Ready for the holidays?

CITY LIFE & FINE LIVING
RIVERSIDE
d e c e m b e r 2 014 - j a n u a ry 2 015
Top
this!
Ready for the
Holidays?
❄ Downtown gets its glow on
❄ Oven-made delights
❄ Seasonal tastes and memories
m ag a z i n e
0010568400 100614
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| riversidethemag.com | october-november 2014
october-november 2014 | riversidethemag.com | 23
contents
d e c E M b E R 2 014 - j a n u a ry 2 015 • VO L U M E 7, I S S UE 6
14 The Fox: Fab at 5
In some cities, a $32-million theater
renovation might be viewed as a risk at
best. But in Riverside, residents and city
officials see the Fox as a venue to
celebrate the performing ar ts and the
city’s heritage. It hasn’t all been easy
since Sheryl Crow’s inaugural concer t
five years ago, but the shows, like the
audiences, keep growing.
23 & 26 Can you taste it?
The holidays bring many memories and
flavors to mind. We asked local chefs
and restaurateurs to share some of
their favorite tastes and traditions.
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
br o u g h t t o y o u b y :
FEATURES
8 Downtown, where all
the lights are bright …
Step out, step off, step in and enjoy the
wonder of the holidays with Riverside’s
own special downtown celebration the
Festival of Lights. (While you’re there,
do some shopping and have dinner.)
Festival of Lights adver tising supplement
17-20
RIVERSIDE
Ron Hasse
28 Don’t knock Wood
Don’t tell anyone, but the Wood
Streets area is one of our favorite
neighborhoods. A collection of beautiful
homes in mixed styles along with
neighbors invested in their community
and greater Riverside, it stands out
as a great place to live.
34 Meet the Claras —
both of them
Two young women share the role
of Clara in the Inland Pacific Ballet’s
“Nutcracker.” Both hail from Southern
California and each aspires to a long
career on stage.
PUBLISHER & CEO
Don Sproul
MANAGING EDITOR
Jerry Rice
EDITOR
Jim Maurer
V.P. SALES & MARKETING
Lynda E. Bailey
SALES DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
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e d itori a l gr a p h i c DE S I G N
Steve Ohnersorgen
Rick Sforza
DEPARTMENTS
From the Editor 6
Calendar 10
Seen 32 , 33
Save the date 33
On the cover
The Christmas tree at the
Riverside Convention Center
Photo by Eric Reed
Co n n e c t wit h u s !
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CONTACT US
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A
4
| riversidethemag.com | december 2014 - january 2015
PUBLICATION
Printed by Southwest Offset Printing
The Riverside Convention Center
Culinary Artistry and Innovation
Executive Chef Brad Martin
- Contestant, ABC’s THE TASTE
“This is utterly delicious!” Anthony Bourdain, Judge/Mentor
Forbes
Riverside Ranked #8 Coolest City in America and # 2 Millennial Boomtown
3637 Fifth Street at Main
Riverside, CA 92501
[email protected] or
call (951) 346-4700.
from the editor
For the holidays, take a bough
I
t’s shaping up to be another,
ahem, tree-mendous holiday season
in Riverside with beautifully decorated
trees springing up all over. Several are
making return engagements…
• A two-story live tree will fill the lobby
of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa starting
Nov. 28, the same day as the “switch-on”
ceremony for the Festival of Lights. (Quick
fact: To keep the display fresh, a similarsized replacement will be brought in two
weeks later.)
• The annual Christmas party at
California Baptist University will include
snow for sledding and friendly snowball
fights, holiday music, cookie-decorating
and the lighting of a Christmas tree on the
front lawn of the campus. The community
is invited to take part in the festivities on
Dec. 4 from 7-9:30 p.m.
• At Riverside Plaza, the shopping
center’s tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 5
from 6-8 p.m. will include the arrival
of Santa Claus
• Not one but 50 decorated trees will
be on display Thanksgiving week for the
Riverside County Regional Medical Center
Foundation’s Festival of Trees, a benefit
that raises funds for much-needed medical
equipment. (For details, see Page 12.)
Also at Convention Center, a new tree
is making its debut: a 16-foot-tall beauty
appointed with large, colorful Christmas
ball ornaments, ribbons and lights. It’s
positioned in the tower space under the
custom chandelier, which nicely doubles as
a tree-topper — at least that’s the visual
perspective our photographer, Eric Reed,
came away with for this issue’s cover.
Trees of all types in all types of places
— wonderful additions to the holiday
season. Fir real.
PHOTO BY ERIC REED
Jerry Rice
[email protected]
951-541-1825, @JerryRice_IE
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6 | riversidethemag.com | december 2014 - january 2015
Experience Christmas on Euclid
Powered By Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau
Friday, December 5th, 2014 –
Friday, January 2nd, 2015
Delight in the magic of the holidays
at the Christmas on Euclid Experience.
A month-long festival of sparkling lights, seasonal displays,
an outdoor skating rink and more!
Ontario’s historic Euclid Avenue will be transformed into a whimsical winter wonderland with
block-upon-block of twinkle lights, musical merriment and good cheer. Be sure to stop by the
Craft Fair on December 6th to partake in the holiday crafts, food and festivities.
Christmas on Euclid Experience is an annual holiday experience you
and your family won’t want to miss!
For information:
800- 455-5755
february-march 2013 | riversidethemag.com | xx
merry & bright
Festival of
sights
Mission Inn’s elaborate display
illuminates the holiday season
Fireworks shoot skyward during
the Festival of Lights “switchon” ceremony at the Mission
Inn Hotel & Spa. Below,
beautiful decorations are
reflected in the hotel’s pool.
Written by Luanne J. Hunt
Photos courtesy Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
f
s
D
owntown Riverside will be all aglow with the
spirit of Christmas during the 22nd annual Festival
of Lights at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. The sixweek event, which begins with the popular “switchon” ceremony the day after Thanksgiving, has one of the largest
collections of Christmas lights anywhere in the United States.
Started by Duane and Kelly Roberts, owners of the historic
landmark, the festival has 4 million lights, more than 400
animatronic characters and lots of other decorations that
takes a crew of 20 workers about 10 weeks to set up.
Childhood memories of family outings looking at
neighborhood Christmas displays inspired Duane Roberts
to host the celebration.
“I have to applaud my husband for making this event like
a Disneyland for everyone,” said Kelly Roberts.
During its run, the festival attracts about 300,000 visitors
each year, including Lisa Rodriguez and her family. They were
introduced to the celebration in 2010, after an invite from
Rodriguez’ mother, and since then it has become their favorite
holiday tradition.
“My mother passed away after that year but she just loved
going to the Festival of Lights,” said Rodriguez. “We love it too
and are always amazed at how beautiful all the lights are. There
are also so many other great things to see and do, so I can’t
think of a better way to kick off the holidays.”
Thousands of holiday
lights add a special
touch to the nighttime
dining experience.
december 2014 - january 2015 | riversidethemag.com | xx
holiday events
‘ELF THE
MUSICAL’
DEC. 5-6 – Stage
adaptation of the 2003
movie starring Will Ferrell.
Fox Performing Arts
Center, 3801 Mission Inn
Ave., Riverside; 2 and
7 p.m.; 951-335-3469;
www.riversidelive.com.
Also: Sounds of the Season,
Dec. 6; Masters of
Harmony, Dec. 7; Irish Christmas,
Dec. 12; The Brian Setzer Orchestra
Christmas Rocks! Extravaganza, Dec. 17;
Inland Pacific Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,”
Dec. 27.
RIVERSIDE MASTER CHORALE
DEC. 6 – “Awake the Voice, Awake
the String” holiday concert. Calvary
Presbyterian Church, 4495 Magnolia Ave.,
Riverside; 7 p.m.; $15;
www.riversidemasterchorale.com.
