I have lived in and loved Riverside for more than 35 years. During that time, I enjoyed supporting several community groups, non-profits, and faith communities. The thing I learned early on was to say Yes. Yes, to community cleanups with Keep Riverside Clean & Beautiful. Yes, to getting involved with the Riverside Neighborhood Partnership development. Yes, to attend Mayor’s Night Out or Councilmember chats to learn more about what the City does for me and how I can get involved. Sometimes, it means saying yes to cleaning up my neighborhood, even if it is by myself. Saying yes has provided new opportunities and friendships.
What does Riverside mean to you? Riverside is a place of community where people care for each other and get involved. It is a place where you can pursue your dreams through education, the arts, civic engagement, and more.
What is your favorite restaurant outside of Downtown or Magnolia Center? Mamma Mia Restaurant & Bar is great Italian food on Magnolia Ave in the La Sierra Neighborhood
What is the most beautiful building in Riverside? As a photographer I see so many buildings and places in Riverside which are strikingly beautiful. It is hard to choose the most beautiful.
What is your favorite Riverside small business? Mrs. Tiggy-Winkles.
What is your favorite Riverside non-profit organization? There are so many amazing non-profits in Riverside. I love the Fox Riverside Theater Foundation for its support and encouragement of live performances at the Theater and in local schools. I am also passionate about the goals of Family Promise Riverside, which assists families as they move from homelessness to housing.
The Festival of Lights: Every year on opening night or maybe on a Tuesday? Thursday of the Second Week of the Festival of Lights is a great time because it is calm, yet everyone is getting into the spirit of the holidays. Plus, if you get downtown just before sunset, you can watch the lights come on and have your own lighting ceremony.
What is your go-to sandwich in town? Antone's Italian Eatery on the corner of Sunnyside and Brockton.
Do you call it the Galleria or Tyler Mall? The Mall
If you could put one message on a billboard on the 91, what would it be? Riverside … It’s worth a stop along the way.
