AllTrails.
Participants on the walking tour will learn about Mt. Rubidoux's significance in Riverside's development and hear stories about key historical figures connected to the site. A special highlight includes the newest tablet dedicated to Frank Miller and Booker T. Washington's historic visit to the summit.
Health and Heritage Combined
These initiatives align with Riverside's efforts to become a Blue Zone city, promoting healthier lifestyles through physical activity while celebrating local heritage. The dual approach ensures that Mt. Rubidoux remains accessible to various interests and ability levels.
Whether participants choose the self-guided virtual run or the educational walking tour, both experiences offer meaningful ways to connect with one of Riverside's most significant landmarks while supporting the Mission Inn Foundation's important cultural preservation work.
More information: The virtual run takes place between now and Tuesday, April 15. To sign up, visit runsignup.com. The docent-led walking tour happens on Saturday, April 12, from 9–10 a.m. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com. For more about the Mission Inn Foundation and its programs, visit missioninnmuseum.org.