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
DEC. 12-14 – Presentation of Charles
Dickens’ holiday classic. Riverside
Community Players Theater, 4026 14th St.;
7 p.m. 951-686-4030;
www.riversidecommunityplayers.com.
CARILLON RECITAL
DEC. 13 – David Christensen, university
calendar
LAKE ALICE TRADING CO.
THROUGH SEPT. 27 – David Paul Band
(classic rock, today’s hits), Nov. 28; Trainwreck
(classic rock), Nov. 29; Dream Karaoke, Dec. 1,
8, 15 and 22; Skunk Dub (reggae), Dec. 4;
Factory Tuned Band (classic rock), Dec. 5;
Runnin’ on Funk (funk, today’s hits), Dec. 6;
Hart Bothwell (original music), Dec. 9; Gavin
Davies Band (cover band), Dec. 10; The
Groove (classic rock), Dec. 12; Gravity Guild
(classic and alternative rock), Dec. 13; Little
George Acoustic (acoustic covers), Dec. 17;
Skunk Dub (reggae), Dec. 18; Eclipse (classic
rock, today’s hits), Dec. 19; Pac Men (1980s
tribute), Dec. 20; Skatterbrain (classic rock,
today’s hits), Dec. 26; Hunter and the Dirty
Jacks (classic rock), Dec. 27; All In (classic rock
and today’s hits) and a New Year’s Eve party,
Dec. 31. 3616 University Ave., Riverside;
951-686-7343; www.lakealicetradingco.com.
LA SIERRA CONCERTS
THROUGH DEC. 14 – Wind and Percussion
carillonneur, rings in the holiday season
via UC Riverside’s 48-bell carillon with
a selection of traditional and popular
music. 900 University Ave.; 3-4 p.m.;
free admission, $5 parking permits at the
information kiosk; http://events.ucr.edu.
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
OPEN HOUSE
DEC. 14 – Presented for the 36th year,
this 1890s-style Christmas features
caroling, autoharps, dulcimers, bagpipes,
home-baked sweets, fresh-cut greens for
handmade wreaths and mistletoe.
Heritage House, 8193 Magnolia Ave.,
Riverside; noon to 4 p.m.; free admission
and parking; 951-826-5273;
www.riversideca.gov/museum.
DAVID ALLAN’S
‘THE NUTCRACKER’
DEC. 20-21 – BRAVA’s presentation of
the holiday classic. Landis Performing Arts
Center, 4800 Magnolia Ave., Riverside;
1 and 7 p.m.; $15-$37; 800-870-6069;
http://riversideballetarts.com,
www.brava-arts.org.
HANUKKAH FESTIVAL
DEC. 22 – Tenth annual event,
presented by Chabad Jewish Community
Center. Grand menorah lighting,
entertainers, magic show, candle-making,
holiday gift store, hot latkes, matzah ball
soup. In front of
the Riverside
County Historic
Courthouse,
4050 Main St.,
Riverside; 6-7:30 p.m.;
free; 951-222-2005;
www.jewishriverside.com.
‘AMAHL AND THE
NIGHT VISITORS’
DEC. 28 – Riverside Lyric Opera, under
direction of Dr. Stephen Tucker and
featuring Los Angeles Opera bass-baritone
Patrick Blackwell, presents Gian Carlo
Menotti’s inspirational Christmas tale
about a shepherd boy and his mother who
witness a miracle when visited by three
kings. The Box, Fox Entertainment Plaza,
3635 Market St., Riverside; 4 and 7 p.m.;
$50, $25 adults, $20 seniors, $10 children
12 and younger; 951-781-9561;
www.riversidelyricopera.org.
TWELFTH NIGHT
JAN. 3 – Old Riverside Foundation’s
Victorian celebration features an elegant
progressive dinner that includes fine wines
and tempting desserts. Event benefits the
foundation’s historic preservation projects.
Reservations required. $85 (if purchased
by Nov. 30), $100 (if purchased Dec. 1-26)
or $125 (if purchased Dec. 27-31);
951-683-2725; www.oldriverside.org.
Chamber Concert, Dec. 2; Jazz Combo
Concert, Dec. 3; 67th Candlelight Concert,
Dec. 5; Chamber Music Series, Dec. 7; Student
Chamber Music Recital, Dec. 10; Big Band
Concert, Dec. 13; AVPA Recital, Dec. 14.
La Sierra University, 4500 Riverwalk Parkway,
Riverside; 951-785-2241; www.lasierra.edu.
Known,” Dec. 5-6; “Walking the Camino,”
Dec. 12-13; “The Dog,” Dec. 19-20; “Bjork:
Biophilia Live,” Dec. 26-27; “Harold Lloyd:
Speedy,” Dec. 31; “Levitated Mass,” Jan. 2-3; .
Culver Center of the Arts, 3834 Main St.,
Riverside; 951-827-4787;
http://culvercenter.ucr.edu.
ROMANO’S CONCERT LOUNGE
THROUGH DEC. 19 – Black Friday Retro
Metro Reunion, Nov. 28; The Iron Maidens,
Alice in Cooperland and American Zombie
tribute bands, Nov. 29; The Original Wailers,
Dec. 12; Voodoo Glow Skulls, Sick Sense and
Slow Children, Dec. 19. 5225 Canyon Crest
Drive, Riverside; 951-781-7662;
http://theconcertlounge.com.
‘GENJI’S WORLD’
THROUGH JAN. 11 – Woodblock prints
from many of Japan’s leading print artists.
Riverside Art Museum, 3425 Mission Inn Ave.;
951-684-7111; www.riversideartmuseum.org.
LAW’S RESTAURANT
THROUGH DEC. 26 – Audiogrind, Nov. 28;
Entouraj, Dec. 5; Slingshot, Dec. 12;
Southbound, Dec. 26; and DJ Chris, Saturdays.
9640 Indiana Ave., Riverside; 951-354-7021;
www.lawsrestaurant.com.
FILM SCREENINGS
THROUGH JAN. 3 – “The Unknown
10 | riversidethemag.com | december 2014 - january 2015
MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM
THROUGH FEB. 6 – Down, The Punk Rock
But Kinda Not Tour, Dec. 5; Trombone Shorty
& Orleans Avenue, Jan. 3; Badfish (Sublime
tribute), Feb. 6. 3485 Mission Inn Ave.;
951-779-9800; www.riversiderma.com.
MISSION TOBACCO LOUNGE
NOV. 28 – Festival of Lights After Party,
featuring Radium. 3630 University Ave.,
Riverside; 951-682-4427;
www.missiontobaccolounge.com.
ARTS WALK
DEC. 4 – Browse more than 20 art galleries,
studios and museums with exhibits in various
art mediums. Continues the first Thursday of
every month. Downtown Riverside; 6-9 p.m.;
951-682-6737; www.riversidedowntown.org.
‘FLASH: CARRIE SCHNEIDER’
DEC. 6-MARCH 14 – Contemporary art
series features single works made within the
past year. This is the seventh exhibition in the
series. UCR/California Museum of Photography,
3824 Main St., Riverside; 951-827-4787;
http://artsblock.ucr.edu. Also: “Visual
Manipulation,” through Dec. 6; “But Not
Forgotten,” through Feb. 21.
CLASSIC CAR SHOW
DEC. 14 – Monthly car show presented the
second Sunday of each month. Canyon Crest
Towne Centre, 5225 Canyon Crest Drive,
Riverside; 4-7 p.m.; 951-686-1222;
www.cctownecentre.com.
CITRUS HERITAGE RUN
JAN. 10 – Sixth annual event features a halfmarathon (starting at 8 a.m.), a 5K (8:30 a.m.)
and kids run (9:30 a.m.). Arlington Heights
Sports Park, 9401 Cleveland Ave., Riverside;
http://riversideroadrunners.com/
citrusheritage-run.
