The February/March 2026 issue of Riversider Magazine

World-renowned illustrator makes Riverside home

RIVERSIDE

Riverside’s brunch game is as sunny as its skies. From tucked-away cafés brewing the perfect cup to lively spots where the music sets the mood, there’s a seat for you.

6160 ARLINGTON AVE., STE. C9

Signature Dish: Smoking Bagel

Inland Exposures

The Riversider | February/March 2026

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

3993 Market Street

Riverside, CA 92501

blumenthallawoffices.com

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Love Letter to Riverside

Heading into Spring, we are looking at continuing good health by encouraging movement around our town. Riverside is beautiful this time of year, and we have some great landmarks and walking spots featured in this issue.

Also in this issue we have our cover feature on the legendary illustrator Kadir Nelson. Kadir and his wife, Dr. Jungmiwha Bullock, are a power couple if we have ever seen one! After taking over and revitalizing the Downtowne Bookstore she’s already expanded to a new storefront on Main Street. They have also opened a new art gallery, and we are excited to feature it in this issue.

March is Women’s History Month, and we are very proud to feature a recently published book by the Riverside Historical Society that

highlights the extraordinary lives of women in Riverside’s first 100 years. Amazing and remarkable women, like Eliza Tibbets who brought the first navel orange trees to Riverside. Celebrating women is something we want to do year around, but in March let’s give an extra shout out to all the amazing women in our lives that make our dayto-day better.

Be sure to stop by Yoli’s Mexican Grill on Market Street. Their drinks and delicious authentic Mexican food will have you coming back for more! We absolutely love their beautiful bar with the stand out Catrina mural proudly behind it. It is truly a hidden gem of downtown Riverside.

We hope people are staying safe amid these unprecedented hard times. We are proud to say

that as we are going to press, Riverside youth across several high schools staged a walkout to voice their concerns over recent extreme escalations in immigration enforcement. When we were young, we protested various injustices and are so happy to see young people stepping up and being the voice of our future.

Know that your Riversider team cares about everyone in our community and while we continue to highlight the wonderful things Riverside has to offer, we are aware that things are difficult for many. We truly appreciate all the support from our advertisers and our dedicated readers!

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THERIVERSIDER.COM

Co-Publisher Alondra Figueroa alondra@theriversider.com

Co-Publisher Zach Cordner zach@theriversider.com

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Editor at Large Ken Crawford ken@theriversider.com

Associate Editor Mano Mirandé mano@theriversider.com

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Staff Photographer Julian Jolliffe

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Advertising Please contact: advertising@theriversider.com

Contributors

Karla Adams, Philip Falcone, Jesse Lopez, Debbie Newton

Special Thanks:

Kaitlin Bilhartz, Patricia Lock Dawson, Philip Falcone, Evelyn Cordner, Jack Amarillas, The Standerfer Family, Amber Lussier, Leslee Gaul, H. Vincent Moses, PHD, Lucia Winsor, Riverside Museum, Mark from Riverside and all of our advertisers.

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Kimo Figueroa, Abijah Hensley Dedicated to the memory of Aaron Schmidt 1972-2022 Facebook.com/TheRiversiderMagazine

Published by: Riversider Media, Inc. ©2026

Riverside's Finest

Bernardo

“Bernie” Torres

WORDS: MANO MIRANDÉ

PHOTO: ZACH CORDNER

Bernardo Torres, or “Bernie,” as he’s fondly known by many, was born in Los Angeles in 1977. He is the proud son of undocumented parents who immigrated from Mexico and became U.S. citizens through Reagan’s “Amnesty Act” in 1986.

“I feel it’s important for me to share that,” he explained. “Because I want to change the negative narrative behind undocumented immigrants.”

Bernie’s passion for the advocacy and empowerment of underrepresented parties led him to pursue a career in education after graduating from Western High School in Anaheim in 1995. He earned his BA and master’s degrees from Cal State Fullerton and began teaching third grade for the Santa Ana School District in 1999.

In 2006, Bernie and his wife decided to move to Riverside in search of affordable housing to start a family. He continued working as a third

grade teacher at Madison Elementary for the next six years before taking a special assignment position at the district office where he assisted local schools to improve educational services for English learners.

“When I was at that position, I realized I could have a broader impact as a school administrator,” he explained. “The thought of leading and empowering a staff for the benefit of an entire student body and community is what led me to pursue administration.”

Torres became assistant principal at Longfellow and Liberty Elementary Schools from 2013-2016 before accepting a position as principal of Taft Elementary. When he caught wind of a new elementary school being built in the Casa Blanca neighborhood of Riverside in 2024, he approached the superintendent directly to express his sincere

interest in becoming the school’s principal.

“I wanted to come to a community that historically serves minorities, in this case a large Latino community,” he explained. “When I look at my roots and where I was raised, I felt like I was coming back to my ‘why.’ This is why I went into education, for communities like Casa Blanca.”

