The First Responder Issue
Looking for a career where you can make a real impact? The Riverside Police Department is hiring individuals ready to serve their community with integrity, courage, and compassion. Whether you’re beginning your journey or seeking your next challenge, RPD offers opportunities in patrol, investigations, K9, aviation, and more.
As part of a department that values innovation, diversity, and strong leadership, you’ll receive world-class training, competitive pay, and room to grow in one of California’s most active and evolving communities.
Inland Exposures
The Riversider | August/September 2025
Three years after opening its doors, The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture continues to exceed expectations, drawing visitors from across the globe to downtown Riverside.
As the museum unveils "Cheech Collects IV," the fourth rotation of works from comedian-turnedcollector Cheech Marin's landmark donation, it's clear that his bold vision for the first museum dedicated to Chicano art has not only succeeded—it's thriving.
"I expected it to be successful because it was unique," Marin reflected on the museum's early days.
His confidence wasn't misplaced. The Cheech has become a cultural cornerstone for the Inland Empire, transforming Riverside's downtown core and establishing the city as an unexpected art destination.
The Cheech Collects 4
WORDS: KEN CRAWFORD
PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER
The latest exhibition, running through May 2026, showcases over 100 pieces by more than 40 artists, with a special focus on pastels and recent acquisitions. New additions by Carlos Almaraz, Jaime Guerrero, and Narsiso Martínez join established works by movement pioneers like Frank Romero, Rupert Garcia, and Gronk. The rotating displays ensure that even frequent visitors discover something new with each trip.
"It was just an idea whose time had come," Marin explained, and the numbers prove him right. The museum has attracted equal numbers of locals and out-of-town visitors, generating over $5.7 million in local economic impact during its first year alone. Downtown restaurants, hotels, and shops have all benefited from the
cultural tourism The Cheech has generated.
What makes this success particularly meaningful is its location. Housed in Riverside's beautifully renovated 1964 library building, The Cheech sits in a region that is predominantly Latino—exactly the community these artists represent and celebrate. The museum has filled a crucial gap, providing representation that resonates deeply with local residents while educating visitors about the rich tradition of Chicano artistic expression.
From Cande Aguilar's multimedia "La Novia Del Verde" to Wayne Alaniz Healy's vibrant "Beautiful Downtown Boyle Heights," the current exhibition reflects both the movement's historical roots and its contemporary evolution. These
aren't just paintings on walls—they're stories of struggle, identity, and celebration that speak directly to the Riverside community's experience.
As The Cheech enters its fourth year, it stands as proof that Riverside's investment in arts and culture pays dividends far beyond tourism dollars. The museum has become a source of civic pride, a catalyst for downtown revitalization, and most importantly, a place where an entire community can see itself reflected and celebrated.
Marin's gamble on Riverside has paid off spectacularly, cementing the city's reputation as an unexpected cultural destination.
The RFD extinguishes the last flames of an early morning fire at the old Strachan Fruit Co. building on July 12, 2024.
Photo by Julian Jolliffe
Blumenthal & Moore, Inland Southern California’s pre-eminent criminal defense firm, is devoted exclusively to the defense of the accused.
The firm’s trial-tested attorneys handle a range of criminal matters, from simple to complex. They are often retained in difficult cases, and defend people from all walks of the community.
In every case, the client benefits from a team approach. By combining their expertise, the attorneys at Blumenthal & Moore bring more than 100 years of legal experience to every case, providing each client with the best possible defense.
Virginia Blumenthal, Jeff Moore, Brent Romney and Heather Green all contribute unique strengths and perspectives, along with thorough knowledge of the court system in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Mr. Moore and Mr. Romney are tough former prosecutors who put their experience to work in defending cases, while Ms. Green has a passion for defending those with mental health disorders – prioritizing justice for everyone, regardless of mental health status.
Founding attorney Virginia Blumenthal, known for opening the first female-owned law firm in the region, has been named one of the Top 100 trial lawyers in the United States by the National Trial Lawyers. Over time, she has received a long list of awards for her courtroom excellence and volunteer service in the community.
Most recently, Ms. Blumenthal was named Best Lawyer in the Inland Empire by Inland Empire Magazine (2024); received a Champions for Justice Award from the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County (2023); received the Civil Rights Law Giant Award from the Riverside County NAACP Youth Council (2023); and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Corona Chamber of Commerce (2023).
Also in 2023, the team at Blumenthal & Moore received the Small Business Eagle Award from the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce – an honor that reflects a culture of excellence, experience and nearly five decades of commitment to clients.
(951) 682-5110
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Love Letter to Riverside
As the end of summer nears and we face sweltering heat, it’s important to stay safe and be smart. Everyone is at a higher risk for heat related issues such as heat stroke or fainting, so be sure to stay hydrated.
This time of year there is also an elevated risk of wild fires due to dry vegetation, so take a peek at your yard and see what might need tending to. It can save you from having a real emergency when there’s a fire nearby. We all know how hard our first responders work and even more so in this heat!
This issue we wanted to focus on Riverside’s own first responders, in particular the Riverside Fire Department and Riverside Police Department. Check out our features on both chiefs to learn a little bit more about the men who lead these amazing departments. Zach did a ten hour ride along with Riverside’s Fire Station 3 documenting a day in the life of these heroes. Going on calls all day, you quickly realize that their job isn’t always about fires and rescues but also daily
medical emergencies that can affect anyone. Many of those were heat-related.
For the center spread of this issue we recreated a photo taken in 1987 of the whole fleet of RFD firetrucks in front of the downtown courthouse. To recreate it, we enlisted the help of Riverside Public Utilities to use one of their bucket trucks for Zach and Julian, Riversider photographer, to shoot from. We were only able to fit nine trucks in our photo, but we think it turned out pretty amazing!
Thank you again to the RPD and RFD for working with us on this issue to tell their stories. We hope that these articles bring more insight into how these critical departments function in our community. Have a wonderful rest of your summer, and we’ll see you in the fall!
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Volume 5 Issue 4
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Ken Crawford ken@theriversider.com
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August/September 2025
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Julian Jolliffe
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Special Thanks:
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Dedicated to the memory of Aaron Schmidt 1972-2022
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Published by: Riversider Media, Inc. ©2025
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On the Cover:
From left to right: Riverside City Firefighter Rob Foy, Firefighter/ Paramedic Hector Calvillo, Fire Captain Bryan Hoffman, Fire Engineer Tim Vanderhorst, and Firefighter Chris Brandstetter. Photo by Zach Cordner
Presenting Sponsor:
Riverside Art Museum and The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture are dedicated to ensuring accessibility for all through a range of free, reduced-cost, and general admission ticket options.
Scan for more info!
Featured artists: Pedro Aceves, Teri Adams, Alex Klas, Shannon Black, Lavina Blossom, Christine Bozar, Mary Bly Cannon, Su Cheatham, Damian Costilla, Chick Curtis, ADEOLA DAVIES-AIYELOJA, Michael Elderman, Suzy Freeman, Chris Frausto, Sandy Garcia, Noal Garrett, Elisabeth Girke, Marta Gonzales, Gloria Gonzalez-Rivera, Tammy Greenwood, Andres Hernandez, Arelybel Iniguez, Kamelyta, Karen Kauffman, Barbara Lara, Lisa Loudin, Stevie Love, Silvya Manquero, Lana Licata Manzo, Douglas McCulloh, Deborah Mcduff, Gwendolyn Melby, Ted Meyer, Eddie Montgomery, Donna Morin, Yulia Morris, Tom OKeefe, Enedino Padilla, Geeta Pattanaik, Perry Picasshoe, Gary Rainsbarger, Jeff Ribaudo, Mark Schooley, Anita Silvestri, Sonia Sleeger, Anna Stump, James Supi, Mason Train, Yolanda Terrell, Debra Varvi, Kathryn Villareal, Katrin Wiese.
Riverside's Finest Police Chief Larry Gonzalez
WORDS: KEN CRAWFORD PHOTO: ZACH CORDNER
Chief Larry Gonzalez has spent his entire adult life in Riverside, 32 years and counting, but his story begins elsewhere. He grew up in Chino Hills, back when it was still largely rural. After high school, his path took a detour through semi-professional baseball before eventually leading him to police work at age 23.
"I didn't grow up wanting to be a police officer," Gonzalez explained during our conversation at police headquarters. "I played professional baseball for five years. All I ever wanted to do was be a baseball player."
When his baseball career ended, the young man found himself looking for something that would provide similar elements: competition, teamwork, and variety.
"I thought, what kind of a job can I get that's gonna be something different every day, competitive, and the camaraderie was there? Man, I fell in love with this immediately."
That was three decades ago, and Gonzalez hasn't looked back or looked elsewhere.
What makes Chief Gonzalez unusual in law enforcement isn't just his longevity in one department, but his absolute commitment to this specific place. "I'm a true stakeholder," he emphasized. "I live in this community. I've lived in this community my whole career."
When the city conducted a nationwide search for police chief, Gonzalez was the only internal candidate. His message to the selection committee was clear: "I want to be the Police Chief here. Nowhere else. If I don't get the job, I'm not gonna try to go to Corona or Colton to become a Chief. This is the only place I wanted to work."
It's a sentiment that would sound like mere interview rhetoric from most candidates, but Gonzalez means it. When conversation turns to the lighter side of life in the city, his enthusiasm becomes even more apparent. Ask him about the best lunch spots downtown, and you'll get the kind of insider knowledge that only comes from decades of actually eating in the community you serve.
"For a sandwich, I'm an Antone's guy," he said. Then quickly added other favorites: "Zacatecas, where everybody in Riverside goes. And I've been hitting The State a lot lately."
When asked to give some love to the western side of town "Ancho's or Olivia's. Ancho's is a staple if you go to that side of town."
Leading a Department That Stays
His department reflects that same commitment to place. "We have a very, very low turnover rate," Gonzalez explained. "People don't come here to learn the trade, so to speak, and move on to another agency."
He contrasts Riverside with departments in similar-sized cities: "You look at Anaheim and Santa Ana. Us three are so similar. I mean, we have a few more cops than Santa Ana and Anaheim do. The population is a little bit higher. But people don't leave to those places, which I'm happy about."
This local connection is reflected in the numbers. Gonzalez estimates that somewhere around 40 to 50 percent of the department's officers live in the city itself, an unusually high percentage for any police force.
"We've been very fortunate that guys who grew up in this city, they want to be police officers, they want to be police officers here," he said. "It's kind of the same all the way down the ranks. They grew up here and went to high school here and went to college here. And they're proud of their city."
What strikes Gonzalez most about Riverside is how it functions as a genuine community. "Look at how many downtown events there are. Every weekend in Riverside, there's some great event going on, usually for free. And everybody gets along."
He points to Show and Go, the yearly classic car gathering, as a perfect example.
"You look at Show and Go, there was about 5,000 people at Show and Go. All from different backgrounds, most of them are Riversiders, but we have minimal problems. For that many people, that diverse of a group, it's always impressive to
see how they can all seem to get along together."
This sense of community cohesion isn't accidental.
"There's not one day that I worry whether I come out on a weekend, in my uniform or not in my uniform, I feel like it's a big family."