ROSE PRUNING DEMONSTRATION
JAN. 11 – Volunteers and local experts will
demonstrate how to prune hybrid tea,
floribunda, miniature roses and climbers and
LUNARFEST
JAN. 31 – Annual event celebrating the Inland
Empire’s Asian/Pacific American cultural
heritage and contributions. Arts and cultural
displays, music, fireworks and food. Parade of
nations, 10 a.m.; opening ceremonies, 10:45
a.m. Downtown Riverside; free; 951-453-3548;
www.lunarfestriverside.org.
WITH HONOR
AND THANKS
DEC. 7 – Stephen
Tucker, music
director of the
Riverside Lyric
Opera, conducts
the UC Irvine
Symphony
Orchestra with
featured resident
artist, soprano
Natalie Mann,
Natalie Mann
in a program
commemorating Pearl Harbor and
honoring those who served. March Field
Air Museum, 22550 Van Buren Blvd.,
Riverside; $25-$35; 4 p.m.; 951-781-9561;
www.riverside-lyricopera.org.
‘IN THE HEIGHTS’
FEB. 6-15 – Universal story of a vibrant
community in the Washington Heights
neighborhood on the brink of change.
Broadway version was the winner of the 2008
Tony for best musical, score, choreography and
orchestrations. Landis Performing Arts Center,
4800 Magnolia Ave., Riverside; $29-$50;
951-222-8100; www.performanceriverside.org.
will be available to answer questions. Rain date,
Jan. 18. UC Riverside Botanic Gardens,
900 University Ave.; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday,
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday; 951-784-6962;
www.gardens.ucr.edu.
‘PRIVATE LIVES’
JAN. 23-FEB. 8 – Noel Coward comedy about
a divorced couple who reconnect while they’re
honeymooning with their new spouses.
Riverside Community Players Theater,
4026 14th St., Riverside; 951-686-4030;
www.riversidecommunityplayers.com.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY PHILHARMONIC
FEB. 20-22 – “String Lover’s Paradise,” with
The Phil’s string section performing selections
from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras
without a conductor. The Box Theatre, Fox
Entertainment Plaza, 3635 Market St., Riverside;
951-787-0251; www.thephilharmonic.org.
Also: Stars of the Philharmonic, at the Fox
Performing Arts Center, May 9.
‘CAHUILLA CONTINUUM’
ONGOING – Exhibit tells the story of a
Southern California native people, the Cahuilla,
through more than 160 artifacts. Metropolitan
Museum, 3580 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside;
951-826-5273; www.riversideca.gov/museum.
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december 2014 - january 2015 | riversidethemag.com | 11
NONPROFITS
Trees
hope
of
Annual fundraiser benefits young patients
at Riverside County Regional Medical Center
Written by Luanne J. Hunt
Photos courtesy Riverside County Regional Medical Center Foundation
B
esides bringing lots of
holiday cheer, Riverside
County Regional Medical
Center Foundation’s annual
Festival of Trees has benefited
countless children during the past
quarter-century.
This year’s event — featuring
50 elaborately decorated trees on
display at the Riverside Convention
Center during Thanksgiving weekend
— promises build on that legacy,
says Jeri Vaughan, executive director
of the nonprofit organization.
As usual, she adds, it will be staged
with a dual purpose: raise funds to
purchase equipment for the RCRMC’s
pediatrics unit as well as provide
support programs to benefit young
patients and their families. Eighty
percent of the proceeds come from
sponsors who buy and provide
decorations for the trees.
“Our sponsors have made it
possible to purchase many types of
equipment — from ventilators and
portable X-ray machines to patient
monitors and MRI-compatible
anesthesia equipment,” Vaughan said.
Over the years, Festival of Trees
has raised more than $8 million,
says Dr. Alexandra Clark, chair of
the RCRMC pediatrics department.
While funds have primarily been
devoted to helping the youngest
patients, in reality everyone who
seeks care at the facility may benefit,
she adds.
“When we purchase ventilators,
we buy them in two sizes to fit both
children and adults. That way, they can be used wherever there
is a need,” Clark said. “However, the pediatric units are always
our first priority.”
The Festival of Trees kicks off each year with a black-tie gala,
which includes gourmet dining, entertainment and auctions. The
gala regularly sells out and draws prominent business owners
and community leaders.
“Although about 20 percent of our funds are raised every
year from this event, our primary reason for holding it is to
bring awareness to what’s happening in the pediatric world at
RCRMC,” Clark said. “Our attendees receive updates on what
types of equipment we’ve purchased, and we also let them
know what our existing needs are.”
Event sponsors include California Emergency Physicians
Medical Group, DaVita Healthcare Partners, Huron Healthcare,
Kaiser Permanente Riverside and the medical schools at Loma
Linda University and UC Riverside.
Besides the beautifully decorated trees, there also will be craft
and game areas for children of all ages, storytime with Santa
and other activities for the entire family.
The five-day event will conclude with a tree designer awards
reception on Nov. 30 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Festival of Trees
Where: Riverside Convention Center, 3637 Fifth St.
When: Nov. 26-30
Cost: Free admission
Information: www.rcrmcfoundation.org
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THE FOX AT 5
An increasingly
CROWDED
HOUSE
With the historic Fox theater well into
its second act, a major investment in its
renovation is paying dividends
Big occasion, big name. Sheryl Crow gave the first
concert at the newly renovated Fox Performing
Arts Center in January 2010.
14
| riversidethemag.com | december 2014 - january 2015
In addition to concerts and comedians, Broadway musical troupes regularly hit the stage at the Fox.
Among the first were the casts of “Annie,” left, and “Spamalot.”
Written by George A. Paul and Jerry Rice
W
hen the Fox Performing Arts Center
reopened in January 2010 after a $32-million renovation,
the promise of a myriad of arts and entertainment
possibilities seemed to lie ahead.
Top name musicians and comedians were suddenly
putting Riverside on their itineraries. But during the next four years, the
number and types of events came up short of what many expected.
Enter Live Nation. One of the world’s biggest entertainment companies,
it has a hand in leasing, booking or managing nearly 150 venues in eight
countries. Last December, the Fox joined that list.
Now starting the second of a three-year contract to run the facility,
Live Nation recently appointed Karen Foley as general manager there and
the nearby Riverside Municipal Auditorium. She succeeds Joseph Cahill.
Whether Live Nation would improve prospects for booking more
performances at the historic structure was a looming question a year ago,
but since then the indicators have been positive.
According to the Riverside Cultural Affairs department, Live Nation was
required to promote 60 shows during its first year. While several events
were holdovers from the previous operator, Bill Malone’s FX Arts
Management, the expected overall target for the 2014-15 season
Casting a wide net: Bill
Cosby, Natalie Cole
and Pat Benatar were
among the early Fox
performers. Recent
acts have included
Jerry Seinfeld, Steve
Martin and Edie
Brickell.
is 65 shows (including a minimum
stipulated amount of multicultural and
family/children-oriented programs).
Sold out Fox events have included
a pair of shows from singer Jason Mraz,
comedian Jerry Seinfeld and the “Move
Live on Tour” featuring dancers Derek
& Julianne Hough, plus additional nights
with Willie Nelson, Boyz II Men and
Wayne Brady.
Semi-regular open mic nights are
popular among local musicians, while
special Broadway and movie series
(“Pink Panther,” Cinema Culturas
Film Fest) have been well-received.
Some of that success can be
attributed to the positive feelings
locals have for the Fox.
“This theater has an incredibly
emotional connection with people,”
said Arich Berghammer, Live Nation’s
executive vice president for clubs and
theaters. “The amount of time on
average we spend dealing with the
consumer or guest here in a transaction
is almost three times what we spend
anywhere else in the United States.”