Founded in 1878, Casa Blanca is one of Riverside’s oldest and culturally significant neighborhoods. In the early twentieth century, it became a prominent force in the citrus-labor industry, providing jobs and affordable housing to working-class families.

In 1911, residents Ysabel S. Olvera and Margarita S. Solorio, better known as “Las Adelitas,” petitioned for a school to be built in the neighborhood, leading to the construction of the original Casa Blanca School in 1923. Although the building still stands

today on Madison Avenue, it was closed in 1967 due to issues surrounding segregation.

Torres was given the position as principal of the new Casa Blanca Elementary School before its opening in August 2025 and understood the deep impact it would have on the community.

“The school was of great historical significance,” he explained. “Because for the last 60 years our Casa Blanca students have been bussed out to six or seven different schools. Now they have their own neighborhood school.”

As principal of a brand-new campus, Bernie was met with several challenges, including choosing a mascot that appropriately defined the school’s identity.

“Selecting a mascot may seem like a small task, but I really wanted to capture something that would represent the community and its

history, character, and values,” Torres said.

In collaboration with Community Action Group (CAG), a survey was provided to local residents when it was narrowed down to four options.

“The phoenix resonated with 70 percent of the community’s survey because it represents resilience, rising from the ashes, and rebirth. Those were characteristics that, I believe, the community really related to and resonated with,” Torres said.

Along with its challenges, there were several advantages that came along with his role as principal of the newly constructed school.

“What makes it special is starting from scratch,” Torres said. “When I was given this position, I was given the directive to reimagine learning and really changing the social construct of how we’ve taught school for the last 20-30 years."

Casa Blanca Elementary a STEM-focused

school, (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), which offers state-of-the-art resources and utilizes innovative and engaging learning methods. “Our curriculum allows us to show our students the real-life application of what they are learning that will prepare them for future jobs,” he explained.

In 2025, Torres’ lifelong efforts as an educator and community advocate were recognized when he was awarded Principal of the Year by the Riverside Unified School District.

“I’m humbled and honored to receive recognition as RUSD’s Principal of the Year, especially because it’s an award that is selected by your colleagues,” Torres said. “I am the luckiest principal in the world. I have a community that is overly appreciative and gracious, and a staff that is willing to go the extra mile to meet our kids’ needs.”

UC Riverside captures high notes of the human experience

Valentine’s Concert and Fuenteovejuna shine in this season’s must-see performances

Music and theatre performances revel in joy, mourn heartbreak, and honor the courageous

Let your Valentine’s Day sparkle at the Chamber Singers’ beloved annual concert at the beautiful Culver Center in downtown Riverside.

UCR CHAMBER SINGERS: VALENTINE’S DAY CONCERT

Immerse yourself in a musical adventure through the many shades of love, from soaring joy to bittersweet heartbreak, with songs spanning pop, jazz, bossa nova, and beyond.

Savor lush choral harmonies and mesmerizing solos, brought to life by UC Riverside students with Jonathan Keplinger on piano and the inspired direction of Ruth Charloff.

Presented by the UCR Department of Music.

FUENTEOVEJUNA, OR LIKE SHEEP TO WATER

By Félix Lope de Vega y Carpio, translated by Curt Columbus Spain in 1476 trembles beneath the uncertain rule of a new king and queen, beset by famine, unrest, and the looming threat of Portugal’s ambitions.

As knights question their loyalties and the nation edges toward civil war, Fuenteovejuna brings to life the true story of a village that dares to rise against a ruthless overlord’s cruelty.

Presented by the UCR Department of Theatre, Film, and Digital Production.

WHY JOIN US?

These aren’t just performances; they’re moments of cultural connection that ripple beyond the stage. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, alumnus, or a neighbor — this is your chance to step inside the theatre and feel art come alive.

Tickets are modestly priced, but truly limited. Come celebrate creativity with us!

Performing Arts

Contemporary Music, Theatre, and Dance

Powerful live performances at UC Riverside

Performing Arts

Performing Arts

If you’re ready for unforgettable nights of creativity and community, UC Riverside’s winter performing arts season has several can’t-miss events. These aren’t just shows; they’re opportunities to support culture, laughter, and connection locally in Riverside.

ORCHESTRA

Dates: Sat., Jan. 31, 8 p.m.

Sun., Feb. 1, 3 p.m.

Location: University Theatre

SMARTPHONE FILM FESTIVAL

Date: Tue., Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m.

Location: CHASS Interdisciplinary South (INTS), Room 1128

VALENTINES: CHAMBER SINGERS

Date: Thu., Feb. 12, 7 p.m.

Location: UCR ARTS / Culver Center

Performing Arts

WIND ENSEMBLE

Date: Wed., Mar. 4, 8 p.m.

Location: University Theatre

TILLY NO-BODY: CATASTROPHES OF LOVE

Dates: Fri., Mar. 6, 8 p.m. Sat., Mar. 7, 2:30 p.m.