As our conversation continues, it becomes clear that for Gonzalez, Riverside isn't just where he works but where he's built his life. This is someone who has woven his personal and professional life into the fabric of one community for three decades.
When he talks about departmental changes or community challenges, he's not speaking as an outsider implementing policy but talking about his home.
"I can't tell you how proud I am to be a Riversider," he said, and there's nothing performative about it. "We are very fortunate to have such a supportive community, and not just a supportive community, but our city leadership has always been supportive."
From a kid in Chino Hills to a professional baseball player to a 23-year-old rookie cop and to the Chief of Police, Larry Gonzalez's journey might seem unlikely, but, in Riverside, it makes perfect sense.
This is a city that rewards loyalty, where people put down roots and stay. Where a former athlete can find the same competitive spirit and team camaraderie in police work. Where someone can spend 32 years in one job and still find it engaging.
"Being a cop fit like a glove," Gonzalez reflected. "No pun intended."
In a profession often defined by turnover and career mobility, Chief Gonzalez represents something different. His department has low turnover because, as he puts it, people don't come to Riverside as a stepping stone but come to stay.
For him, this isn't just where he works but where he belongs.
Riverside's Finest
Fire Chief Steve McKinster
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting with Riverside’s Fire Chief Steve McKinster in his new office at Downtown’s Fire Station 1. The view is absolutely gorgeous and while the office is new to him, his roles in leadership are not. The Chief’s arrival in Riverside was a happenstance, but according to him, it was the best choice he ever made.
McKinster grew up in San Diego, graduated high school in Orange County, followed by EMT school then Paramedic school in Inglewood. He enjoyed getting the varied experience and once he completed his internship in San Diego, he found that his preceptor had a connection with Goodhew, the old ambulance company.
In 1995, he started in the ambulance at Station 1 and truly fell in love with the department. “The culture within the organization, the people that were there mentoring and guiding me through the next pieces were all amazing. I knew this is where I wanted to be.”
Mckinster’s experience is well known and quite respected among his men; well earned as he has served in every rank in the entire department.
“A lot of the experience that I’ve had has culminated in making me feel ready to be here.”
He also worked eight years within the federal system in the urban search and rescue team. This opportunity allowed him to step outside of his department. He was able to work with national leaders and fire chiefs throughout the country which gave him tools he wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Chief McKinster is clearly playing the long game with his unfaltering dedication for over 25 years to RFD and now his recent appointment to Fire Chief. He has his focus set toward the future of the department and is currently working with a consultant to complete a master plan. He wanted to take a holistic look at the organization and
asked them to provide a five, ten, fifteen, and twenty year plan.
The Chief feels that this will give the organization an outside perspective that it needs to help accommodate all the community's growing needs. He notes that they are getting busier and busier. Incidents are up by three-to-five percent per year, and yet the department hasn’t grown. He believes that plan will be instrumental in understanding what the next steps are for continued growth in the Fire Department.
McKinster believes in expanding the department’s resources, and he supports his colleagues and, with real feedback from his men, he has worked on solidifying the Fire Department’s Core Values:
• Accountability- We take responsibility for our actions, decisions, and outcomes. We hold ourselves accountable to one another and to the community we serve.
• Honesty- We communicate openly and truthfully, admit our mistakes and reject all forms of deception.
• Trustworthiness- We are reliable, dependable, and act with integrity. We honor our commitments, maintain confidentiality, and earn the trust placed in us.
• Integrity- We consistently do the right thing, uphold the highest ethical standards, and remain steadfast in our principles, regardless of circumstances.
• Professionalism- We demonstrate competence, responsibility, and respectful conduct at all times, representing the fire department with pride and dedication.
• Teamwork- We work collaboratively toward shared goals, support one another and combine our strengths to better serve the community.
• Respect- We treat everyone with dignity, value diverse perspectives, and recognize the inherent worth of all individuals.
For McKinster, these values are fundamental in moving our city’s fire department forward in the coming years. When asked what he finds rewarding in this role, his immediate answer is supporting the department and his men and helping the organization connect the dots to the community. He is learning that his role as Chief is really about identifying the need, letting city management know what the needs are and connecting the department with the community they serve.
He is proud of how despite being busier, the fire department continues to do a lot of public education. It is important to him that they be out in the community and going to events. Letting the public have hands-on experiences with the trucks and having the firefighters interacting with the community is the best way to help people understand what they are all about.
For future plans, they’ve formed a recruitment committee to bring in more people from the community with varied perspectives. He believes in hiring staff that are homegrown and from the local area and also sees the value in having more representation at the table. He welcomes a diverse crowd and really wants to include women more actively.
He also wants to tie into the local schools and help strengthen a pathway for youth of all ages that are interested in becoming firefighters. He wants to open the doors to the community and expand pathways into the department and it shows.
We really look forward to seeing where Chief McKinster takes RFD and can’t thank the entire department enough for continuing to put their lives on the line for us every day.
WORDS: ALONDRA FIGUEROA PHOTO: ZACH CORDNER
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MEET YOUR LOCAL ARTIST
Alfred Zaragoza
Presented by Eastside Arthouse
Written Chris Menezes
Photographed by Juan Navarro
Alfred Zaragoza: Ink, Identity, and the Stories We Wear
Alfred Zaragoza’s portraits don’t just look real—they feel alive. Saints and sinners, icons and monsters, rendered with precision and soul—you can almost hear their voice. His tattoos aren’t just technically sharp; they’re deeply personal, emotional, and unmistakably his. With over 20 years of experience, he’s known for realism with grit, Chicano influences, and storytelling through ink.
“I love portraits, lettering, scary stuff,” he says. “I was born on Halloween—maybe that’s why the horror characters come naturally.”
His shop, The Madd Tatter’z in Riverside, has become a local staple, voted Best of the Inland Empire multiple times. But the path there wasn’t polished—it was
pieced together from family, hustle, and trial by fire.
Before he ever picked up a tattoo machine, Alfred was drawing video game characters from memory. “We couldn’t afford a Nintendo, so me and my best friend would go to Video Wiz in Canyon Crest just to look at the games,” he says. “Then we’d go home and draw them all night.”
At 13, he got his first tattoo—from his dad, who had learned in prison. “I bugged him until he gave in,” he says. When his dad left again, Alfred kept the gear and started practicing—on oranges, plastic cups, whatever he could find. By 14, he was tattooing friends. “I didn’t know what I was doing. I felt like I messed them up, so I quit. I should’ve stuck with it.”
with passwords at the door. Four years later, The Madd Tatter’z was born.
Now, Alfred is pushing himself beyond the chair. Inspired by muralist Juan Navarro, he joined the Eastside Arthouse and is diving into painting— working with oils, acrylics, and spray paint. “I want to do murals, portraits, maybe even get a piece into The Cheech someday,” he says. “Or something cultural, something on the Eastside where I grew up.”
Years later, while working at American Tire Co., he met a guy tattooing in his garage. When the guy botched a piece on him, Alfred stopped the session and offered to buy the equipment. “I took a loan from my 401(k) to pay for it,” he says. Around that time, Miami Ink hit TV—and Alfred treated it like school. “I’d pause, zoom in, watch every move. That became my teacher.”
In 2009, after ten years of backbreaking work, he left the tire shop behind and started tattooing in the back of a barbershop—an underground speakeasy
As Alfred continues growing as an artist and giving back to his roots, he thinks about kids like he once was—drawing Mario characters instead of playing the game—and the advice he’d give.
“Don’t listen to people who doubt you,” he says. “If you’ve got talent, nurture it. Handle your business. Stay away from negativity. Think it. Dream it. Live it. Be it.”
To schedule a session with Alfred, the Madd Tatter’z, visit themaddtatterz.com
Instagram @maddtatterz
themaddtatterz.com
EASTSIDE ARTHOUSE
4177 Park Avenue
www.eastsidearthouse.studio @eastsidearthouse
Riverside City Firefighters Association's Pipe & Drum Band
Captain Ben Hunt had only some idea he was connecting to centuries of tradition when he first picked up bagpipes eight years ago. What started as personal interest has grown into something much bigger—the Riverside City Firefighters Association's Pipe and Drum Band.
"There's something about the sound of the pipes and drums—it cuts right through you," Hunt said. "It's a way to honor those who came before us and remind ourselves of the brotherhood we share."
That brotherhood reaches back to Irish and Scottish immigrants who brought their musical traditions to America in the 1800s. They settled mostly on the East Coast, facing discrimination and limited job opportunities.
"When everyone immigrated to the United States, obviously the East Coast is where we started," Hunt explained. "The majority of the poor immigrants got the crappy jobs—the most dangerous jobs nobody wanted was police department, fire department, trash collectors."
Those newcomers from Ireland and Scotland found themselves working the same dangerous jobs. They brought their culture with them.
"Because the majority of them were all of the same culture, they just did what they always did," Hunt continued. "If they had a party, they played bagpipes because that's what they did
KEN CRAWFORD PHOTOS: JULIAN JOLLIFFE
where they're from, and then if they had a funeral, they played the bagpipes."
The tradition spread from those early East Coast fire departments across the country. Today there's an interesting twist to the modern version.
"What's kind of ironic is the bagpipes that we play are actually the great Highland bagpipes— they're Scottish, not Irish," Hunt noted. "Irish bagpipes are much more complex, but because the culture melted together when they came over to the United States, we just know it as Irish because we do it for St. Patrick's Day."
The Riverside band's path to independence took patience and planning. The department had individual pipers before but no formal band. They often hired UC Riverside's pipe band for events.
Hunt and several colleagues started learning with UCR musicians about seven years ago. Their goal was to eventually form their own group.
"It's kinda hard if you don't have enough musicians to fill out a band—you can't just show up with one snare drum and make it work," Hunt said. "It's not like a guitar."
Learning bagpipes takes serious commitment. "The bagpipes unfortunately take about a year before you can even play anything on an actual bagpipe—you're learning with what's called a practice chanter," Hunt explained.
The extended learning period, plus the demands of firefighting careers and family life, means not everyone who shows interest can stick with it. But after several years of growth, the band became independent about four years ago.
They still partner with UCR when needed. "We still are community partners with UCR, and
whenever we can't make something we refer to UCR as a community member and vice versa," Hunt said.
Today, the band has about ten active members. That's enough musicians to handle multiple commitments throughout the year.
The connection between music and firefighting runs deeper than Hunt first realized. "Playing together requires the same kind of trust and teamwork that we rely on when responding to a call," Hunt said. "There's no room for ego—just like in a fire, we all have to play our part."
The band's reputation has grown beyond traditional firefighter events. The mayor's office now regularly requests their services for official functions. They play at the annual State of the City address and the downtown 9/11 ceremony at City Hall.
They've also become fixtures at local fire academy graduations and paramedic program ceremonies. This extends their reach throughout the regional emergency services community.
Their music mixes Celtic traditions with American classics. Pieces like "Scotland the Brave" and "The Minstrel Boy" honor their roots. Each performance connects past and present for audiences who might not know the immigrant origins of this firefighting tradition.
The band stays busy with community events year-round. Their annual St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl through downtown Riverside has become a local favorite. The event celebrates Irish and Scottish firefighting heritage while giving residents a chance to connect with their local firefighters.
