A residential street in Riverside's La Sierra South area has been renamed in memory of a family lost in a high-profile homicide last year. Price Court is now Winek Court, honoring Mark, Sharie, and Brooke Winek, who were killed on Nov. 25, 2022.
A new sign marking the name change has been installed in the cul-de-sac where the family lived. The City Council approved the renaming on September 12, and the sign was unveiled Thursday, October 5 in a ceremony attended by city officials.
Mark Winek had been a respected baseball and softball coach at Arlington High School for nearly a decade. His wife, Sharie, and their daughter, Brooke, were active in community affairs and parent-teacher organizations. The family were original homeowners on Price Court and were known for their contributions to the neighborhood and the city at large.
"The Wineks were the neighbors everyone would love to have," said City Councilmember Jim Perry, who spearheaded the renaming initiative. Perry also confirmed that the 17 homeowners on Price Court overwhelmingly supported the change, funded by $117 from the existing city budget.
Mychelle Blandin, who spoke on behalf of her late parents and sister, described them as the "pioneers of Price Court." She recounted how the family would camp out at the construction site to watch their home being built, emphasizing their excitement about creating a close-knit community with their neighbors.
In addition to the street renaming, Arlington High School commemorated the family by installing a plaque behind the baseball field's home plate and dedicating the 2023 baseball season to Mark Winek.
The renaming is ceremonial; residents are not required to update their mailing addresses or legal documents. Footage of the sign's unveiling is available for public viewing.
The 4th Annual Can Tree Wonderland brought together over 40 groups to create festive tree-inspired displays made of canned goods, raising vital support for hunger relief in the Riverside and San Bernardino communities this holiday season.