Location: ARTS Studio Theatre

FUENTEOVEJUNA, OR LIKE SHEEP TO WATER…

Dates: Thu.-Sat., Feb. 12-21, 8 p.m.

Sat., Feb. 21, 2:30 p.m.

Location: ARTS Studio Theatre

UCR IS DANCING

Dates: Thu.-Fri., Feb. 26-27, 7:30 p.m.

Sat., Feb. 28, 2 p.m.

Location: University Theatre

JAZZ ENSEMBLES

Date: Tue., Mar. 3, 7 p.m..

Location: UCR ARTS / Culver Center

Performing Arts

WILLIAM H. REYNOLDS MEMORIAL CARILLON RECITAL

Date: Sat., Mar. 7, 3 p.m.

Location: UCR Bell Tower

UCR CHOIRS: CHAMBER SINGERS AND CHORALE

Date: Sun., Mar. 8, 3 p.m..

Location: University Theatre

TAIKO RECITAL

Date: Tue., Mar. 10, 12 noon

Location: Outdoor Barn Stage

MICRO OPERAS

Date: Thu., Mar. 12, 7 p.m.

Location: UCR ARTS / Culver Center

Local Hustle

The Riversider | February/March 2026

Ugo and Zay: The Way of Tea

During December Artswalk at Urge Palette in Riverside, Ugo Nwagbala and Xavier Williams offered tastings of loose leaf teas from their collection. At their second event among the art supplies and crowded shelves, they shared a 2012 Gongmei White Tea and a Puerh, inviting customers into a world that manages to be both sophisticated and welcoming.

Williams, who goes by Zay, got into tea through Nwagbala years ago. “He invited me over to try this Ruby Gaba Oolong and after that I was hooked,” Williams said. What started as an invitation between friends evolved into a shared expertise they now bring to the community through tastings and pop-up events around Riverside.

They call their approach “The Way of Tea,” and it’s built on accessibility rather than elitism. Tea is ancient and universal, with infinite combinations that train the palate much like coffee

or bourbon. Even with modern kettles making the process easier, there remains an element of ritual. The intentionality sets loose leaf tea apart from pouring hot water over a bag.

The attention loose leaf tea requires fits into a larger cultural shift toward wellness. Beyond its physical health benefits, the practice demands detachment from the business of the day. Preparing and drinking tea in this form becomes ritualistic, something that must be given total attention.

Nwagbala and Williams have developed their knowledge through collecting and tasting, building expertise without the alienation that often comes from specialized hobbies. They’re having fun, and they want others to join them.

“Continue to try teas. Start from the source, China, and go out and look for loose leaf tea whether it’s an herbal tisane or not seek out brewed beverages,” Williams said. His

recommendation emphasizes exploration: keep tasting, keep learning, keep sharing.

That sharing is central to their philosophy. “Most importantly share with your friends and loved ones,” Williams said. “You never know who you’ll meet or what bonds you can create or which bonds will be strengthened.”

This approach makes their tastings work. Expertise used to bring people in rather than keep them out. At Urge Palette, where the art supply store makes space for community gatherings, they found a venue that matched their style.

A store that serves artists and students becomes a place to learn about centuries-old tea traditions. A hobby that could feel precious or exclusive instead becomes an invitation.

“We would like to continue to do what we do until it is our time to cross to the other side,” Williams said, describing tea as a lifelong practice rather than a passing interest. For now, that means sharing what they’ve learned, one tasting at a time.

Ugo and Zay have become regulars at Urge Palette, serving tea during First Thursdays Arts Walk in downtown Riverside. Follow them on Instagram for more info on their next pop-up tasting: @oldmnzay

SIGN OF THE TIMES

For over a century, Riverside’s roadway signage has been homegrown

WORDS: PHILIP FALCONE

It is common to imagine city hall as the center of municipal government. For office jobs and the seat of elected government, city hall is the center, but the operational and functional heartbeat of any city is usually miles away from respective city halls, at the municipal corporation yards. While city hall functions as the ceremonial front door of the city, corporation yards traditionally serve as the "backstage" of municipal operations—housing equipment for sanitation, water, sewage, and street maintenance.

City corporation yards, commonly called "corp yards," have evolved from early 20th-century maintenance hubs—which had horse stables and repair shops—into critical, modern infrastructure centers for public works and facilities departments. They typically house services like fleet maintenance, street repairs, and utilities—expanding from small construction yards into large complexes that function as the “grand central station” of city services.

In Riverside, one of the earliest corp yards was near the corner of Mulberry and Ninth Streets— then considered Downtown Riverside prior to the construction of the 91 freeway. For decades this

location functioned well, being on the edge of the Mile Square original downtown footprint and centrally located in a city that did not stretch south beyond Adams Street.