Merchandise sales at events help fund
instrument maintenance and other expenses that keep the band active.
"We want people to feel connected to something bigger," Hunt said. "It's about community, tradition, and honoring those who came before us."
This mission drives their participation in civic functions throughout Southern California. The sound of pipes and drums remains a living part of regional culture rather than just a historical curiosity.
As the band continues attracting new members and expanding their presence, Hunt sees opportunities for even greater community impact. Growing from a handful of learners to a fully independent band shows both the appeal of the tradition and the commitment needed to sustain it.
"Our goal is to make this an even bigger tradition," Hunt said. "We want to share this music and this brotherhood with as many people as possible."
The Riverside City Firefighters Association's Pipe and Drum Band proves that immigrant contributions to American culture continue to matter today. Their commitment ensures that Highland bagpipes and drums will keep serving as both tribute and inspiration.
They honor the courage and sacrifice that define firefighting while building bridges in their community. In preserving these musical traditions, they preserve something essential about the heritage that shaped American firefighting into the profession it is today.
Local Business
The Riversider | August/September 2025
Phenix Technology Inc.
WORDS: ANTHONY SOLORZANO
The CEO of Phenix Technology Inc. walked over to a wall filled with portraits of company members. Each one, Angel Sanchez explained, includes the person’s love language—a detail that helps everyone understand how each “member of the family” prefers to give and receive love.
“We don’t have employees here, it's all family members—it's very close-knit,” Sanchez said. “I believe in a servant leadership approach, so I don't believe anybody works for me. It's my job to support and help those that report to me thrive.”
The company manufactures helmets for firefighters and emergency responders. Phenix Technology has distributed its helmets around the world since it opened in 1972. It was started by Ronny Coleman and Ray Russel, two fire captains who wanted to design a helmet that met the needs of disaster response crew members.
Their core focus is to improve the lives of its employees, which leads to the production of better products that help them reach their goal of making a better world.
“We do a lot of personal development here. In fact, I think last year we had 144 hours of personal development time per person,” Sanchez added.
He recalled one employee who started in an entry-level production role and had untapped skills as a photographer. When the company discovered his talent, they enrolled him in marketing courses.
“Now he's one of our highest marketing specialists and does an incredible job in that regard,” he added.
Phenix is filled with similar stories of personal growth—stories that reflect a workplace culture rooted in support and joy. That culture is also
reflected in the company’s signature product, the First Due Fire Helmet, which was named one of the top four “coolest things made in California” in 2024 by the California Manufacturers Association.
Phenix Technology is also a Tier 2 certified Green Business, a designation awarded by the City of Riverside and the California Green Business Network. As part of the 0.125% of California businesses to earn this accreditation, the company meets standards in energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, pollution prevention, and employee engagement in sustainability.
The success of their production serves as a catalyst for creating a better world through their nonprofit, Phenix Gateway. The organization, founded by Sanchez, focuses on “fostering an inclusive workplace culture” that embraces diversity—including neurodivergent perspectives. Approximately 35% of their workforce identifies as neurodivergent.
The nonprofit offers on-site training that helps individuals with disabilities build career pathways. Modeled as an eleven-week cohort, the program offers guidance and mentorship to its members that aspire to join the workforce. Phenix Gateway also mentors employers interested in creating an inclusive workplace based on its model.
Phenix helmets are used by firefighters across the country—and even appear in Hollywood productions—but to Sanchez, the gear is just one piece of a larger mission.
“Creating a better world is honestly what we do, and we fund that through making what I think are the best helmets on the market,” Sanchez said.
ZACH CORDNER
Phenix's Fire Helmet Museum
Children who have been abused and neglected deserve the opportunity to
Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers provide hope.
Children enter foster care because they have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) model empowers trained volunteers to advocate for the needs of children and help judges make the most informed decisions for children’s futures. In Riverside County, Voices for Children is the only nonprofit organization designated by the courts to train and support CASA volunteers for children living in foster care.
With the support of a CASA from Voices for Children, a child is more likely to receive essential services, and find a safe, permanent home. Over time, a CASA often becomes the most consistent adult in a child's life—someone the child knows they can count on. Join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of these children in need. Volunteer to support local youth in foster care.
Trial By Fire
A World-Class Fire Department at Home in Riverside
WORDS: PHILIP FALCONE
As the bright red fire trucks rumble through Riverside streets, sirens screaming, enroute to some emergency in the city, many onlookers do not give a second thought to the high-stakes and nerve-racking work that awaits the City of Riverside Fire Department on the other end of the high-speed expedition.
For the 230 uniformed fire personnel, each of the annual near-50,000 emergency calls the department responds to utilizes one or more of their highly trained skills and life-saving abilities. But for the everyday Riversider, little is known about the world-class fire department that devotedly serves the city from fourteen strategically located
fire houses across Riverside’s 81 square miles.
A complex, metropolitan life-saving organization, the Riverside Fire Department has experienced immense evolution over its near140-year existence—from evolutions in technology and training to evolving to meet the needs of one of the nation’s fastest growing cities. Each station has a specialty that adds to the multi-faceted capabilities of the department—from hazmat to technical rescue to arson investigation.
Providing support beyond the city’s borders, an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team is regularly deployed across the nation to aid in recovery efforts. The list of deployments is long
An 8 a.m. call time on Sunday, June 29, 2025 brought fire apparatus and personnel to the hallowed location where dozens of annual “inspection day” images were taken in the first half of the twentieth century. The 1903 Riverside County Court House is known as the most beautiful in California.
A 1987 image at the historic Riverside County Court House brought the entire department’s fleet of vehicles together in honor of the department’s 100th anniversary. This image in on display in nearly every fire station. The center vehicle, known as “The Frog” is a 1926 American La France firetruck which served the department for 39 years. It is now in the fire museum at Fire Station 1.
A firefighterthemed park in Arlanza will be opening soon in honor of RFD's Tim Strack.
ZACH CORDNER
including the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, wildfires in Paradise, Pacific Palisades and Altadena, and the recent flooding in Texas were all humanitarian rescue efforts supported by the Riverside Fire Department.
The department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a minimum of 72 on-duty personnel at any given time, staffing thirteen engines, three squad vehicles, and four ladder trucks at fourteen fire stations.
The uniformed personnel are divided into three shifts—A, B, and C—and rotate 24-hour shifts among the three. A single workday is 24 hours from 7:30 a.m. on one day to 7:30 a.m. the next day. The fire houses do serve as homes for Riverside’s firefighters while on duty with group meals around large dining room tables, assigned bedrooms, a living room with recliners and television,
A large, multi-alarm structure fire at the former Utility Plaza building at Orange and Fifth Streets.
JULIAN JOLLIFFE
regular household chores such as cooking, washing dishes, cleaning toilets, taking out the garbage, and maintaining landscaping.
The infamous conversations around the dinner table span every topic from light-hearted jokes to pitching ideas for solving the world’s greatest challenges. With such closeness established by living and working side by side, building bonds that are as strong as familial ties are not uncommon.
Despite “fire” being in the department title, the majority of the department’s calls for service are medical aid emergencies. And contrary to popular belief, providing medical aid in a home, on the side of the road following a traffic collision— or anywhere—eclipses the number of structure or vegetation fires. Understanding the types of emergency calls disseminated to fire stations across the city underscores their role in being the frontline medical aid providers to residents in times of greatest need.
An October 1975 recruitment advertisement for the Riverside Fire Department states: “To be a firefighter one must be between 21-30 years
old, good physical condition, pass written and oral examinations, high school graduate, 5’7” to 6’4” in height with weight in proportion to height.” Meeting the physical demands of the job requires regular—and frequently intensive—training. Most California fire departments expect high physical capabilities and fitness training from their personnel.
Riverside has a long history of upholding the highest training standards. To meet the training expectations, there are five full-time members assigned to the fire training division where crews
regularly go through drills such as forcible entry, ladder operations, extrication, technical rescue, and more.
On the fitness side, the weekend mornings are often popular times for crews to run stairs at nearby colleges or parking structures. A favorite spot for Fire Station 4 is running the fourteen flights of stairs in the UC Riverside bell tower, eight times in a row, with full gear weighing nearly 75 pounds.
Recognized for their exceptional skills and industry-leading fire protection services, the City
of Riverside Fire Department achieved a Class 1 ISO rating in December 2019. The rating places the Riverside Fire Department as one of only 77 fire departments in the United States and Canada that are both accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) and have an ISO Class 1 rating. Moreover, they are one of only six departments with this high of recognition in California. There are 30,000 fire departments in the United States and Canada, and 105 fire departments in California.
ISO (Insurance Services Office) is a company
Every night is a team effort to cook dinner for the station personnel, as shown here on pasta night at Fire Station 3.
that creates ratings based on specific criteria to determine how well equipped a fire department is to protect their communities. After analyzing department data, the ISO assigns a score on a scale from one to ten, with one being the best ranking to earn a fire department a Class 1 rating. Both accreditation and class rating are regularly re-examined by their respective agencies to ensure the department maintains the high standards for which they were awarded.
With great recognition comes great responsibility. In a city as large as Riverside, emergency call volume is high, and Fire Department personnel face a variety of difficult and challenging incidents nearly every shift. At times, firefighters operate on incidents that are traumatic, and often tragic. The mental and physical toll from these incidents can have a lasting effect on the well-being of personnel. To ensure uniformed personnel are
not disproportionately focused on physical abilities needed to be stellar fire professionals, a dedicated Peer Support Team was established to care for the mental and emotional aspects of personnel.
Several years ago, Riverside City Firefighters Association under longtime union president, Captain Tim Strack—a name synonymous with advancing Fire Department and City of Riverside causes for over two decades—created a Therapy Canine program for the department. Therapy Canine “Odin,” the yellow labrador retriever, donated by the Riverside City Firefighter Foundation, fire personnel are provided the comfort and calming presence of a canine. Odin was officially welcomed to the Riverside Fire Department by City Council action on April 16, 2024.
The main duty of a Therapy Canine is to offer emotional support and comfort during critical incident debriefs for fire personnel and others impacted. Trained as a therapy dog, Odin can effectively soothe personnel dealing with anxiety, stress, and trauma symptoms. Therapy Canine Odin and his handler, Engineer Michael Dobyns, work at Fire Station 11 in the Orangecrest neighborhood. The pair regularly visit other stations to provide crews with valuable canine therapy.
The City of Riverside Fire Department experienced a heartbreaking loss on April 1, 2023, with the passing of Tim Strack. In 2026, the association, formerly known as the Firemen’s Benefit Association, will mark 100 years of advocating for Riverside’s first responders and their families. Tim Strack served as the association’s president for over one-fifth of the organization’s existence— having served twenty-one years as the lead voice for Riverside’s firefighters. A firefighter-themed park, rightfully named Tim Strack Park, will soon
open in the Arlanza neighborhood in his honor.
The high-stakes nature of being a frontline worker not only strains the individual but also has ripple effects on families—especially during times of injury or death. To ensure firefighters are cared for in times of need, the Riverside City Firefighters Foundation was established in 2014 to assist with support and resources for active, retired, and disabled Riverside City Firefighters and their families. The Foundation promotes mental wellbeing among personnel through the funding of the Therapy Canine program and regularly provides support to personnel who are experiencing health challenges such as cancer or tragic accidents. Funding expenses for families of fallen local firefighters to travel to firefighter memorials across the state and country are also part of the Foundation’s work.