Berghammer says he routinely hears
stories about how the theater was the
place people had their first kiss or
brought their children for the first time.
“It’s nice to have that intimacy
associated with it,” he said, adding that
he doesn’t see that kind of reaction
at any other theater in America.
Riverside Mayor “Rusty” Bailey is
pleased with the progress at the Fox
and what Live Nation has brought to
the city. “The quality of the acts and
service on event day and night has
increased substantially,” he said.
“That’s exciting from my point of view
— [hearing from] people who are going
to and coming from the Fox and having
an incredible experience. That’s what
we wanted … [something] that would
draw them back to Riverside to either a
show or just to come downtown and be
a part of the nightlife, the energy and
the scene that we have going on.”
The return of the Fox, especially this
past year, has been a positive for both
Live Nation and the city, Bailey adds.
“A lot of the numbers have exceeded
their expectations in terms of sales,
food and beverage and tickets. They
truly feel like they’ve made the right
decision, and I think Riverside has as
well with the numbers and the diversity
of the acts, the number of sell outs, the
total number of shows.”
Berghammer isn’t satisfied with Live
Nation simply achieving its initial goals.
“We’re not going to be happy
because there’s much more to do,”
he said. “Our first year was us really
[studying] Riverside. I said to our team,
‘Let’s go in and learn and give them
what they want.’ In the second year,
our goal is to touch more people.”
Among the first things Berghammer
discovered?
Riverside “was an underserved
market. Because of our portfolio and
how we operate, we can take risks on
things that the former operator
probably couldn’t have done — or was
willing to.” Another realization: “In the
summertime, it doesn’t need to go dark.
We sold shows out in the summer.
[Continues on Page 21]
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pag e title
h
e for
Elf,
hem?
nd
ival of
u’ll be
an and
be too
Event Map and Guide
february-march 2013 | riversidethemag.com | xx
pag e title
Subway
Mission
Martini
Elephant
Thai Cuisine
Wells Fargo
(ATM)
Coffee Bean & Tea
Leaf
Pacific Stiks
Antonious N&W
Pizza
Salad Buzz
CBU Art Gallery
Room to Dance
Mezcal Cantina
FIND YOURSELF IN SPAIN!
Artisans Collective, a unique
Arts Market, runs each weekend
through Dec. 21. Discover a creative
marketplace with hand-crafted,
one-of-a kind art, jewelry, ceramics,
sculpture, paintings, mosaics,
garments, stationery and art demos.
RESTAURANT & TAPAS BAR
DragonMarsh
MTL
Lake Alice
Trading Co.
Æ
Doña Timo’s
La Cascada
Mission Galleria
RESTROOMS
Riverside Art
on Main
MP Couture
UCR Museum of
Photography
Culver Center of the
Arts
3252 Mission Inn Ave • Downtown Riverside • 951.778.0611 • CafeSevilla.com
Hideaway Café
Molinos Coffee
Mario’s Place
(Start
One Way)
Visit the websites of our local
arts & culture venues for unique
and fun holiday programming.
3582 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Riverside
Metropolitan
Museum
Back to the Grind
DDogs
951-682-1082
Used books, CDs, Prints,
Consignment Art, Special
orders
Pixels
Lemon Street (One Way) Æ
Nadia Lee and Vera Lee, Proprietors
Farmer Boys
Lime Street
| riversidethemag.com | february-march 2013
Art’s Bar & Grill
Sevilla
Æ
xx
C3
Restaurant
Make-a-Wish
Gram’s Mission BBQ
Curves
House of Imports
Reveille
Merle Norman
Manhattan’s Salon & Spa
Our Treasure Chest
Something Sweet by Serina
Sunshine Portrait Studio
Hair Works II
Upper Crust
ProAbition
Santa’s Workshop
Gallery of Flowers
Simple Simon’s
Downtowne
Books
Wendie Monrroy
on Main
Parrott
Toni Moore
Clothing
Bella Trattoria
Casey’s
Cupcakes
Lemon Street
Æ
Æ
Magnolia’s
Mardon
Jewelers
Kelly’s Boutique
Mission Inn
Museum
Mission Galleria
Riverside Art
on Main
MP Couture
Heroes Restaurant
Don Carlos Hair Salon
Tamale Factory
Jon Michael Salon
Mrs. Tiggy Winkles
Citizens Business Bank (ATM)
Coffee Bean & Tea
Leaf
Pacific Stiks
Antonious N&W
Pizza
Main
Library
New Year’s
Eve
Family
Activities
6 - 9 pm
Riverside
Convention
Center
Hideaway Café
Molinos Coffee
Mario’s Place
february-march 2013 | riversidethemag.com | xx
Æ
Sevilla
RESTROOMS
Specialty holiday vendors will be
on Main Street throughout the
Festival!
Riverside
Metropolitan
Museum
6th Street Pilates
Marriott
Riverside at
the Convention
Center
Artworks Gallery
Mission
Martini
Elephant
Thai Cuisine
The Box
Fox Performing
pag eArts
title
Center
Riverside
Municipal
Auditorium
Riverside
Art
Museum
Lime Street
pag e title
Outdoor
Ice Rink
Santa’s Workshop
Located on Main Street Riverside
between University & Mission Inn Avenues
Located on Main Street Riverside at 6th
Street
Hours of Operation:
Now – December 19th
Monday – Thursday: 4 – 10 p.m.
Friday: 4 – 11 p.m.
Saturday: Noon – 11 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 10 p.m.
December 20th – January 3rd
Monday – Friday: Noon – 11 p.m.
December 24th: Noon – 9 p.m.
December 25th: Closed
Cost: $12 per session per person and $3 for skate rentals.
Visit Monday and receive two ice rink admissions for $15,
rentals included. Or come for Family Night Wednesday and a
group of four can skate for one session for $35, rentals included.
Frequent Skater Cards are available for $50, good for one session
Sunday through Thursday during the month of December. Cards
can be purchased at the skate rink ticket booth and the Riverside
Metropolitan Museum, 3580 Mission Inn Ave.
xx
| riversidethemag.com | february-march 2013
Hours of Operation:
Now – December 23rd
Monday – Thursday: 4 – 9 p.m.
Friday: 4 – 11 p.m.
Saturday: 4 – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 4 – 10 p.m.
December 24th: 2 – 8 p.m.
Souvenir photo and photo packages with Santa will be available for
purchase. Personal camera photos will NOT be allowed.
HELP! Frost, the Festival of Lights Elf,
has lost some of his elf friends in
Downtown Riverside! Can you find them?
Help him reconnect with all six by snapping a picture and
posting it to the City of Riverside, CA – Riverside Festival of
Lights Facebook page. Each time you post a picture, you’ll be
entered for weekly prize drawings.
And don’t forget to stop by the downtown Coffee Bean and
Tea Leaf to pay Frost a visit – we don’t want him to be too
lonely!
[Continues from Page 16]
People respond to the proper type
of programming.”
Indeed. Margie Haupt, the city’s Arts
and Cultural Affairs manager and
president of the Fox Riverside Theater
Foundation board of directors, believes
the venue has and continues to live up
to its initial promise. Still, she says the
full season slate needs to focus even
more on diversity and family
programming along the lines of Cinema
Culturas, October’s showcase for
Mexican and Latino filmmakers, and
“Elf: The Musical,” a stage adaptation
of the 2003 movie that opens Dec. 5.
“We want to hit that 18-to-35
demographic,” she said. “We put that
as benchmarks into Live Nation’s
agreement. As we develop those
aspects, I think that will strengthen
what we have there.”
That also would help promote the
goals of the Fox Theater Foundation
— to support the venue through
education, outreach and fundraising.
One manner it does that is through the
Students at Broadway program, which
provides complimentary tickets and
educational resources to high school
students.