In the post-World War II era, Riverside population was booming and nearby communities were being annexed into the city, such as Arlington and later, La Sierra. The city’s footprint had grown

substantially to the south and a more centrally located corp yard that could meet the needs of a burgeoning city was in order. The corp yard on Mulberry Street was converted into an electrical substation and the offices for Riverside Public Utilities’ engineering division were constructed on the site by local architect Herman Ruhnau. This building remains in use today.

Near the intersection of St. Lawrence Street and Lincoln Avenue—in the geographical center of town—multiple acres were acquired for the new corp yard with a desire to unite all “back of house” divisions of the city to one location. Local architect William Cowan constructed a modern corp yard headquarters with Googie-style front awnings and a sleek midcentury design. Over the years other buildings and uses were added, such as the Emergency Operations Center, the fire department training headquarters, Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, central stores—the City’s own version of Home Depot, and oftentimes random storage from construction projects across Riverside. This corp yard 5.3 miles from City Hall remains in lively use 365 days a year.

From the start of its creation as a city, many services that were often outsourced by other cities to various companies were kept in-house within the corp yard. Perhaps most notable is the Riverside Sign Shop.

One hundred years ago, common signs that were visible on roadways were street signs for Riverside’s Wood Streets, the downtown number streets, or longtime icons like Victoria Avenue. It was also common to see signs for streetcar trolley stops along Magnolia Avenue. In the midcentury, signs identifying fallout shelters during the Cold War or directional signage to oceans of asphalt parking in downtown lots were fabricated and installed.

By the 1980s, the California traffic code began focusing on standardizing signage on roadways throughout the state to bolster driving safety. With the focus on traffic signage came the traffic signal light warning signs, a proliferation of speed limit signs, and crosswalk identification signage. In 1997, the Riverside City Council launched a neighborhood and historic district signage program which placed multiple identification signs in each of Riverside 28 neighborhoods and thirteen historic districts. All this to say, Riverside has “a thing” for signs!

Every one of these roadway signs was created in the city's sign shop. This shop is categorized under the Streets Division in the Public Works Department. The hundreds of signs Riverside

utilizes each year are produced by a two-person fabrication team. Upon completion they go into the queue for installation somewhere along Riverside’s 750 miles of roadway. A two-person installation team mounts these metal signs to streetlights, telespar poles, fencelines, and more.

About half of the work of the sign shop is maintenance and replacing faded, peeling, or cracking signs. Every sign ages at a different rate based upon the quality of material it was originally fabricated with and its amount of sun exposure. While most signs last about ten-to-fifteen years, not having a “one size fits all” approach to sign replacement means there is not an ongoing checklist of which signs across this expansive city need replacement. Therefore, much of the maintenance and replacement work the shop executes is

resident-driven by service requests submitted to the 311 call center seeking sign replacement.

The other half of the work of the sign shop is in relation to traffic safety signage such as new stop signs, speed bump identifiers, crosswalk markers, bike lane delineation, and more automobilecentric signage. The sign shop also creates all name plates and badges for Riverside’s 2,500 employees.

As the city has evolved, so has the material used for creating city signs. Once made of heavy ceramic with pungent dyes, enamels, and paints, today blank metal slates have vinyl wrapping applied for a durable, more cost effective and less time-consuming fabrication method. Both then and now sign creation is an art form.

A popular feature of the sign shop is a “hallway of history” as the evolution of signs in Riverside

are displayed from floor to ceiling. A porcelain enamel sign identifying the Mission Inn as a California landmark, a projecting Prince Albert Drive street sign, and an Orange Blossom Festival trolley express sign are a few of the notable markers on display. The display is a visual reminder of the decades of sign creation that has occurred within the sign shop and the asset it is to have sign fabricators in-house at the corp yard.

Riverside is believed to be one of the last remaining Inland Southern California cities which retains its ability to design, fabricate, and install roadway signage by city employees for city projects. The City of Riverside Sign Shop is an unusual and valuable designation indicative of the evolution of municipal services in California and Riverside’s commitment to staying local.

Meet Your Local Artist Megan Prosper

Megan Prosper: The Art That Surrounds US

There’s a lived-in quality to Megan Prosper’s art, as if it has absorbed the rooms it’s been in and the lives it’s moved through. For her, art and life aren’t separate pursuits. They shape each other. A used tea bag, a seed pod, a scrap of a childhood map—every object carries memory, resonance, the quiet weight of something once held.

Her favorite metaphor says it all: a person is a tea bag. We steep in our surroundings, altered by what we

absorb, and in turn we color the world around us—give it flavor. Megan’s work lives in that exchange, where the everyday becomes devotional and the ordinary is transformative. Growing up in a military family, Megan spent her childhood moving through Korea, Germany, England and the U.S. Her mother took her to museums wherever they lived and always had art projects in motion, inspiring Megan’s instinct to collect the small, overlooked things that tether us to place. “I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t making something,” she says. “From the beginning, I knew I wanted to be an artist.”

in Haven , the piece she created for The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture. Asked to reflect Riverside’s Eastside community, Megan drew from its stories of faith and resilience. A resident she interviewed described the neighborhood as a haven, a place where people made a home with what they had. Megan built the piece the same way: from old artworks, collected materials, and fragments of past attempts, transforming “leftovers” into something whole.