It is clear with a well-rounded, well-equipped fire department of the twenty-first century that Riverside can rest assured knowing their lives and livelihoods are in capable hands. The Riverside Fire Department is in the final stages of establishing their renewed strategic plan which will guide their growth, best practices, succession planning, and more for the next decade. The important work of mapping how this world-class department went from good to great will ensure the next generation of Riversiders and firefighters have a department that is accountable, professional, dedicated, and proud.
Support local firefighters and their families by donating at riversidefirefoundation.org.
Check out Mark from Riverside’s behind the scenes video of our RFD firetruck photo shoot:
The city’s busiest multi-engine fire house is Fire Station 1. It is also the fire department headquarters.
Odin the Fire Dog and Engineer Michael Dobyns.
Historical Riverside
The Riversider | August/September 2025
Our Thin Red Line
A Brief History of the Courageous & Unsurpassed Riverside Fire Department (1883-2025)
WORDS BY H. VINCENT MOSES, PHD
Introduction: Unflinching Valor
Rest a little easier, Riverside. We have one of the best and most innovative fire departments in the country, without exception. RFD firefighters are recognized nationwide for their technical innovation and excellence in fire suppression, urban search and rescue, and life support efforts.
Cate and I saw their heroism firsthand. The potentially devastating five-alarm Riverbottom Fire of December 2017, driven by gale-force winds gusting at forty miles per hour, nearly destroyed our home on Beacon Way and every other house in the historic Little Mount Rubidoux neighborhood. The fire threatened the entire downtown area, prompting an all-hands-on-deck effort by our firefighters and their mutual aid partner departments in the region to contain the blaze.
They succeeded. We returned home after a mandatory evacuation, released one of our cats, Dan, from Cate’s gym bag where he had ridden out the fire, and breathed a huge sigh of relief.
High-rise fires pose a unique challenge for firefighters, being as dangerous and potentially more complex than bushfires, such as the one in the river bottom in 2017. On Thursday, December 8, 2016, the City of Riverside RFD responded to and extinguished a fire in a single apartment unit on the tenth floor of Mount Rubidoux Manor. This fire once again demonstrated the unwavering bravery of RFD personnel.
A total of 90 personnel from the RFD, Riverside Police Department, CAL Fire, the City of Corona, and American Medical Response responded to the incident. The response involved fifteen engine
companies, three truck companies, two squad companies, two battalion chiefs, one breathing support unit, two investigators, two division chiefs, and seven AMR ambulances, with one supervisor.
Firefighter Leroy Lopez received the Medal of Valor, a symbol of great heroism for his effort to save several endangered people by shielding them with his own body.
Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Dobyns and Firefighter/Paramedic Miguel Ahumada were awarded the Firefighter Cross.
Firefighters Lopez, Dobyns, and Ahumada were involved in the rescue of a trapped occupant. Firefighter Lopez used his body to shield the occupant from the heat and fire as they removed the occupant from the apartment. They were heroes all!
Engine 3, December 21, 2017 Riverbottom Fire.
Photo by BC Bruce Vanderhorst, RFD.
Left: This Seagrave Combined Hose & Chemical Engine, c1910 brought the RFD into the motorization era, replacing the power of its galloping horses with gaspowered, smoke-belching apparatus.
Photo courtesy of RFD.
“ We went five alarms and called in mutual aid for assistance. This was a Type 3 Incident.” — Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst, Riverbottom Fire, Dec. 21, 2017
Frank Miller, William Hayt, and the Origin of the RFD, 1882-1887
Still a frontier town in 1880, Riverside’s downtown buildings were mostly made of wood, making them vulnerable to uncontrolled fires. Businessmen William Hayt and Frank Miller recognized this danger and campaigned to establish a fire department.
Miller raised $500 from local businessmen to buy a wagon with fire buckets and a hose reel. Meanwhile, William Hayt lobbied the City Board of Trustees for a whole fire department. On February 10, 1883, their worst fears were realized when a major fire destroyed the building and the press of The Press & Horticulturist.
Five years of remarkable local growth attracted more residents, buildings, and a higher demand for fire protection. On July 7, 1887, William Hayt offered to cover all necessary expenses, half through donations and half from his pocket, to purchase new and improved equipment for a fire department. The Trustees accepted his offer, and Hayt quickly raised $527 through donations, paying his share of $515.68 as pledged. Riverside's Fire Department was officially established on October 7, 1887.
Former US Cavalry Captain James N. Keith was appointed the first Fire Chief, with 1st Assistant D.L. Brant, 2nd Assistant S. J. Filkins, and Clerk G.F. Ward (who would later become one of Riverside's
Old Station 1, northeast corner of 8th (University) & Lime Streets with horse-drawn and first gas-powered apparatus out front, c1910. The mechanized Seagrave Pumper, and horse-drawn steam pumper are at the middle of the image. Photo courtesy of RFD.
RFD in dress uniforms, Riverside County Court House, c1940. Photo courtesy of Museum of Riverside.
Historical Riverside
chiefs). They received a salary of $12.00 per month. The Fire Department included a chief, two assistants, a clerk, a bucket wagon, a horse-drawn cart, a hose reel, a hook and ladder, and about fifty volunteers. All equipment was meant for manual use. At the same time, the city began developing its water main system, allowing the installation of fire hydrants in the downtown area.
They Lost the Citrus Pavilion but Saved the Town
The city shut down its new piped water system for repairs in April 1888. On April 21, during the shutdown, a fire in the lamp closet at the large wooden Citrus Pavilion spread through the structure, finally destroying the entire block. Nonetheless, with determination, new training, tenacity, and
valor, the RFD saved much of the city's wooden downtown.
The 20th Century
Motorization arrived at RFD on September 15, 1909, with the purchase of a Seagrave combined hose wagon and chemical engine for $4,750. Motorization replaced the locally loved fire horses with loud, smoke-belching gasoline-powered trucks. RFD’s powerful steam pumper, impressive when pulled by galloping horses, was now towed behind one of the new engines.
After a devastating fire at the Motor Transit building downtown in 1924, Riverside doubled its fire hydrant count and approved a 1925 bond to expand fire protection, upgrade the water system, and purchase two new Seagrave engines and
Above: Captain Ed Strickland, first Black captain of RFD, brought national notoriety to Riverside with his invention of the 1/12" pre-connected hose, adopted by departments across the nation. Photo courtesy of Museum of Riverside.
three American LaFrance engines in 1926. One of these engines was later restored and is now owned by the Riverside City Firefighter Association. By 1938, Riverside had 33 firefighters and operated five engine companies across four stations.
World War II and Captain Ed Strickland
RFD’s growth slowed during World War II. However, RFD firefighters played a vital role in establishing the block warden program. In the early forties, Riverside and RFD gained national recognition when Ed Strickland, the first Black firefighter in the department, invented the preconnected 1 ½-inch hose. Ed’s invention was quickly adopted nationwide. During the same period, the department developed a medical assistance program by equipping a pickup truck with a resuscitation unit.
The department expanded beyond traditional fire suppression and medical aid services. Fire prevention received significant focus, and RFD’s Driver Certification Program, likely originating from the 1913 crash of its horse-drawn steam pumper, trains skilled apparatus drivers and operators.
Building on the Past for the 21st Century
The fearless legacy of RFD ballooned during the late 20th century, laying a solid foundation for the department’s performance in the 21st century.
Recent notable accomplishments include basic life support and emergency medical services, a hazardous materials response team since 1990, support for passing the City's Fire Sprinkler
Brushfire equipment, Old Station 1, 7th (MIssion Inn Ave) at Lime, c1975. This station was designed by architect Bolton Moise. RFD photo.
Firefighters at Station 1 heading to a fire, c1975. RFD photo.
Ordinance in 1992, creation and management of the highly regarded Urban Search and Rescue Program since 1993, implementation of the automatic external defibrillator program in 1998, advanced life support and paramedic services on all engines and squads in 2000, and expansion to fourteen stations by 2007.
RFD personnel continue to address challenges within our community and around the world. RFD formed a partnership with local community colleges by providing training facilities for the Riverside Community College Fire Academy and Truck Academy. Recently, RFD launched a preceptor program for students from the Crafton Hills College Paramedic Program. The RFD has also donated fire apparatus, equipment, and training to our Sister Cities Cuautla, Morelos, Mexico, and Ensenada since the 1970s.
The Swift Water Team was deployed to Temecula in 1993 and to Sacramento in 1997. In 1994, USAR members assisted with operations during the Northridge Earthquake. On September 11, 2001, USAR CA Task Force 6 was sent to New York City as one of the initial FEMA teams, providing on-site support for ten days. The Swift Water Team and USAR CATF-6 responded to New Orleans in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, spending ten days at a camp assisting in the search for survivors in damaged areas. Tragically, the Riverside City Fire Department experienced its first on-duty firefighter death,
Eduardo Teran, on November 5, 2005.
In response to rising threats from terrorism, natural disasters, and crime, RFD actively tackles these issues through prevention and preparedness efforts. Disaster Preparedness, overseen by an Emergency Services Coordinator, joined the fire department in March 2003. This division launched a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Program in 2004 to train community members for quicker responses to neighborhood emergencies.
RFD's Fire/Arson Investigation Task Force expanded into a multi-agency effort, collaborating with the Riverside Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. RFD was among the first to introduce the Fire F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (Firesetter Regional Intervention Education Network and Delivery System) juvenile intervention program.
Since late 2004, businesses have been able to submit hazardous materials disclosures and inventories online, simplifying access to the dangerous materials team during emergencies. In February 2008, the City of Riverside was included in the Urban Area Security Initiative by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Riverside’s first search and rescue dog was also certified for deployment in February 2008.
Approval of Measure G in November 2003 enabled the Fire and Emergency Facilities Bond to upgrade existing fire stations, rebuild them,
and construct a new Emergency Operations Center and Training Facility. The new Sycamore Canyon, Canyon Crest, and Northside Fire Stations opened in June 2007. Emergency Medical Dispatch has been implemented in the Communications Center to enhance the quality of information during 911 medical calls and to provide callers with postdispatch instructions in situations such as childbirth, CPR, or severe bleeding.
Conclusion: RFD Excellence Marches On
Faced with the complexity of fighting 21st century fires, the spirit of William Hayt and Frank Miller lives on today in the highly professional 21st century RFD. The department employs 220 full-time staff members, including six fire inspectors, two plan checkers, a public education specialist, and other support personnel.
These dedicated, brave firefighters, life support personnel, and USAR team members keep Riverside safe from the dangers of fire and natural disasters. Thanks to the City Council, RFD has the latest apparatus and essential equipment to get the job done.
Even as I write their story, I hear sirens getting closer in the distance. There’s another fire to fight, and they’re on it!
Mount Rubidoux Manor 10th floor apartment ablaze., leading to entrapment of several residents of the floor and a valiant response by the RFD.