“Another important aspect of the
Fox Foundation is keeping the traditions
of the past alive,” Haupt added.
The Fox opened in 1929 as a movie
palace and a stage for vaudeville acts,
and a decade later it became the first
cinema in the nation to screen “Gone
with the Wind.” More recently, the
theater has screened the Civil War epic
and the adventure “The Wizard of Oz”
for their 70th anniversaries, and “Gone
with the Wind” will be presented again
on Dec. 14 for its 75th.
Economic driver
When it comes to bookings, having
more shows that bring in more people
is important to downtown restaurants
and shops because it generally means
more business.
“I think it has exceeded their
expectations,” Bailey said, referring
to the Fox’s drawing power, especially
during the past year. “Initially,
FOX: AT A GLANCE
Peter Frampton
ON STAGE
Select headline music and comedy acts at the
Fox Performing Ar ts Center during the past
five years:
2010 – Sheryl Crow, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight,
America, Bill Cosby, David Benoit, Don
McLean, Ozomatli, Craig Ferguson, Jason
Bonham, Blondie
2011 – Bur t Bacharach, Wanda Sykes, Scott
Stapp of Creed, B.B. King, Kenny Wayne
Shepherd, “Weird” Al Yankovic, Kenny Loggins,
Leon Russell, Dr. John, Joe Walsh, Peter
Frampton, Howie Mandell
2012 – Dwight Yoakam, Rober t Cray, Rod Piazza
& the Mighty Flyers, The Mavericks, Shelby
Lynne, LeAnn Rimes, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy,
Berlin, Blues Traveler, Rufus Wainwright, Judy
Collins, Roger McGuinn, Brian McKnight
2013 – Dennis DeYoung of Styx, Foreigner, Boz
Scaggs, Stephen Stills, Sheila E., Bill Medley of
the Righteous Brothers, Darlene Love, Steve
Mar tin & the Steep Canyon Rangers, Edie
Brickell, Intocable, Los Lobos, Doobie Brothers
2014 – Hugh Laurie, Melissa Etheridge, Jason
Mraz, Jerry Seinfeld, Dream Theater, Jill Scott,
Bill Engvall, Kathleen Madigan, Matisyahu,
James Blunt, Huey Lewis & the News,
Amos Lee, Larry the Cable Guy, Citizen Cope,
Jerry Lewis, Primus, Move Tour with Derek
& Julianne Hough, Yanni
I remember [businesses] not staying
open later on event nights and not
connecting very well in terms of offering
deals like, ‘Bring in a ticket from the Fox
and get a free drink or 10 percent off.’
Now, I’m seeing those advertised from
various downtown establishments.”
Marco McGuire, who opened the
1920s speakeasy-themed ProAbition
Whiskey Lounge & Kitchen two years
ago with his brother, Daniel, says the
restaurant has enjoyed a 15 to 20
FACTS, FIGURES
Highlights since Live Nation
star ted managing the Fox
Performing Ar ts Center
on Dec. 1, 2013.
• Sold out shows: 11
• More than 70 percent of ticket
sales are derived from a
25-mile radius of the venue.
• Half of tickets are purchased
by patrons aged 45-64.
• Broadway series subscriber
base increased 100 percent,
from 310 to 624.
• The enter tainment company is
paid $500,000 to run the Fox.
• Annual revenue $1.9 million;
expenses $2.4 million.
• Riverside incurs a net cost of
$568,000 (comprising one-time
management transition costs
of $245,000).
• Annual net operating results
equals the best previous result
with FX Ar ts Management.
• Live Nation is on track to
stage 65 shows in fiscal
2014-15.
Source: Riverside Cultural Affairs;
Live Nation
percent increase in business since
Live Nation took over.
“When they’re having a good act at
the Fox or the auditorium, we’re pretty
much sold out,” he said. “We depend
on Live Nation bringing good acts to
the Fox.”
McGuire, who also owns the Mexican
gastropub Mezcal with his brother, says
it’s important for them to keep abreast
of what’s booked into both downtown
entertainment venues, the Municipal
december 2014 - january 2015 | riversidethemag.com | 21
Auditorium and especially the Fox.
“We need to make sure we have the
right labor in the kitchen and out front,”
he said, adding that he doesn’t hesitate
to schedule additional employees when
the theater will have a full house.
In the future, the entrepreneur has
another reason to keep an eye on
what’s happening there because the site
also has space for a restaurant. The city
is looking to fill it, and Bailey hopes that
“a solid name-brand restaurant or
something highly creative from a local
entrepreneur” will open in the next five
years.
With about 65 eateries, restaurants
and bars already in the downtown area,
the mayor believes that adding a new
one at the Fox shouldn’t steal business
from the others.
“It adds more value,” he said. “People
are not going to want to go to the same
restaurant every time they come here.”
McGuire also believes a new player
would be beneficial.
“People have that fear factor about
competition, but actually it makes you
better and at the end of the day it’s
going to bring you more business.”
On the retail side, Mrs. TiggyWinkle’s, a longtime fixture on the Main
Street pedestrian mall, also has
experienced an increase in traffic and
business on performance nights since
Live Nation stepped in.
“We get some people out for a fun
night on their way to the Fox,” said
CeeAnn Thiel, owner of the unique gifts
and novelties shop. “They’re in a good
mood, and their evening is planned for
very nice things.”
She also has noticed that Fox
attendees often match “the flavor
of that concert,” and used the RedHeaded Stranger’s sell out as an
example. “Depending on their apparel,
I know what show they’re going to see.
Willie Nelson people all came in
[wearing] Levis jackets.”
Thiel has attended several Fox shows
and believes that operation-wise the
venue is on the right track.
“We love it. It’s fun for us personally,
and it’s good for people walking around
22
Upcoming
Dec. 4: Wanda Sykes
Dec. 5-6: “Elf: The Musical”
Dec. 6: Sounds of the Season
Dec. 7: Masters of Harmony
Dec. 12: Irish Christmas
Dec. 17: Brian Setzer Orchestra’s “Christmas
Rocks!” Extravaganza
Dec. 19: “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From
Venus”
Dec. 20: Patti LaBelle
Dec. 27: “The Nutcracker,” by the Inland Pacific
Ballet
Dec. 30: Straight No Chaser
Jan. 17: “Mark Twain Tonight!”
Jan. 24: “So You Think You Can Dance” Live Tour
Feb. 4-5: “Mamma Mia!”
Information: www.foxriversidelive.com
the mall,” she said. “I know a lot of
people who say they love coming here
and want to stay longer, but they have
to go to Mario’s Place so they can eat
dinner and make it to the show.”
To encourage still more people to
come to the Fox — and the downtown
— several options have been discussed,
including adding more public transportation options, such as a street car system,
and having Riverside Transit busses
operate later on performance nights.
“We would definitely have a higher
population of young people and elderly
people in downtown Riverside at night
on the weekends,” Bailey said. “That’s
an investment I think we need to have
conversations about.”
Another option under consideration
is an arena that would be bigger than
the 1,646-seat Fox and could host
events that the theater isn’t designed to
handle, such as UC Riverside basketball
games or California Baptist University
volleyball matches.
One proposal has called for a 6,000seat facility at the southeast corner of
Third and Market streets and a 1,750space parking garage that would be
shared with the revitalized Convention
Center.
“It can’t just be the Fox as the only
driver. If you bring in an arena and more
transportation, it’s only better for us,”
Berghammer said. “The restaurant next
door will be good for everyone. It brings
more traffic and people.
| riversidethemag.com | december 2014 - january 2015
Hal Holbrook
as Mark Twain
“Part of our job is to be an economic
engine for the downtown area. It isn’t
just putting a show on.”
Performance reviews
When it comes to rating the Fox,
musicians who have performed there
since it reopened have varying opinions
about the venue.