Today, as a mother of three, Megan’s practice is more intuitive and fastmoving. Her husband built her a studio table with little book nooks underneath for the kids, allowing art and family life to coexist. She also hosts front-yard preschool workshops that have quietly built a community of their own. “Art opens doors,” she says. “People want to talk, connect, belong.”

“ FROM THE BEGINNING, I KNEW I WANTED TO BE AN ARTIST.”

Looking ahead, she imagines creating a residency where artists can live, work, and engage their community. “We’re meant to affect the spaces we’re in,” she says. “And be affected in return.”

You can experience Haven at the Eastside Arthouse exhibition, Outside the Lines , at the University of Redlands Pepper Art Gallery, on display through March 15, 2026. Instagram: @_therealmeganjones

meganprosper.com

At Belhaven University, her practice expanded into installation. She gathered used tea bags from classmates, stitched a wedding dress out of coffee filters, built a wooden ship inside the gallery, and even moved her studio into the exhibition space, where people could pick up the trinkets on her desk, read her journals, experience the blending of her interior and exterior worlds.

That philosophy comes into focus most clearly

EASTSIDE ARTHOUSE

4177 Park Avenue

www.eastsidearthouse.studio @eastsidearthouse

Kadir Nelson

A New Book, An Old Bookstore & Building Community in Riverside

WORDS: KEN CRAWFORD PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER

Kadir Nelson’s Basket Ball: The Story of the AllAmerican Game debuted in January 2026 with a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. The follow-up and companion to Sibert Award winning, We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, Basket Ball traces the sport’s evolution through the players who defined the game.

Nelson started the project in 2016 and completed the book over the next decade. The paintings are superb, portraying every element of the game from the ritual of tying your shoes to the magical energy of a defended dunk. The

canvases drip with Nelson’s passion for the game and the people who have played at every level. From Rucker Park to Madison Square Garden, there’s a common energy. Nelson shows them all as giants and heroes.

The Caldecott Medal winner and Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame inductee has built a career documenting American history through portraiture and illustration: civil rights subjects, cultural figures, editorial work for major publications and museums. His children’s books make complex histories accessible. Basket Ball applies that same

approach to sports history. He’s already working on his next book, focused on American music.

The book tour concluded its initial run on January 24 at the downtown Riverside gallery owned by Nelson and his wife, Dr. Jungmiwha Bullock, who is also his business partner, marking the first public opening of The JKBN Gallery. After stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, Columbus, Washington D.C., and Brooklyn, the tour came back to Riverside, before heading out to Philadelphia and Atlantic City. It was well attended. They are not here for cheap real estate or elbow room. They have chosen

Riverside as a base for their lives, professionally and personally, and they are investing in the city.

Riverside has a strong arts culture: a grassroots gallery scene, Ramona High School’s exceptional arts magnet program, robust academic arts programs at UCR and other universities, civic museums including The Cheech and Riverside Art Museum, and the recent state designation as an Arts and Culture District. Nelson and Dr. Bullock are working to contribute to Riverside’s arts infrastructure.

Planting Roots

Nelson and Dr. Bullock moved to Riverside in July 2020. Dr. Bullock discovered the property first, viewing it alone.

“The very first time I ever stepped onto our property (which was not ours at the time), spiritually it had felt like I had been there before… like we had always been here. It was indescribable,” Dr. Bullock said. “At first, I had not mentioned to Kadir that I had viewed the property for nearly a month, thinking that if he didn’t want to move from Los

Angeles, it would be fine. I figured I’d manifest it into a meditation retreat for Riverside instead. But I didn’t need to because the first time Kadir visited with me, he also felt the connection and the rest is history.”

The move served practical needs: space for two Rottweilers, room for gardening and creating art, and a quiet place.

“Prior to the pandemic, we used to travel what felt like 75 percent of the year,” Dr. Bullock said. The pandemic forced them to slow down. “Rest doesn’t lower productivity, in fact, it increases it—so much so, that when we’re not running around, nine times out of ten you’ll find us outside planting trees, gardening, meditating, spending time with family, including our two rambunctious Rottweilers, and simply, building our dreams together.”

They still maintain their downtown LA loft, but they don’t just use Riverside as a remote office. They joined the community.

Nearly a year into the pandemic, while searching for takeout, they discovered the Food Lab and then downtown Riverside. “It was very empty at the time. We could see the intentionality behind supporting arts and culture here through the murals we saw, the diverse sculptures along the Main Street pedestrian walkway, the museums and offices, like the Civil Rights Institute, and so much more. We wanted to be part of the next iteration when the world opened back up again,” Dr. Bullock said.