BUILDING WITH THE BADGE THE EVOLUTION OF RIVERSIDE’S POLICE HEADQUARTERS
WORDS: PHILIP FALCONE PHOTOS: JULIAN JOLLIFFE
The Riverside Police Department was founded in 1896 and has grown from a small, frontiertown police force to a large, metropolitan police department with 432 sworn police employees and 200 civilian employees.
A decade prior to the department’s establishment, public safety was overseen by the Riverside Township's City Marshal. Riverside had five marshals during this decade with the final City Marshal, Frank P. Wilson, leading the transition to a modern, official police department for the twentieth century and becoming the first Police Chief in 1896.
First housed in the famed Loring Building at Main Street and Seventh Street (today Mission Inn Avenue), a small police department and jail were located beneath the opera house of the complex. As did many quickly growing city departments at the time—including the fire
department—facility expansion space was seemingly always in shortage.
The Police Department headquarters moved around downtown frequently in the early years. In January 1932, a deal was struck between the City and the County to relocate the Police Department to the former county jail at Orange and Eleventh Streets, adjacent to the 1903 County Court House.
The Riverside City Council voted to turn the previous police headquarters location into a parking garage and therefore needed to quickly relocate. The County Board of Supervisors allowed the city to occupy and utilize the former jail facility at no cost on condition that the city would pay for all renovation expenses.
After serving the department well for nearly two decades, in 1947, an opportunity arose when the federal post office vacated its 1912 Italian renaissance-meets-Mission style building in favor
of a newly constructed post office at Orange and Ninth Streets.
Having again outgrown their headquarters following a population boom in the 1920s, the Police Department relocated to the spacious former post office. Ample office space, holding cells, and a second-story courtroom with a large skylight made for a grand improvement from previous locations. Across the street from City Hall, the City Library, and the powerful Mission Inn, the Police Department was situated in a prime downtown location.
As history would repeat itself once more, an unexpected population boom of the post-war era due to Riverside’s proximity to March Air Force Base, the city became a popular new home for returning Air Force members. Again, the demand for growth of the department extended beyond the capacity of the headquarters. Chief John
The 1983 Safe In His Arms memorial stands guard of the police headquarters at Orange and Eleventh.
Bennett, who was appointed in 1944, was determined to see the realization of a new, downtown Riverside police facility.
Over the course of the next fifteen years, three different bond proposals went before the voters to seek funding for a state-of-the-art police headquarters—and all three failed. Bennett compared the three-time exercise as more painful than pulling teeth. He challenged the department and their advocates in the community to “tell the police story” that resonates with voters.
The messaging that resonated with voters
on the fourth-times-the-charm bond proposal can be linked to what was occurring nationally in the early 1960s. As the Cold War raged on with the Cuban Missile Crisis and fear for the homeland’s safety from nuclear war griped residents, proponents of the new facility made an astute comparison: as the military is the country’s external security, police departments are meant to be the internal security.
The proposed bond-funded headquarters would cost a little over one million dollars and also serve as the city’s Emergency Operation
Center, or EOC, complete with subterranean chambers and tunnels to house city government in the event of nuclear disaster. Planned in accordance with the U.S. Department of Defense standards, the basement chamber plans stated it would be equipped to house 150 people for two weeks “independent from the outside world.”
With long-last voter approval in October 1961, construction began on the department’s new home in May 1963. The Brutalist-styled, brick-cladded building by local architect Herman O. Ruhnau welcomed officers and staff into its three-level, 33,000 square foot edifice on December 30, 1964, with opening ceremonies and public tours on February 26, 1965.
In keeping with the “City Beautiful” efforts of downtown planning in the midcentury, Riverside’s first pedestrian mall was created between the new headquarters and the County of Riverside Health Building (today the Sheriff’s Department)
A foggy grand opening day for the new police headquarters on February 26, 1965.
Underground tunnels leading from police headquarters to county jail and court house.
Riverside police officers and department chiefs in front the former Riverside jail-turned-police headquarters, circa 1935.
by the vacation of Eleventh Street between Orange and Lemon Streets. In honor of the dedication, both the city and county created the first-ever flags of their respective jurisdiction that would fly over their government facilities—such as City Hall or the County Administrative Center.
In May 1983, following a multi-year effort to raise funds for a memorial statue dedicated to Riverside County’s fallen police officers, the “Safe In His Arms” statue was unveiled on the pedestrian mall portion of Eleventh Street. This memorial unveiling started a yearly tradition of gathering at the statue to pay respects to those lost in the line of duty.
For the last six decades the police headquarters has been a living time capsule, largely unchanged since its opening day, while the world and the Riverside Police Department have grown and evolved. The vibrant, cobalt blue tile floor and mustard yellow Formica countertops of the basement breakroom kitchen are complemented by faux wood cabinets and paneling. An original General Electric cooktop with corresponding control panel resembles more of a rocket launcher than a kitchen appliance. The elevator cabins and their controls are unrecognizable compared to today’s lift systems— these even have built-in ashtrays for the quick
Architectural rendering by Ruhnau, Evans, Brown & Steinmann as viewed from Orange Street.
Inspection at the 7th and Orange downtown station in 1947.
elevator cigarette drag. Similar to the breakroom kitchen, the officer locker rooms display a colorful— albeit more subtle—blue and gold motif.
In 2013 the former county jail was demolished and the underground tunnels which once connected the police facility to the jail were walled off across Orange Street. Today the long, underground tunnels are used for storage and lead to walled-off openings in steel-framed doorways.
Numerous failed attempts have been made to construct a new police headquarters over the last twenty-five years. Strapped city budgets,
national economic downturns, lack of political will, and fear of the price tag have all been contributing factors for why new headquarters have not materialized despite the existing building being utilized beyond its originally intended use.
In July 2025, the Riverside City Council approved direction to move forward with construction of a new Riverside Police Department headquarters in the same location as the 1965 facility. The new facility is designed by Matt Acton of Holt Architecture and boasts a modern
A colorful 1960s basement breakroom with custom flooring and complementing trashcans.
The holding and booking room is the first stop for those arrested by police.
interpretation of the International Style of architecture seen in other local buildings such as former Fire Station 1 at Mission Inn Avenue and Lime Street.
Groundbreaking on this new, state-of-theart police headquarters is planned for 2026 with the intention of serving the Riverside Police Department—and Riverside residents—for the next fifty years. A statement Chief Bennett made in the 1960s still rings true today: to have a modern police department, a modern police department facility is needed.
Running in tandem with the plans for a new police headquarters, plans are also underway to improve the Safe In His Arms statue and memorial, establish a firefighter memorial statue, and other public safety memorials around downtown to be consolidated into one, serene park-like space near the headquarters.
As Riverside envisions the next several generations of public safety, common threads are found among many perspectives—the pivotal role public safety agencies play in local government, the built environment that houses this important department impacts the way in which the work is executed, and the way a city honors its fallen is a reflection of its values. The Riverside Police Department—rooted in the values of humility and grit—carry on the mantel of their predecessors from the last 130 years as an agency answering the call to protect and serve.
ZACH CORDNER
Not much cooking is happening on this original space-age General Electric stovetop.
Rows of lockers house officer uniforms and supplies. This is where officers start and end their workdays.
Dining: Arlington
The Riversider | August/September 2025
Chaam Eatery
Located in the Lincoln Plaza shopping center on the corner of Van Buren Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue, you will find Chaam Eatery, an exquisite Thai restaurant.
Some of us remember the space from when it was Round Table Pizza during the ‘80s and '90s (even I worked there for a hot second one summer!) and most recently as Angel Fire Thai. I must say that the Chaam family business owners have really elevated the space and taken the cuisine to another level.
We were happy to discuss their venture into the culinary arts with new owners Amaree Israngkura and her nephew, Aganit Israngkura. Aganit’s wife, Rolaline Anderson, is also a partner and although she was unable to attend she is a big part of the restaurant and helped bring the drinks menu to life. Amaree shared that their executive chef is the heart of their kitchen and Chef Tune has truly brought the authentic flavors of Thailand with him. We are so lucky that they’ve chosen Riverside to open their restaurant and share their tasty creations with our community.
We started with their amazing appetizer sampler plate. This includes one curry puff, which is a delightful pastry filled with chicken, onion and potatoes in yellow curry, and crab rangoon, the familiar fried wonton filled with a mixture of real crab meat and cream cheese served with sweet chili sauce, yum! Also featured is chicken satay, grilled marinated chicken skewers with homemade peanut sauce and cucumber vinaigrette. This big plate also came with fresh, crispy fried eggrolls and fried wontons
Appetizer Sampler Plate
filled with minced chicken. There’s something for everyone, and it is a great way to start your meal with a group of friends.
Next we tried their authentically Thai soup, Tom Yum. Oh my gosh, this is the most flavorful soup filled with fragrant Thai herbs and spices. The soup is served in a classic hot pot fire-lit underneath to maintain its heat while being shared at the table.
We then tried the chef’s special creation only found here at Chaam…the Cashew Nut Noodles. This was absolutely delicious and is a must try if you like scrumptious pan fried noodles bursting with flavor and a little spicy kick. This was my favorite dish! It really is quite special.
The Masaman Beef Curry was so beautifully tender. This dish truly showcases authentically unique Thai flavors like star of anise and cinnamon, wow!
Everyone’s favorite, the chicken Pad Thai was absolutely the best version I’ve had in years! Perfectly flavored, the noodles were soft, delicate, and served impeccably deconstructed with everything on the side like sprouts, green onion, crushed peanuts, fresh lime, chili; they even included the teaspoon of actual sugar they use in the dish! I absolutely loved this as it gives you the chance to self-adjust all the ingredients, super smart and fun!
The real crab fried rice was amazingly indulgent in all the right ways. The rice was spectacular, so fluffy and flavorful.
Amaree was so gracious. She also had us try a few of their specialty desserts including their collaboration flavor with Riverside’s The
Roosevelt Ice Cream shop, Thai Iced Tea… this was so freaking great! I was shocked at how creamy and delectable it really was, you cannot go wrong!
Their mango and sticky rice was so very elegant and served beautifully arranged with the most gooey, warm sticky rice that I’ve encountered. An absolute must and I know you won’t be disappointed. The watermelon slushy was transformative for me. I could not put it down, it was just so fresh and sweet but not overpoweringly so. Somehow it was the best slushy I’ve had all summer!
Chaam Eatery has successfully brought us a wonderful, truly Thai experience both in flavor and culture with their distinguished cuisine. Their service is beyond excellent, very attentive and friendly. There are a lot of great options even for you picky eaters and vegetarians. We were so pleased by the quality of our meal and interaction with Amaree that we can’t help but make this our new go to Thai dining spot in Riverside.
Be sure to make a reservation when you’re ready for a flavor adventure wrapped in a sophisticated meal, found in the simplest of shopping centers. You will not regret it!
WORDS: ALONDRA FIGUEROA
PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER
Masaman Curry
Mango & Sticky Rice
Pad Thai with a watermelon slushy is the perfect combination.
L-R: Head Chef Tune, co-owner Amaree Israngkura and co-owner Aganit Israngkura.