Berghammer says that Seinfeld “was
blown away. He thought the community
was great and the food from local
restaurants was wonderful.”
“As far as hospitality and treatment of
artists, I’d rate it as excellent, and it has
a real nice stage,” said veteran Riverside
blues man Rod Piazza, who has played
the venue three times since the
re-opening with his Mighty Flyers band.
Terri Nunn of Berlin played the Fox in
2012 and was impressed. “It’s so elegant
now and it was such an honor to
perform there,” she said. “Southern
California isn’t known for landmark
buildings. … It’s wonderful to go to
places like the Fox and not only see
great shows, but also feel part of
history.”
When Dennis DeYoung, the former
lead singer of Styx, performed at the
Fox in 2013, “I thought I was back at the
Alamo when we drove up. The
backstage was very nice and the
production was great. …
“I think Riverside should feel proud to
have such a fine performing arts center,”
he added.
reflections
A taste for
tradition
Culture and celebration plated for the holidays
Written by Amy Bentley
V
isit, gift and eat — be thankful, perhaps pray —
American holiday traditions are straightforward. But just
below the surface, amid the groaning tables and smiling
faces, are memories of yesterdays and loved ones long
passed which swell fresh to mind with the whiff of the pie grandma
used to make or when served in a dish that mom used for decades.
It’s no wonder that across cultures food is at the centerpiece of
family celebrations or that it’s the heart and hearth of today’s
gatherings.
For this issue, we asked three Riverside restaurant owners to tell
us about their food and their families’ cherished traditions.
Photo by Will Lester
Debbie and Craig Johnston with their
daughter, Crystal, at The Hideaway Cafe.
A living Nativity,
remembering family roots
Craig Johnston: The Hideaway Café
Growing up in Fullerton, Craig
Johnston enjoyed being one of 12 siblings.
The family has grown even larger since
then as he and his six brothers and five
sisters had their own kids. Today,
Johnston’s mother has 53 grandchildren
at last count.
When Johnston was a child, his father,
the late Gene Johnston, created an
elaborate Nativity scene in their front
yard. It became quite a production, with
family members serving as live
participants, the newest infant in the
family portraying the baby Jesus, and their
poodle standing in as a sheep. The family
borrowed 4-H animals to add to the
scene’s authenticity, and the musically
oriented siblings played instruments.
december 2014 - january 2015 | riversidethemag.com | 23
“It seemed like every year my mom
would have a new baby Jesus to put out
in the scene,” Johnston joked.
“The Johnston Family Nativity Scene”
evolved into a 20-minute program the
family shared with the community for
25 years. Dinner was a big meal after
church on Sunday that included lots of
healthy foods like turkey and fruit.
Years later as a special treat, when
the 12 kids were adults, Johnston’s dad
rented a bus and took more than 60
family members on a tour of places in
Los Angeles that had been a part of his
childhood.
Johnston’s dad was raised in foster
homes during the Depression after his
own father died when he was 2. The
bus tour visited his old school and the
street where Johnston’s parents met,
near a gas station where his dad
worked.
Today, Johnston and his wife, Debbie,
who have two adult children, return to
his 84-year-old mom’s home in Fullerton
for a four-to-five day Christmas
celebration.
The siblings and their families enjoy
food, a gift exchange, games, skits,
a talent show and Bible readings.
“We share what everyone has done
during the year. My mom types up a
newsletter, and she gives it out to
everyone. She loves to have everyone
there.”
A Mexican kitchen crowded
with family, friends and love
Jon Medina: Zacatecas Café
When Jon Medina was a child growing
up in Riverside, his mom ruled the
kitchen for the Thanksgiving and
Christmas holidays, which were
celebrated with dozens of loved ones at
the home of his late parents, Oscar and
Josefina Medina.
Jon’s mom would start cooking early
in the morning, preparing traditional
Mexican specialties like tamales, carnitas,
menudo, and deep-fried tortillas with
cinnamon on top. Fresh salsa, tequila
and margaritas also were on the menu.
The Medinas always hosted a big
crowd, and guests often included
24
Photos by Frank Perez
Vicky Medina, left, and Ashley Salinas with several employees at Zacatecas Café
Chicken tamales, inspired by the ones
Josefina Medina used to prepare, are served
at Zacatecas Café.
various city officials, such as the city
attorney and police chief, who all knew
the Medinas from their popular
restaurant, Zacatecas Café.
Police officers from each shift would
stop by for fresh tamales.
“We had a lot of fun,” Jon said.
Flash forward to today: Jon and his
| riversidethemag.com | december 2014 - january 2015
wife, Vicky, now run the restaurant that
his parents opened in 1963. Jon started
cooking at age 10, so preparing meals
has become second nature to him.
With his parents gone, the holidays
are now celebrated at the couple’s
Riverside home, where loved ones
gather to feast on traditional American
and Mexican holiday dishes. The family
has many mixed marriages, so foods
from both cultures is a treat for
everyone, Jon says.
For Thanksgiving, he cooks two
turkeys, two hams and two beef roasts
and makes gravy using his mom’s recipe.
Guests bring side dishes like mashed
potatoes, fruit salad and dessert, and
a niece bakes special breads.
For Christmas, the family enjoys
menudo, beans, quesadillas and other
traditional Mexican foods including —
of course — tamales of all kinds.
Peach cobbler at Gram’s Mission BBQ
Smoke, sweets and soul
Benita Bratton: Gram’s Mission BBQ
Soul food has always been a part of
life for Benita Bratton, a Riverside native
whose grandparents were South
Carolina sharecroppers before they
pulled up stakes and moved West.
When her dad, Robert Bratton,
founded Gram’s Mission BBQ in 1988,
the family served a variety of Southern,
Creole and Cajun favorites.
Today’s menu includes fried fish, pulled
pork and beef brisket sandwiches, Po’Boy
shrimp and catfish sandwiches, red beans
and rice, collard greens and country-fried
okra. Desserts include homemade peach
cobbler, bread pudding and sweet potato
pie.
The restaurant is named after Benita’s
grandmother, who lived in Rubidoux and
hosted many holiday gatherings.
“Her house was like our family hub
where everybody came,” said Benita,
who now runs the restaurant with help
from her 72-year-old dad and her son,
Janaar Barnes, 23.
Benita mostly learned to cook from
her beloved grandmother and her aunt,
Shirley Simmons of Riverside. The foods
of Benita’s childhood are still served up
every day at Gram’s and also at family
holiday feasts.
“We always had traditional smoked
turkey. That’s one of the reasons why we
have that at the restaurant, because
that’s what she (Gram) always did,”
Benita said.
“And, you couldn’t have anything
without peach cobbler, black-eyed peas,
candied yams, collard greens and ham.”
For Christmas today, the family enjoys
a big brunch with shrimp, eggs, grits,
Photos by Frank Perez
Benita Bratton, left, with longtime baker Lena Harris at Gram’s BBQ
veggies, pastries and waffles.
“Grits are definitely a staple for us,”
Benita said of the hot corn meal that is
popular in the South. “When I was a kid
that’s what we would have in the
morning. I make really good grits.”
For the big Thanksgiving and New
Year’s family meals, everyone brings food
and homemade desserts. Benita shares
a smoked turkey and a fried turkey.
“There’s never any left,” she says with
pride.
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december 2014 - january 2015 | riversidethemag.com | 25
TASTE
L
Season’s
eatings
ots of festive, tasty treats — it’s one of the best things
about the holidays. With that time of year upon us, we
asked Cheryl Duffy at Jammin’ Bread and Regina Gray
at Sweet Epies Bakery and Cafe to prepare some of
their favorite seasonal goodies and reveal a little about each one.
Lemon bars
Gray will divulge only
one thing about her take
on the traditional
recipe: Don’t use lemon
concentrate. “With
fresh lemons, the lemon
bars come out that
much better,” she says.