Dr. Bullock found Downtowne Bookstore more than two years after moving here, stumbled on it in a broker listing while looking at a different investment. She closed in April 2023, reopened that July.

“I am first and foremost, a lifelong educator, so saving and purchasing Downtowne Bookstore

Kadir Nelson

is like having a classroom outside of the pre-K through college walls. It’s still deeply rooted in education at its core, while at the same time, not beholden to changes in the social or political landscape, as it is education for education’s sake where all voices are represented.”

The bookstore is surrounded by nearly ten public and private colleges and universities, and thirty in Riverside County alone. “Because not everyone will have the opportunity to attend college, I like to think that the bookstore helps to fill that void by the programs we lean into, the guests we invite, and the books and products we curate.”

When people ask how she revitalized Downtowne Bookstore: “It’s simple: 90 percent customer service, 10 percent product. Customers can get their products from anywhere, but how do they feel when they get that product from you? You can have all the products in the world, but if you have terrible customer service, you’re missing the point of building better community and socialpreneurship.”

Dr. Bullock defines socialpreneurship as understanding that “entrepreneurial pursuits are only as strong as their investment in community. One cannot grow any business in a vacuum and

certainly cannot do so successfully without understanding who it is they serve.”

The recent opening of “Chapter Two,” the bookstore’s annex/expansion on Main and Sixth focusing on arts and creativity, has drawn families and young readers. “Folks like to say that books are going away and that young people are not reading, but we’re not seeing that same trend, and for that I am most proud and together, we are proud to be here in Riverside.”

Both came from suburban childhoods on opposite coasts, both ended up in downtown Los Angeles before they met. “So, it’s interesting how

we both agreed to move out of the city to go back to more of our roots, to spread out, and be surrounded by more of the nature from our childhoods," she said. Cities like New York and LA “aren’t going anywhere, and there’s great peace in waking up everyday feeling like you’re on vacation on your own land.”

The long-term vision extends beyond their lifetimes: “One day, we hope to bring everything to our property, much like Norman Rockwell in Stockbridge, Massachusetts and Georgia O’Keeffe in Abiquiu, New Mexico, and make Riverside the place where future generations will enjoy the ‘seeds we planted’ from our personal and professional lives here, together.”

The investment has been recognized locally. In February 2026, the Riverside Downtown Partnership presented Dr. Bullock with its Business Activity Award at the organization’s 38th Annual Meeting. The award cited her commitment to “recognizing its history but expanding its interaction with the community.” RDP, founded in 1981 to advocate for downtown, noted that she “revitalized the store with a refresh and reorganization of the interior, and recently expanded into a Main Street space allowing more events and activities.” The recognition came from an organization that has watched downtown Riverside develop for four decades.

Building a Foundation

The JKBN Gallery and the Kadir Nelson Institute for Young and Emerging Artists represent infrastructure of a different order. Dr. Bullock registered the 501(c)(3) nonprofit and gave it to Nelson for his 50th birthday “to inspire his next 50 years and to continue the work we had begun together before the pandemic to mentor across the lifespan.”

The Institute will offer a competitive academy, among other programs, that recognizes excellence and assists prospective artists in obtaining the marketing skills and technical acumen that will enable them to excel in the field of art. The first academy launches in July 2026. It’s a two-week program for sixteen college-level students plus two graduate resident assistants. It’s fully funded:

Kadir Nelson

travel, accommodations, stipend, activities. Applications open next month. Students will study oil painting with Nelson and art business with Dr. Bullock.

Oil painting gets specific attention because it’s disappearing from art education. “It’s increasingly becoming a dying medium because many programs either do not have an instructor who teaches solely in that medium, or students are not encouraged to pursue it because it is a very expensive medium. This is problematic because when you go to any museum, the oil paintings from long ago are the most valuable pieces in an exhibit and they still look as if they were painted yesterday. We want to do our part by honoring and preserving the medium, which is Kadir’s preferred medium.”

The classical techniques matter because the work itself hasn’t changed as much as people think. Nelson paints contemporary cultural figures using the same methods the masters used for their commissions. The Sistine Chapel was commissioned work. Portrait painting has always

documented who holds power and importance in a given moment. Teaching oil painting means teaching students to work in a tradition that connects Michelangelo’s patrons to Obama’s portrait, religious figures to sports icons. The techniques are classical. The subjects reflect who matters now.

The business curriculum addresses what Dr. Bullock identifies as a gap in traditional art education. “Most traditional art education programs do not have a core and intentional ‘art and business’ component; we know this because we are often asked to teach that missing practicum,” she said. During the pandemic, she taught at Sotheby’s Art Institute, working with seasoned professionals. “If these seasoned professionals are seeking this information at this stage in their careers, certainly students are needing this same information now, not later.”