Bar & Restaurant Guide
The Riversider | August/September 2025
AMERICAN (NEW)
Batter Rebellion 1393 University Ave (951) 901-9357
Bushfire Kitchen
5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 92 (951) 534-0697
ProAbition Whiskey Lounge & Kitchen
3597 Main St (951) 222-2110
The Rustik Fork Eatery 1355 E Alessandro Blvd Ste 101 (951) 656-3555
The State 3800 Main St (951) 728-3330
Yard House 3775 Tyler St (951) 688-9273
BAKERIES/DONUTS
American Donuts 3355 Iowa Ave (951) 329-3238
Baguette Bakery & Café
767 W Blaine St B (951) 788-5300
Baker’s Dozen Donuts
6100 Magnolia Ave (951) 369-0198
Beignet Spot 4019 Market St (951) 224-9830
Better-Be Donuts Café 1015 E Alessandro Blvd (951) 653-0166
Cakebox
3557 Main St A (951) 660-4179
Casey’s Cupcakes
3649 Mission Inn Ave (951) 328-6908
Chela’s Panadería 4022 Park Ave (951) 680-9983
Christy’s Donuts 8151 Arlington Ave (951) 977-8166
Cookie Co. Riverside 195 E Alessandro Blvd (951) 521-0846
Cupcakes & Curiosities
3569 Main St (951) 452-6271
Delicias del Horno Bakery
3969 Chicago Ave (951) 456-9448
Donut Cravings
7132 Van Buren Blvd (951) 789-8324
Donut Tyme
5225 Canyon Crest Dr (951) 788-5043
Donut Queen
5501 Mission Blvd (951) 369-8797
Dunkin’ Donuts 18641 Van Buren Blvd (951) 384-2882
Dunkin’ Donuts
4922 La Sierra Ave (951) 777-8377
Freshh Donuts
781 W Blaine St (951) 682-5648
P.S. I Crepe You 6095 Magnolia Ave (951) 742-5167
Isabella’s Cupcakes & More
5225 Canyon Crest Dr #28 (951) 782-9200
Linda’s Donuts
3950 Pierce St (951) 351-8288
Lindmair Bakery 9230 Magnolia Ave (951) 688-2131
Lola’s Bakery
4026 Chicago Ave (951) 683-1219
Miss Donuts & Bagel
3962 University Ave (951) 787-0193
Mochi Lion 1242 University Ave (951) 534-0756
Mr. Blue’s Donuts
19009 Van Buren Blvd Ste 123 (951) 780-3188
Nothing Bundt Cakes
3639 Riverside Plaza Dr #502 (951) 787-1885
Ochoa’s Mexican Bakery
10330 Arlington Ave #3 (951) 359-8128
Ortiz Bakery
421 Iowa Ave #A (951) 787-9138
Pepe’s Panaderia 3511 Madison St (951) 353-8801
Rainbow Donuts
3758 La Sierra Ave (951) 688-7889
Randy's Donuts
3519 Van Buren Blvd (951) 588-5678
Riverside Cookie Shoppe
6737 Brockton Ave (951) 686-6374
Simple Simon’s
Bakery & Bistro
3639 Main St (951) 369-6030
Star Donut
5145 Jurupa Ave #H (951) 530-8006
Steve’s Donuts
7201 Arlington Ave Ste C (951) 323-7153
Uncle Chuang’s Bakery
3740 Iowa Ave #109 (951) 275-8800
Urban Dripp
3750 University Ave #175 (951) 742-5949
US Donuts
4786 La Sierra Ave (951) 352-1893
3720 Sunnyside Dr (951) 823-0797
Winchell’s Donut House 1705 University Ave (951) 682-8834
Woodcrest Donuts
19510 Van Buren Blvd Ste F7 (951) 653-5054
Yvette’s Bakery
6729 Indiana Ave (951) 742-5541
Yum Yum Donuts
3247 Arlington Ave (951) 683-5489
BAR & GRILLS
Art’s Bar & Grill
3357 University Ave (951) 683-9520
Duke’s Bar & Grill
3221 Iowa Ave (951) 248-1143
Events Sports Grill
10560 Magnolia Ave #A (951) 352-2693
Fire Up Grill
3750 University Ave (951) 289-9071
Flat Top Bar & Grill
17960 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-0114
Craftz Lounge
3720 Mission Inn Ave (951) 717-9038
Joe’s Bar & Grill
10909 Magnolia Ave (951) 637-3931
Law’s Restaurant 9640 Indiana Ave (951) 354-7021
Shooters Sports & Grill 10226 Indiana Ave (951) 785-9588
Sire Restaurant
6440 Magnolia Ave (951) 683-7473
BARS/LOUNGES
Bar Ni Modo
1393 University ave (951) 223-6829
Dapper Dine & Lounge
3203 Mission Inn Ave (951) 620-0004
Downtown Experiment 3601 University Ave (951) 355-2606
Lake Alice Trading Co
3616 University Ave (951) 686-7343
Locals Public House 285 E Alessandro Blvd (951) 780-1800
Mezcal Ultra Lounge
3737 Main St Ste 100 (951) 333-8558
The Brickwood 3653 Main St (951) 352-2739
The Lobby 3730 Main St (951) 742-5020
The Menagerie 3581 University Ave (951) 788-8000
The Presidential Lounge 3649 Mission Inn Ave (951) 784-0300
VIP Nightclub & Restaurant 3673 Merrill Ave (951) 784-2370
W. Wolfskill 4281 Main St (951) 374-1176
BBQ
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit 3540 Riverside Plaza Dr Ste 314 (951) 683-9700
Gram’s BBQ 3527 Main St (951) 782-8219
Messi Soul Kitchen 4270 Riverwalk Pkwy #104 (951) 588-6252
Mongolian BBQ 1242 University Ave STE 7 (951) 686-0702
Smoke & Fire Social Eatery
5225 Canyon Crest Dr #9 (909) 542-9054
Spirit of Texas BBQ 3965 Market St (951) 462-1117
Stagecoach 3775 Tyler St. Unit B (951) 602-1940
BREAKFAST DINERS & CAFES
Amy’s 10635 Magnolia Ave (951) 689-0296
Brandon’s Diner 10246 Indiana Ave Ste A (951) 359-3617
Brandon’s Diner 9646 Magnolia Ave (951) 637-2782
Buenos Dias Cafe 2790 14th St (951) 405-8031
Cafe Le Reve 141 E Alessandro Blvd Ste 10A (951) 215-0007
Crest Cafe 5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 40 (951) 784-2233
Daily Brew Coffee House 2955 Van Buren Blvd (951) 352-7477
Flo’s Farmhouse Cafe 5620 Van Buren Blvd (951) 352-2690
Joanna’s Cafe 17950 Van Buren Blvd (951) 789-8843
Kountry Folks
3653 La Sierra Ave (951) 354-0437
Soup Shoppe 6712 Magnolia Ave (951) 781-4710
The Riverside Airport Cafe 6951 Flight Rd (951) 688-3337
Rodeo Cafe 17136 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-0388
BREWERIES
All Points Brewing Co. 2023 Chicago Ave Unit B8 (951) 213-6258
Carbon Nation Brewing 9860 Indiana Ave, Unit 19
Euryale Brewing Company 2060 Chicago Ave Ste A-17 (951) 530-8865
Hangar 24
5225 Canyon Crest Dr Unit 58 (951) 213-4777
Packinghouse Brewing Company
6421 Central Ave Ste 101-A (951) 333-9261
Route 30 Brewing Company
9860 Indiana Ave Ste 19 (951) 776-7083
Route 30 Tap Room 3740 Mission Inn Ave
Thompson Brewing 9900 Indiana Ave (951) 289-7533
BURGERS
Baker’s Drive Thru 2221 Main St (909) 884-5233
Baker’s Drive Thru
6686 Indiana Ave (909) 884-5233
Baker’s Drive Thru 1300 Blaine St (909) 884-5233
Baker’s Drive Thru 10225 Magnolia Ave (909) 884-5233
Baker’s Drive Thru
5396 Mission Blvd (909) 884-5233
Boys Burgers
10737 Magnolia Ave (951) 689-1294
Burger Boss
2585 Canyon Springs Pkwy (951) 656-6500
Chris’ Burgers 407 Iowa Ave (951) 781-8542
Cowboy Burgers & BBQ 5573 Arlington Ave (951) 977-9454
Dairy Queen 8610 California Ave, Suite 101 (951) 343-4075
Farmer Boys
3400 University Ave (951) 680-0900
Farmer Boys 2901 Iowa Ave (951) 782-9003
Farmer Boys
3303 Madison St (951) 351-9700
George’s Drive-In 9910 Magnolia Ave (951) 688-2471
Johnny’s Burgers
4825 La Sierra Ave (951) 688-1000
Johnny’s Burgers 3394 Madison St (951) 687-3599
Mission Burgers
4606 Pine St (951) 682-7272
MGM Burgers 1691 Main St (951) 276-1744
Monty’s Good Burger 3605 Market Street (213) 915-0257
Nikko’s Burgers 9295 Magnolia Ave STE 112 (951) 352-7290
Original Tommy’s 7504 Mission Grove Pkwy S (951) 780-4201
R Burgers 5980 Van Buren Blvd (951) 358-9203
R Burgers 1666 University Ave (951) 784-4350
Urban Skillet 1223 University Ave, Ste 150 (951) 213-1760
Smash Papas 3605 Market St
Star Burgers 7207 Arlington Ave (951) 689-5050
Zorba’s Restaurant 450 Iowa Ave (951) 686-5830
Zorba’s Express 770 University Ave (951) 787-0094
CHINESE
Canton Chinese Food 1756 University Ave (951) 684-6126
Changan Kitchen 1299 University Ave (951) 213-6790
Chen Ling Palace
9856 Magnolia Ave (951) 351-8511
Chinatown 10935 Magnolia Ave (951) 785-6197
Greedy Cat 1400 University Ave Ste 108 (909) 655-7235
HK BBQ House 3740 Iowa Ave #102 (951) 777-1368
Ho Choy’s
10352 Arlington Ave (951) 785-1188
Ho Ho
3511 Madison St (951) 637-2411
Hong Kong Fastfood 1490 University Ave (951) 686-2223
Jade China 2712 Canyon Springs Pkwy (951) 653-9200
Little Beijing
Chinese Fast Food 5800 Van Buren Blvd (951) 509-1188
Lucky Wok 2995 Van Buren Blvd (951) 688-2888
Master Gan 1299 Galleria at Tyler
Monark Asian Bistro 5225 Canyon Crest Dr #64 (951) 683-1073
Mythos Chef 18187 Van Buren Blvd (949) 805-2223
Mr. China Express 8451 Colorado Ave #8301 (951) 687-8967
Mr. You
19530 Van Buren Blvd G7 (951) 653-1740
Peking Restaurant 11170 Magnolia Ave (951) 687-4822
Wok In Kitchen 5050 Arlington Ave #101 (951) 343-7888
COFFEE/TEA/JUICE
7 Leaves Cafe 1201 University Ave Ste 101 (951) 530-8666
Arcade Downtown 3870 Main Street (951) 266-6839
Arcade Coffee Roasters 3672 Chicago Ave Ste A (951) 266-6839
Arcade Coffee Roasters
5225 Canyon Crest Dr. Ste 17A (951) 266-6839
Back to the Grind 3575 University Ave (951) 784-0800