Molasses cookies
Gray has only been making
molasses cookies for the past
couple years. “It’s a favorite of
mine, and I truly enjoy the flavor
with coffee,” she says.
Eggnog whoopee pie
Like many of her customers, Gray
enjoys a glass of creamy eggnog
so she decided to incorporate the
seasonal treat into a new creation.
Black and whites
A New York bakery staple, this cakelike cookie is often glazed with half
white and half chocolate icing. Duffy
made a few changes to produce
a Christmas look.
Frosted sugar cookies
Baked until the edges start to
lightly brown, they’re cooled then
decorated with buttercream
frosting. “Always a hit no matter
what time of year,” Duffy says.
Shortbread with jam
Delicate, tender and buttery, this
selection is sandwiched with red
raspberry jam and pairs well with
a cup of tea, Duffy says.
Jammin’ Bread
5255 Canyon Crest Drive, Suite 17A,
Riverside; 951-369-1869
Sweet Epies Bakery and Cafe
3540 Ninth St., Riverside;
951-781-6778
Red velvet cupcake
With red velvet,
moistness is key. One
of Gray’s secrets for
ensuring her cupcakes
are perfectly moist is
adding the vinegar and
baking soda last in the
preparation process.
Another key is to not
overcook. “If you do,”
she says, “it comes out
pretty dense and not
as enjoyable.”
Kingdom cupcake
On a day of experimentation,
Gray took a pumpkin cupcake
recipe, made a few tweaks
(including using sweet potato)
and a new customer hit was
born. “It’s a knockoff of our
sweet potato cheesecake and
was everything I wanted to
represent Sweetie Pies with,”
she says. The Kingdom
cupcake has a cream cheese
middle with cinnamon
buttercream frosting, salted
caramel and pecans on top.
december 2014 - january 2015 | riversidethemag.com | 27
n e ig h bor hoo ds
Classic
woodcraft
Boasting many tree-inspired street names, Riverside’s historic
district near downtown shows its age — beautifully
Written by Amy Bentley
L
ate in the fall of 2012, Joe Logan returned to his home
in Riverside’s Wood Streets neighborhood on the day before
Thanksgiving after spending several days in the hospital following
major surgery. A couple of weeks later, before Christmas,
a neighbor called to see if it would be OK to visit Logan and his wife
Sandi at their Larchwood Place home.
Soon afterward, about 20 people came over pulling a wagon with a
Christmas tree decorated with bows and lights, and an assortment of
cards. Envelopes contained about $700 in cash and another $600 in gift
certificates.
“It was so awesome; it was unbelievable,” said Logan, who has lived
with Sandi in their 1921 bungalow-style home since 1988. “They were
singing Christmas carols to us and we were crying our eyes out.”
A century ago, visitors to what is now the Wood Streets neighborhood would
have been in the midst of orange groves, but it wasn’t long before citrus started
giving way to homes. Nearly all of the homes in the area today were built before
the start of World War II.
Photo by Thomas R . Cordova
The holiday surprise was a typical
kind gesture for those in his close-knit
neighborhood of mostly well-kept
vintage homes, says Logan.
“This is the best neighborhood in the
city,” he added.
Wood Streets is perhaps Riverside’s
premier showcase for vintage and
historic single-family homes in a range
of styles including California bungalow,
Craftsman, Tudor, Spanish Colonial
Revival and Victorian. Encompassing
nearly a square-mile, homes line streets
that follow a timberland theme —
Beechwood, Elmwood, Larchwood,
Linwood, Oakwood and Rosewood.
Most were built in the 1910s and
1920s, and many have been featured in
the Old Riverside Foundation’s annual
home tour. About a quarter of the
neighborhood falls in a city-designated
historic district.
Many people who live outside the
neighborhood may not realize that
behind the architecturally pleasing
exteriors, the sculpted wood, stone
facades and pretty gardens, is a
community of people devoted to each
other and their little slice of Riverside.
“It’s a true neighborhood. There are
people of all ages, older people and
young couples,” said resident Charles
Slaughter, who has been active with a
community group called Neighbors of
the Wood Streets (NOWS), which was
started by Don Mac Leish.
photos by Eric Reed
Large, mature trees add character to homes, including this one on Linwood Place.
“In the evenings, people are out
pushing their kids in strollers, walking
and jogging. And when there’s a crisis
on the street, people know their
neighbors and help.”
Tips about carpenters, plumbers and
craftsmen who work on older homes
are shared both in person and via an
online message board; singles are
frequently invited to their neighbors’
homes for dinner; and even when issues
literally drop in, such as large palm tree
fronds falling on the sidewalk or in the
street, residents take care of them.
The Wood Streets community
celebrates National Night Out with the
Riverside Police and Fire departments
with a huge barbecue, and homeowners
on Chapman Place are known for their
elaborately themed Christmas
decorations.
NOWS was formed four years ago
to unite Wood Streets residents, keep
them informed on local issues and help
them work with city officials on
important issues such as traffic, noise
and tree maintenance.
“We’re relatively new, but we got
well known because of some of the
issues that affect the whole Wood
Streets area,” said Slaughter, whose
family lives in a 1913 Craftsman-style
home on Magnolia Avenue. “We try to
represent everybody and give them
access to City Hall.”
Councilman Mike Gardner knows
many Wood Streets residents by name
and attends NOWS meetings with his
assistant, Lynn Anderson.
Residents credit Gardner and
Anderson with helping to move forward
a tree-trimming and maintenance
program for the neighborhood’s large
trees, as well as helping deal with other
issues such as traffic along Magnolia
Sidewalks are inviting for
leisurely afternoon strolls.
december 2014 - january 2015 | riversidethemag.com | 29
Photo by Frank Perez
Marjorie Barr, left, April Glatzel, Charles
Slaughter, Tara Glatzel, Anna Marie Soto and
Cynthia Adilor are members of the NOWS
steering committee.
Photo by eric reed
Homes with front porches are rare in new
developments but commonplace in the Wood
Streets neighborhood. This residence on
Magnolia Avenue also has a balcony.
Avenue and the ongoing restoration of
the decorative, original Wood Streets
pillars that grace several street corners.
“The sense of neighborhood here is
what I like best,” said Gardner, who also
admires the beautiful homes and is
friendly with many residents, including
Pat and Anita Silvestri.
The Silvestri home, a large 1928
RANCHO BELAGO
30 | riversidethemag.com | december 2014 - january 2015
Spanish Colonial Revival designed by
famed architect Henry L.A. Jekel, has
been featured several times in the Old
Riverside Foundation home tour. Jekel
also designed the tower for the First
Congregational Church downtown, the
mausoleum at Evergreen Cemetery
and the landmark Benedict Castle.
NOWS is putting together a program
to honor 100-year-old homes and their
owners, said Anna Marie Soto, an
officer with the organization. She
resides in a California bungalow on
Linwood Place that was built in 1906.
“One of the goals is we keep it
historical,” Soto said.
Her house sits on land that once was
a nut grove and still has an original
pecan tree. The owner of the nut grove
at one time lived in a large Victorian on
nearby Bandini Avenue, she noted,
adding, “There’s history involved here.”
Another active group is the Historic
Wood Streets Association, comprised
of about 300 homeowners dedicated
to preserving original features on the
vintage homes.
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riverside
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wood streets
Soto, Slaughter and many other
residents are involved with the Wood
Streets Green Team, yet another
neighborhood group. Led by Susan
Fahrney, the Green Team promotes
sustainable living throughout the city.
One of the group’s projects is the
Tequesquite Community Garden at Ryan
Bonaminio Park, which is nearby.