Nelson learned through experience. “My biggest challenges early on was getting my work seen by art directors and galleries, and once I was hired for work, having lacked experience and enough knowledge about business and agreements. I didn’t know what to ask for in my contracts with

publishers. That took some time and growth through experience and mistakes.”

“The ‘starving artist’ narrative comes from some truth, and that truth is that you can be an incredible artist—we see them everywhere—but if an artist does not know the art of business, they do a disservice not only for themselves, but for other artists and the industry as a whole. Our institute and academies will focus on both, to build the well-rounded artist, to protect their craft, their copyrights, and to ensure they are getting compensated for their worth. I am in the business of protecting artists, and in so doing, it helps to better educate the industry about mutual transparency and respectability.”

Eventually, the Institute will offer programs across the lifespan: students, professionals, retirees, late bloomers. “We are focusing on what we call ‘young and emerging artists’, to include everyone across the lifespan. We will be launching institutes and academies for not only students and professionals, but also, retirees, late art-bloomers, and anyone who wants to invest in their craft.”

What they bring comes from direct experience. They’ve worked “with pretty

much every industry that desires to include arts in some shape or form, whether that’s the film and television industries, editorial, billboards, book publishing, museums and galleries, educational institutions.”

Nelson and Dr. Bullock have been “50/50 co-partners in our company” for over a decade, she said, referring to their JKBN entities. The academy represents work they've been planning together before the pandemic.

The Basket Ball exhibition will travel for three years, with plans to return for the 2028 LA Olympics, before traveling overseas. The gallery serves as home base. The Institute builds the next generation. The bookstore anchors the community.

For more info on JKBN Gallery please visit thejkbngallery.com, email: info@thejkbngallery.com

For more info on Downtowne Bookstore please visit downtownebookstore.com, email: info@thedowntownebookstore.com and follow on Instagram @downtownebookstore

Historical Riverside

The Riversider | February/March 2026

Immortalizing a Part of Riverside’s History: The Story Behind the Book Anthology of Women in Riverside, California 1870-1970

WORDS: DEBBIE NEWTON

If you were to ask most Riverside residents to name three women in Riverside history, some could muster up the name of Eliza Tibbets, the one who brought the navel orange to town and has a statue on Main Street next to the Mission Inn. Few other names would come to mind for the majority questioned.

The Riverside Historical Society (RHS) was determined to bring to the forefront the women who played a crucial role in forming Riverside, and some who had a fascinating story to be told. A few women were discussed in Tom Patterson’s A Colony in California , often considered the foundational book on Riverside’s history; however, many of the women mentioned were celebrities who performed at the local theaters in town but were not residents.

Writing about the history of local women was not an original idea. In 1915, local physician and activist Dr. Louise Harvey Clarke called for a book about California women for public schools. A small compilation of stories on California women would be published ten years later, but it took 110 years to bring Dr. Clarke’s vision for the spotlight on local women to become a reality.

The Riverside Historical Society’s publication committee initially was going to compile a book about ten women, with a short paragraph each on other women of interest. But when discussing who the ten should be, it became evident there were too many women who deserved more than just a short mention. So, with the encouragement and green light of the RHS board, the book evolved to be 100 articles about various women and organizations written by 64 authors. The Anthology of Women in Riverside, California 1870-1970 was born.

The anthology provides some insight into the women who helped build Riverside in its first 100 years, shoulder to shoulder with the men of the community. There are physicians, activists, writers, artists, educators, business owners, lawyers, scientists, architects, and many other fields represented. Of course, there were many women before 1870 in the area, especially members of the Serrano, Cahuilla, Luiseño, and Tongva. There were also the Rubidoux, Jensen, and Trujillo families, to name just a few. This is not to diminish their accomplishments, but to highlight those who were a part of Riverside once it was incorporated. The book by no means includes every notable Riverside woman from 1870 to 1970, but it is a building block for further research and possible publications.

The outpouring of support from local historians, organizations, community leaders, family members, and others who share an interest in the topic helped build the book. It was important to have writers with a link to the women and organizations as much as possible. Newspaper writers wrote about newspaper writers, educators about educators, and family members about their loved ones. Casa Blanca activist Frances Vasquez wrote about earlier women who led the way for her own work in her neighborhood. Architectural Historian and Historic Preservationist Jennifer Mermilliod covered four local architects whose works are still evident in the city today. Local news publisher and social justice advocate Dr. Paulette BrownHinds wrote articles about women who shared her passion for advocacy in education and human rights. Representation of all Riverside neighborhoods was a goal that hopefully was accomplished.

It was not just the Riverside Historical Society and its members who participated in the book’s compilation. Support was provided by the Museum of Riverside, Black Voice News, the Old Riverside Foundation, the First Congregational Church, the Mission Inn Foundation and Museum, the Sherman Indian Museum, the Riverside African American Historical Society, local universities’ faculty members and graduate students, and the Raincross Gazette, to name just a few.