Boba Fiend Tea House 3375 Iowa Ave (951) 823-0700
Bobaloca 19009 Van Buren Blvd (951) 789-8646
Bolcupop 3605 Market Street (951) 595-4513
The California Lounge 3649 Mission Inn Ave (951) 784-0300
Coffee Court Bistro 3607 10th St (951) 328-0866
Coffeecito House 3882 12th St (951) 405-4599
Condron Coffee
3696 Sunnyside Dr (951) 880-3354
Crave Coffee & Tea
3590 Central Ave (951) 289-9436
Daily Brew Coffee House 2955 Van Buren Blvd (951) 352-7477
Ding Tea 1575 University Ave Ste E (951) 429-9706
Flavor Theory 11090 Magnolia Ave (951) 977-9698
Goodwin’s Organics Cafe 191 W Big Springs Rd (951) 682-2667
JUJUBAR
19040 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-0224
Kung Fu Tea 3678 Central Ave Ste 102 (951) 254-9609
Kraemer’s Coffee Bistro 6734 Brockton Ave (951) 686-4400
Lift Coffee Roasters
2060 Chicago Ave Ste A10 (951) 742-7413
Molinos Coffee 3660 Mission Inn Ave (951) 276-7147
Mundial Coffee 1725 Spruce St (951) 777-1225
Nekter Juice Bar 5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 7B (951) 224-9842
R&B Tea 1889 University Ave Unit 105 (951) 462-4142
Sharetea 10920 Magnolia Ave Ste 103 (951) 406-5165
TRA Boba & Snack
3740 Iowa Ave Ste 103 (951) 530-8536
Tastea 11130 Magnolia Ave Unit C (951) 588-8138
Tim Boba 1450 University Ave Ste N (951) 462-1929
Toasted 6160 Arlington Ave Ste C9 (951) 977-9847
Twee Coffee 9344 Magnolia Ave (951) 335-0599
Krak Boba 3907 Chicago Ave Ste B (951) 742-5341
DELI/SANDWICHES
Backstreet Restaurant 3735 Nelson St (951) 683-6650
Butch’s Grinders 4602 Pine St (951) 781-8511
Cheba Hut 3505 Market Street Ste 101 (951) 777-1117
Diane’s Deli 2900 Adams St #B1 (951) 689-2900
D’Elia’s Grinders 2093 University Ave (951) 683-7380
D’Elia’s Grinders 9009 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-3354
European Intl Market &Deli 7120 Indiana Ave G (951) 274-9100
Firehouse Subs 10080 Magnolia Ave (951) 588-8785
M & M Deli 1960 Chicago Ave #D1 (951) 684-6861
My Hero Subs 355 Iowa Ave A (951) 784-7370
RiverCrust Deli 6235 River Crest Dr Ste F (951) 656-8145
Subs & Spuds
5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste #83a (951) 369-1491
The Sub Station
3663 Canyon Crest Dr (951) 683-4523
Tummy Stuffer 1159 Iowa Ave O (951) 369-1266
Bar & Restaurant Guide
The Riversider | August/September 2025
The Upper Crust
Sandwich Shoppe 3573 Main St (951) 784-3149
FILIPINO
Jefrox Adobo 2561 Grambling Way (951) 314-5075
Nanay Gloria 10959 Magnolia Ave (951) 977-8831
FRENCH
Le Chat Noir 3790 9th St (951) 786-9266
GERMAN
European International Market & Deli 7120 Indiana Ave G (951) 274-9100
HAWAIIAN
Kaua Hawaiian BBQ 10949 Magnolia Ave (951) 624-3900
Ohana Cravings 3740 Iowa Ave, Ste 104 (951) 742-5555
Ono Hawaiian BBQ
3531 Madison St (951) 351-0888
Ono Hawaiian BBQ 3540 Riverside Plaza Dr #324 (951) 328-1988
Ono Hawaiian BBQ
2721 Canyon Springs Pkwy #101 (951) 656-6188
Park Ave Polynesian Restaurant 4038 Park Ave (951) 344-1090
ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT
Afters Ice Cream 1201 University Ave
Baskin-Robbins 7024 Magnolia Ave (951) 682-3131
Benedetto Gelato 1393 University Ave, #112 (951) 213-6984
Canyon Crest Ice Cream & Water
5225 Canyon Crest Dr #27 (951) 675-7385
Cherry On Top
3560 Riverside Plaza Dr (951) 213-6018
Cherry On Top
19009 Van Buren Blvd Ste 125 (951) 780-0800
Cold Stone Creamery 9867 Magnolia Ave Ste C (951) 637-0920
Dairy Queen
8610 California Ave, Ste 101 (951) 343-4075
Dairy Queen 6665 Magnolia Ave (951) 684-6280
Frostbites Crepes & Frozen Delights 10347 Magnolia Ave (951) 352-4903
Handel's Ice Cream
5225 Canyon Crest Dr (951) 742-5013
La Michoacana 3961 Chicago Ave 951) 248-9142
Mixies Ice Cream & Cookies
3605 Market St (951) 595-4520
Toi Moi Italian Ice & Juice Shop 10181 Hole Ave (951) 343-4146
Yogurtland 1242 University Ave Ste A (951) 683-1950
Yogurtland 3510 Tyler St #104 (951) 772-0229
INDIAN
Azaad Indian Cuisine 4290 Riverwalk Pkwy, Ste 306 (951) 299-8307
Bombay Stores 1385 W Blaine St (951) 788-3042
Cali Tardka 9212 Sunridge Drive (951) 376-0566
Gandhi Indian Cuisine 1355 E Alessandro Blvd #205 (951) 653-4147
India Sweets & Groceries 779 W Blaine St (951) 784-7400
Mantra Indian Cuisine 10359 Magnolia Ave (951) 417-4539
Namaste Indian Kitchen
6061 Magnolia Ave (951) 275-5316
Punjab Palace Cuisine of India
1766 University Ave (951) 686-9968
ITALIAN/PIZZA
Aloha Pizza & Pasta 755 W Blaine St (951) 788-8830
Antone’s Italian Food 4125 Sunnyside Dr (951) 682-5900
Antonio Pizza 195 E Alessandro Blvd (951) 776-1888
Antonious Pizza Cafe 3737 Main St (951) 682-9100
Bella’s Pizza 5196 Arlington Ave (951) 351-3131
Blaze Pizza 3540 Riverside Plaza Dr (951) 789-3212
Blaze Pizza 10920 Magnolia Ave Suite 107 (951) 474-5855
Bricks & Birch
3605 Market Street #5 (951) 500-7776
Bricks & Birch 1393 University Ave
Capone’s Pizza 7207 Arlington Ave F (951) 689-3520
Dave’s New York
Style Pizza 1490 University Ave #102 (951) 787-9900
DeMatteo’s Pizza 7030 Magnolia Ave (951) 682-6198
Dematteo’s Woodcrest 18590 Van Buren Boulevard (951) 429-7317
D’Caesaro Pizza & Italian 6160 Arlington Avenue C4 (951) 687-0777
Enzo’s Pizza 10170 Indiana Ave (951) 351-2375
Farfalla’s Cucina Italiana 5250 Arlington Ave (951) 354-5100
Dough Bros 5300 Arlington Ave (951) 977-9090
Dough Bros 1889 University Ave #108 (951) 781-3838
Fiesta Pizza 6110 Van Buren Blvd (951) 353-8007
Mamma Mia Restaurant and Bar 10971 Magnolia Ave (951) 729-5555
Marcello’s Pizza & Pasta 783 W Blaine St (951) 781-9996
Marcello’s Pizza & Pasta 6519 Clay St A (951) 681-9797
Mario’s Place 3646 Mission Inn Avenue (951) 684-7755
MOD Pizza 3444 Arlington Ave (951) 374-5255
New York Pizza Co 3570 Van Buren Blvd (951) 688-4000
The Old Spaghetti Factory 3191 Mission Inn Avenue (951) 784-4417
Papa Joe’s Pizza 5115 Jurupa Ave B3 (951) 680-9090
Papa Joe’s Pizza 10555 Indiana Ave (951) 688-1188
Pietro’s Italian Cuisine 6788 Brockton Ave (951) 784-1310
The Pizza Place 18955 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-5588
Romano’s Chicago Pizzeria 285 Alessandro Blvd (951) 780-7399
SF Hole In The Wall Pizza 1725 Spruce Street (951) 215-4444
Scratch Pizza 4950 La Sierra Ave #8 (951) 359-2023
Tower Pizza 3375 Iowa Ave (951) 518-4300
Tommy Salami's 17040 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-6000
The Outpost 3692 Sunnyside Dr
University Pizza Company 1201 University Ave #116 (951) 823-0630
Viano’s Restaurant 16810 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-3000
JAPANESE/POKE RAMEN/SUSHI
AhiPoki
3540 Riverside Plaza Dr STE 310 (951) 530-8255
Amagi Sushi 19510 Van Buren Blvd Unit F6 (951) 656-8144
Fuego Hibachi 3750 Main St (951) 742-5039
Joe’s Sushi Japanese Restaurant 9555 Magnolia Ave (951) 353-1929
Kotsu Ramen & Gyoza 3522 Madison St Ste 101 (951) 299-8889
The Lowkey Poke Joint 11860 Magnolia Ave (951) 299-7699
Momo Sushi 9844 Magnolia Ave (951) 999-9123
Ohana Sushi 195 Alessandro Blvd Ste 8A (951) 789-0443
Oishii Sushi 6133 Magnolia Ave (951) 784-2550
Ooka Sushi & Hibachi Steak House 3525 Riverside Plaza Dr #200 (951) 779-0099
Poke Bistro 3375 Iowa Ave Ste K (951) 394-8580
Ramen Okawari 3740 Iowa Ave #104 (951) 680-9411
Rohey’s Wok & Grill 4294 Riverwalk Pkwy (951) 359-5272
Saku Ramen 3643 Main St (951) 742-5849
Shabu Garden 11120 Magnolia Ave (951) 373-4727
Silverlake Ramen 3775 Tyler St (951) 934-9160
Soho Ramen Riverside 3605 Market St (951) 595-4528
Sushi Asahi 2955 Van Buren Blvd Suite #D2 (951) 637-1313
Sushi Ok 5228 Arlington Ave (951) 689-8054
Sushi Okoku
10380 Magnolia Ave (951) 343-2225
Sushi R91 1630 Spruce St (951) 682-1323
Sushi Station 19029 Van Buren Blvd #115 (951) 789-0068
Sushi Times 1400 University Ave Ste A101 (951) 777-1037
Sushingon 6060 Magnolia Ave (951) 224-9590
Taiyos Sushi & Poki
11120 Magnolia Ave (951) 343-1112
Teriyaki Plus 7120 Indiana Ave (951) 788-8337
Tomo 7 Sushi
5519 Van Buren Blvd (951) 343-5991
Top Grill
5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 94 (951) 530-8668
Vanilla Fish 5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 55 (951) 777-1950
Zen Street
3600 Central Ave #1 (951) 683-3648
KOREAN
bb.q Chicken
3770 9th St (951) 534-0254
Chimak House 11120 Magnolia Ave, Unit A (951) 343-1120
Manna Grill
1201 University Ave #110B (951) 530-8033