The garden has 100 plots, each about
150 square feet. Stakeholders rent the
space to grow all sorts of fruits,
vegetables, herbs and flowers for
personal use or to donate to community
groups with food programs, says Pat
Silvestri, who leads the garden effort.
About three fourths of the plots have
been spoken for; the remaining ones are
still available.
Photo by eric reed
Magnolia Elementary School on Maplewood Place opened in 1898 and now has about 700
students. The school’s motto also fits nicely with the Wood Streets neighborhood: “Know
the past, live the present, dream the future.”
On any given Saturday morning,
a dozen or more people will come
to work their land. Recently, many have
been making the transition from summer
to winter crops and doing general
maintenance.
Besides gardening, it also is a great time
to catch up with neighbors.
“It is a social thing, and it’s always a lot
more fun to work with other people,”
Silvestri said. “That’s why doing a
community garden is such a satisfying
experience because you don’t have
to do it alone.”
Our heating system tune up & safety inspection guarantees
a trouble free winter or Its free.
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december 2014 - january 2015 | riversidethemag.com | 31
seen
RCHF’s Paint the Town Pink
Paint the Town Pink, the Riverside
Community Health Foundation’s annual
celebration, was a night to support those
who have fought or are currently fighting
breast cancer. Proceeds will benefit The Pink
Ribbon Place, which every year helps more
than 1,000 families impacted by the disease.
Information: www.rchf.org
1
2
5
4
3
8
7
6
(1) Dr. G. Richard Olds, founding dean of the UC Riverside School of Medicine, left,
and Dr. Dan Anderson, president/CEO of Riverside Community Health Foundation
(2) Councilman Mike Gardner, left, Paula and Eugene Montanez (3) Carol Karidakes,
left, and Michaele Anderson (4) Councilman Paul Davis and May Lynn Davis
(5) Ben Johnson II, Riverside Community Health Foundation board member
(6) Thomas Loza, left, Dr. Katherine Wright and Anna Loza (7) Jeff and Kathie
Westley (8) Judy Carpenter and Dr. Kenneth Dozier
Ph o t o s by C h a s e L e l a n d / C h a s e Ph o t og r a p hy
Boys & Girls Clubs Mansion Masquerade
Costumes and championing a cause were the
main themes during the third annual Mansion
Masquerade, held recently at the Burrage Mansion.
About 150 guests, along with sponsors and
community partners, raised more than $25,000 to
benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater RedlandsRiverside, which will use the funds for after-school
programs. Information: www.BeGreatIE.org
4
3
7
1
2
5
8
6
(1) Curtis Conyears, left, and Janette Auguar
(2) Keith and Gloria Moreland (3) Doug and
Diana McAdam (4) Jim Jimeniz and Marylou Maria
Marquez (5) Yazmin Alvarez (6) Susan Cartwright
(7) Gami and Mark McGuire (8) Leta and Steve
Helfrich
Ph o t o s by C h r i s t i n e Fr e n c h
32
| riversidethemag.com | december 2014 - january 2015
seen
Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center Comedy Night
There were lots of laughs in support of an important
cause during the 17th annual Comedy Night, hosted recently
by the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center at the
Riverside Municipal Auditorium. More than $55,000 was
raised to support the center’s efforts to care for cats, dogs,
kittens and puppies, and to help educate the community
about the importance of spaying and neutering.
6
4
3
2
7
1
8
5
(1) Lisa Holloway, left, Jean O’Keefe, Mary E. Sheets, Wendy
Boyd and Evelyn Anzevino (2) Thomas Thiernan, left, Bailey
Blakkolb and Logan Ridgway (3) Katie Pickett, left, and Carrie
Ridgway (4) Stan and Jessie Morrison (5) Joe Cahill, left, Sue
Mitchell and Matt Freidlander (6) Jim and Barbara Parker
(7) Julian Lee and Dr. Laura Schrader (8) Erin Tavaglione, left,
and Lynn Anderson
Ph o t o s by C h a s e L e l a n d / C h a s e Ph o t og r a p hy
sav e th e date
charitable events
Dec. 31 – 15th annual Lights for Little Lives
Memorial Walk, an event to remember
children who have died, presented by The
Unforgettables Foundation. Walk star ts at
3:30 p.m. at the Ronald McDonald House,
11365 Anderson St., Loma Linda;
909-335-1600; www.theunforgettables.com.
Feb. 12 – 19th annual Valentine Desser t
Auction and 13th annual Battle of the Bakers
Luncheon. Proceeds benefit service projects
selected by Soroptimist International of
Riverside. Riverside Convention Center, Fifth
and Orange streets; 11 a.m. registration, lunch
at noon; http://soroptimistriverside.org.
March 14 – Banquet for Life, annual benefit
for Riverside Life Services. Riverside
Convention Center, 3637 Fifth St., Riverside;
951-784-2422, www.riversidelifeservices.org.
Friendly
Staff,
Great Food
&
Good
Times!
15% Off
your bill when you
bring in your
Fox Theater
(
show ticket
Must be day of show
Excludes alcohol
)
March 14 – Eighth annual Live Your Dream
conference, presented by Soroptimist
International of Riverside. California Baptist
University, 8432 Magnolia Ave., Riverside;
http://soroptimistriverside.org.
April 28 – Salute to Service Awards
Ceremony, presented by Soroptimist
International of Riverside. Riverside
Convention Center, Fifth and Orange streets;
$40; http://soroptimistriverside.org.
3660 Mission Ave. • Riverside, CA
Across the street from the Mission Inn | Open 10am to
(951) 686-0950
2am Daily
december 2014 - january 2015 | riversidethemag.com | 33
RISING TALENTS
On their toes in
‘The Nutcracker’
Written by Amy Bentley
Mira Nadon as Clara
Photo by E.Y. Yanagi, ©2013
Nicole Gavin
34
| riversidethemag.com | december 2014 - january 2015
Hometown girls: If you watch Inland Pacific
Ballet’s holiday favorite “The Nutcracker,” keep
an eye out for Nicole Gavin, 15, and Mira
Nadon, 13, who share the role of Clara. Both
girls from Claremont have also performed in the
IPB productions of “Cinderella” and “Beauty and
the Beast.”
Nicole, a first-year apprentice with the
company, started ballet training at the age of 3
and aspires to become a professional ballerina.
Mira took up ballet when she was 5; this is her
sixth season doing “The Nutcracker.”
Playing Clara: “You get to do a lot of acting
and you’re pretty much in the entire ballet, so
it’s a lot of fun,” says Mira, who has the role for
the third time. Nicole is grateful for the chance
to hone her theatrical skills, saying, “It gives me
amazing opportunities to partner with a boy
and to have a solo on stage. Also, there is the
acting aspect of it.”
Looking to the future: Nicole has spent
many summers doing intensive ballet training
programs, including one with the School of
American Ballet, the official school of the New
York City Ballet, which Nicole aspires to join.
She competed in the 2013 Los Angeles Youth
American Grand Prix, one of the world’s most
prestigious ballet competitions. “I feel when I’m
dancing I’m transported to a difference place —
all my worries are left at the door,” Nicole says.
As for Mira, she has attended the Inland
Pacific Ballet Academy’s Summer Intensive
Program for many years and last summer
studied at the School of American Ballet in
New York City. Mira loved the Big Apple.
“There’s so much going on there,” she says.
At the Fox: Celebrating its 20th anniversary,
the Inland Pacific Ballet is bringing its version
of “The Nutcracker” to the Fox Performing
Arts Center for the first time. Performances
are Dec. 27 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Information: www.ipballet.org
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Studies show that individuals who connect with others live happier, healthier lives.
Riverside’s Senior Centers provide a variety of programs and activities dedicated to
residents 55 and better that promote socialization, lifelong learning, and an active lifestyle.
To learn more about local senior programs, visit HomeinRiverside.com.
(877) RIV-SIDE