Kimchichanga 1995 University Ave (951) 684-9800
Koreana Grill 10051 Magnolia Ave Ste A1 (951) 688-9000
Saet Byul Asian Market 9555 Magnolia Ave (951) 637-5652
Wang Cho Korean BBQ 3639 Riverside Plaza Dr (951) 788-8889
MEDITERRANEAN
Elias Pita 1490 University Ave Ste 103 (951) 686-6800
Fufu’s Mideast Grill
3605 Market Street (951) 595-4527
Georgie's Mediterranean
5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 57 (951) 823-0440
Greek Street Grill 3312 La Sierra Ave Ste 103 (951) 352-0801
The Halal Guys
1201 University Ave, Ste 102 (951) 742-7656
Kabob House 10901 Magnolia Ave (951) 353-9711
Lucky Greek 3887 Merrill Ave (951) 686-2621
Panini Kabob Grill 1298 Galleria at Tyler (951) 352-6318
Sam’s Pita & Kabab 9799 Magnolia Ave (951) 376-1269
MEXICAN
Acapulco Pollo 8151 Arlington Ave Ste O (951) 406-1215
Ahumadas Mexican Grill 7614 Evans St (951) 368-4583
Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar 10773 Hole Ave (951) 352-0240
Antojitos Mexicanos La Ribera 4773 Tyler St Ste 2d (951) 353-1852
Armando’s Mexican Food 4294 Riverwalk Pkwy Ste 200 (951) 343-5896
Ay Mi Pa
3775 Tyler St #1B (951) 729-6174
Azteca Market 5125 Jurupa Ave A2 (951) 530-8791
Blue Burro 1201 University Ave Ste 109B (951) 742-5353
Birrieria Little Tijuana 12702 Magnolia Ave Unit 25 (951) 268-6895
Birrieria Xolos 9696 Magnolia Ave (951) 376-1226
Cactus Cantina 151 E Alessandro Blvd (951) 789-0211
Casa Mota
8151 Arlington Ave (951) 352-7383
Castaneda’s Mexican Food
6751 Indiana Ave (951) 786-0996
Castañeda’s Mexican Food 1450 P University Ave (951) 786-0996
Chilitos Mexican Grill
3847 S Pierce St Ste F (951) 509-1002
Cielito Lindo 10277 Arlington Ave (951) 352-3214
Costa Delmar
4561 La Sierra Ave (951) 588-8798
El Chapala Seafood Restaurant
8201 Arlington Ave (951) 359-7560
El Fogon Mexican Grill
765 Blaine St (951) 782-8959
El Habanero 6160 Arlington Ave (951) 343-5868
El Ojo De Agua
2115 University Ave (951) 779-6293
El Patron
3204 Mission Inn Ave (951) 777-1131
El Torito
3639 Riverside Plaza Dr Ste 526 (951) 684-6816
El Trigo
4155 Park Ave (951) 787-6937
Estrella Taqueria Lounge
3635 University Ave (951) 999-4323
Fire Up Bar & Grill
3750 University Ave (951) 289-9071
Fish Taco Xtreme
16960 Van Buren Blvd Ste D (951) 800-9061
Fuego 360 Rotisserie Chicken
3866 La Sierra Ave (951) 456-3705
Green Taco 3812 Pierce St (951) 353-2272
Habanero Mexican Grill
2472 University Ave (951) 224-9145
Ixtapa 4093 University Ave (951) 777-1132
Joe Aguilar’s Templo Del Sol 1365 University Ave (951) 682-6562
Juan Pollo 6055 Magnolia Ave (951) 683-3513
Mariposas 1690 Spruce St (951) 742-5761
Kimchichanga 1995 University Ave (951) 684-9800
La Bufadora Baja Grill 497 E Alessandro Blvd Ste B (951) 776-2881
La Bufadora Baja Grill 5650-52 Van Buren Blvd (951) 687-7237
La Cruda Mariscos 6733 Indiana Ave (951) 777-0862
Las Campanas 3649 Mission Inn Ave (888) 326-4448
Las Nuevas Islas 4920 Jackson St (951) 772-0020
Little Green Onions 6723 Brockton Ave (951) 328-1273
Los Cabos Tacos 11840 Magnolia Ave (951) 352-2653
Los Fredo’s Mexican Food 9111 Magnolia Ave (951) 525-3411
Los Novillos Market 2650 Main St (951) 530-8893
M Taco 4111 Main St (951) 784-7135
Maria’s Mexican Kitchen 17028 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-2034
Mariscos El Camaron Loco 3340 Mary St (951) 682-3882
Mercado Don Juan #3 3375 Iowa Ave (951) 787-9292
Mezcal Cantina Y Cocina 3737 Main St Ste 100 (951) 888-2240
Miches De La Baja 1242 University Ave Ste 5 (951) 742-5633
Mi Lindo Apatzingan 9948 Magnolia Ave (951) 688-0908
Morena's Mexican Cuisine 3457 Arlington Ave Ste 106 (951) 266-6333
Mr. Taco 2435 Main St (951) 682-4020
Mr. Taco 18590 Van Buren Blvd (951) 776-9900
Olivia’s Mexican Restaurant 9447 Magnolia Ave (951) 689-2131
Palenque 3737 Main St (951) 888-2240
Pepitos Mexican Restaurant 5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 42 (951) 783-9444
Ramiro’s Cocina 9418 Magnolia Ave (951) 354-6146
Ranchito Tacos Al Carbon 2995 Van Buren Blvd Ste A1 (951) 359-8646
Rancho La Perla 3700 Van Buren Blvd Ste 109 (951) 688-8682
Retro On Main 3744 Main St (951) 742-5606
Rico’s Tacos El Primo 1788 University Ave Ste 102 (951) 782-9610
Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill 3848 La Sierra Ave (951) 687-2280
El GoGo's Taco Shop 19530 Van Buren Blvd Ste G6 (951) 656-0304
Señor Baja 6033 Magnolia Ave (951) 369-5720
Sushingon 6060 Magnolia Ave (951) 224-9590
Taco Station 4088 Mission Inn Ave (951) 782-8226
Tacos La Piedad 3522 Madison St Ste 104 (951) 578-0892
Tacos Y Más 10203 Hole Ave (951) 687-1344
Taqueria Azteca 5959 Arlington Ave Ste E (951) 509-3670
Taqueria 2 Potrillos 10088 Magnolia Ave (951) 588-8772
Taqueria Mi Ranchito 4724 La Sierra Ave (951) 352-0528
Bar & Restaurant Guide
Taqueria Tomateros
9164 Magnolia Ave (909) 257-1545
The Tamale Factory 3663 Main St (951) 342-3023
Tijuana’s Tacos
8151 Arlington Ave (951) 343-7777
Tina’s Mexican Food 2421 University Ave (951) 686-1524
Tio’s Mexican Food
19009 Van Buren Blvd Ste 124 (951) 780-7776
Tio’s Tacos
3948 Mission Inn Ave (951) 788-0230
Tony’s Mexican Food 3870 Chicago Ave (951) 788-4410
Tony’s Mexican Grill 9670 Magnolia Ave (951) 729-6141
Tuxies Juices
6030 Magnolia Ave Ste 3 (951) 781-1048
Yoli’s Mexican Grill
3225 Market St (951) 801-7104
Zacatecas Cafe 3767 Iowa Ave (951) 683-3939
PAKISTANI
Al-Karam Pakistani Cuisine
3457 Arlington Ave Ste 101 (951) 742-5610
Mirchi Restaurant 1385 W Blaine St (951) 400-2825
SEAFOOD
California Fish Grill 10920 Magnolia Ave Suite 101 (951) 405-6880
Market Broiler 3525 Merrill Ave (951) 276-9007
Pier 76 Fish Grill
3555 Riverside Plaza Dr Ste 108 (951) 341-9297
Rockstar Shrimp 767 W Blaine St (951) 530-8620
Shrimp Shack Cajun Fusion 3605 Market St, Ste 9 (951) 742-5558
Seafood & Crawfish
10173 Magnolia Ave (951) 359-5999
Star Crab 10051 Magnolia Ave (951) 977-9440
STEAKHOUSES
Duane’s Prime Steak & Seafood 3649 Mission Inn Ave (888) 326-4448
Flat Top Bar & Grill 17960 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-0114
THAI
Angel Thai Cuisine 6736 Brockton Ave (951) 788-1995
Best Thai Cuisine 1735 Spruce St F (951) 682-4251
Gra Pow 497 E Alessandro Blvd #D (951) 780-1132
Monark Asian Bistro 5225 Canyon Crest Dr #64 (951) 683-1073
Chaam Eatery 2955 Van Buren Blvd #F1 (951) 359-1331
Riverside Thai Kitchen 7755 California Ave (951) 729-6675
Royal Orchid Restaurant 9791 Magnolia Ave (951) 354-6100
TK Thai Cuisine 11860 Magnolia Ave Ste T (951) 509-3701
VEGETARIAN/VEGAN
Blue Bowl Superfoods 1393 University Ave Ste 108
Goodwin’s Organic 91 W Big Springs Rd (951) 682-2667
La Sierra Natural Foods 11550 Pierce St (951) 785-2563
Monty’s Good Burger 3605 Market Street (213) 915-0257
Oasis Vegetarian Café 11550 Pierce St (951) 688-5423
Veg & Go 1201 University Ave Ste #115 (951) 213-6233
VIETNAMESE/PHO
5 Stars Pho Restaurant 4950 La Sierra Ave (951) 772-0700
Pho 81 2995 Van Buren Blvd Ste A13 (951) 977-8869
Phở 99 4557 La Sierra Ave (951) 688-2671
Pho Anh 5646 Van Buren Blvd (951) 977-9889
Pho Anh Hot Pot & Crayfish 10271 Magnolia Ave (951) 729-6668
Pho Anh Hot Pot & Crayfish 231 E Alessandro Blvd (951) 215-0585
Pho DJ 5180 Arlington Ave (951) 354-2799
Pho Ha 10185 Magnolia Ave (951) 354-8918
Pho Ha #7 1820 University Ave #101 (951) 680-0790
Pho Star Bowl 10051 Magnolia Ave (951) 299-8130
Phở Vinam Restaurant 1201 University Ave #107 (951) 784-4290
WINE BARS/WINERIES
The Brickwood 3653 Main St (951) 352-2739
Canyon Crest Winery 5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 7A (951) 369-9463
Mario’s Place 3646 Mission Inn Ave (951) 684-7755
1st Blue Zones Approved Restaurant in Riverside!
Fast Forward to Yesterday
The Riversider | August/September 2025
Constructed in 1975, Riverside City Hall was the first government building in Riverside County to open with a helipad. City Hall architects anticipated helicopters being the common form of futuristic transportation for city officials by 1990. Colloquially known as “the pinnacle,” this helipad is perched nine stories above Main Street and was first utilized by the Riverside Police Department Aviation Unit on October 1, 1975. In honor of its 50th anniversary, a recreation image was captured on July 4, 2025.
ZACH CORDNER
WORDS: PHILIP FALCONE