When it came to doing research for the articles and photos, it became a treasure hunt. Since

women were often referred to by their husbands’ names, recognizing the women’s stories could be challenging. For example, Mary Smith would be identified as Mrs. John Smith.  Digging into old newspapers and family trees searching for clues was a time-consuming adventure, but well worth the effort. Riverside Public Library’s Local History Specialist Ruth McCormick made it her mission to help locate illustrations and materials, a monumental task, which she accomplished with her usual high level of perfection. She even found time to write a few articles to contribute.

A popular topic in local newspapers was the first woman to accomplish something deemed of interest in Riverside. But just as there are differing opinions about who invented the telephone, there are different records of firsts in Riverside history, which led to some interesting debates. For example, there were disputes about who was the first child born to Riverside’s earliest settlers, with most articles stating it was Jesse Smith. Jessie denied that she was the first child born in Riverside, claiming May Broadhurst was the claimant for the title. May was born on December 21, 1870, in Riverside, while Jesse was born on March 31, 1871. The confusion may lie in the fact that Jessie was born within the original colony boundaries, and May was born in a tract just above the canal that bordered the colony.

Riverside had several female writers. The first woman to write society news for the local

newspaper was Jean Aldrich Koethen, who began her column around 1901. Jean’s brother-in-law, Arthur F. Clarke, was one of the newspaper’s owners and encouraged Jean to write. Her research method for her articles came from traveling by horse and buggy to different homes with her young twin children accompanying her. She left

the area to receive a college degree and live in other California towns before returning to Riverside in 1928 and continuing her writing for the newspaper.

Some of the articles were of women whose husbands are well-known, yet their stories had not been brought to the forefront. The greatest example is of Ann Loomis North, the wife of Riverside’s founder, John W. North. Like her husband and father, Ann was an abolitionist. It was her family’s money that allowed her husband to move around the country and establish settlements. An accomplished musician and singer, her musical talents provided much to social events in the town’s first years. She was also known for her gardening skills and would experiment with which food sources grew best in the area. A rose garden in Riverside’s North Park, the former location of the North family home, was planted in her honor.

Some of the articles for the book were written by family members, and this provided insights that otherwise may have been overlooked. The story of Maria Felicite Tortes Meyers and her daughter Christine was a bridge between what was in Riverside before 1870 and its founding and early years. The family story was shared by Felicite’s great-grandson, John V. Meyers, the oldest member of the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians until his passing in January of this year, and a decorated retired U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel. He shared how Felicite, born around 1843, was taken from her reservation

at seven years old to be a “nurse girl” for a local Southern California family. In 1870, she lived in an Indian village by the Santa Ana River and eventually worked for the John North family. She married John Mayer, a local saloon keeper, and kept the books for their business. Her ability to speak Spanish, English, German, and some French, as well as Cahuilla, was a great asset.

The saloon was located approximately where today stands the Mission Galleria. The last name would evolve from Mayer, to Meyer, to Meyers. Their son, John, became a famous professional baseball player in the early 1900s, and their daughter, Christine, was a highly respected nurse and nursing educator in Riverside. Widowed at an early age, Felicite would end up having land of her own and traveling between her homes in the Santa Rosa Reservation and Riverside.

Proving there is strength in numbers, several women’s organizations and groups were also covered in the anthology. Banding together, these women worked for voting rights, better health care for all residents, and education reforms. Riverside women played a vital role in the suffrage movement, with well-known activists Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton speaking at some of the local meetings. Anthony was distantly related to Frank Richardson, husband of Alice Miller Richardson, who ran the

Mission Inn alongside her brother, Frank Miller. From the works of the Woman’s Club established in 1896 and still active today, to the Junior League and Art Alliance, women have made a difference in shaping Riverside’s history.

The book would not have been possible without the support of so many of its residents, and especially RHS president Steve Lech, who did the layout for printing and was a sounding board for the editor, Debbie Quick Newton. It is the hope of the Riverside Historical Society that others interested in local history will join them in finding even more stories from Riverside’s past and continue its pledge to advocate for preserving Riverside’s history for audiences of all ages.

RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA: WHERE FITNESS MEETS FRESH AIR

There’s something powerful that happens when fitness leaves the four walls of a gym and meets the open air. The rhythm of your breath syncing with your stride, the sun warming your skin, and the quiet motivation that comes from seeing other people out there choosing their health—it changes everything.

Riverside has always been one of those places where movement feels natural, accessible, and energizing, especially if you’re looking to build a fun, consistent, low-risk fitness lifestyle that supports your body long term.

Back when I was a runner, some of my most memorable and grounding workouts happened right here on Victoria Avenue, Sycamore Canyon, and Mount Rubidoux. These routes weren’t just places to train; they were places to think, reset, and reconnect with why movement matters. And the beautiful part is that they’re still some of the best options today for walking, power walking, slow jogging, or biking—especially for people who want results without burning out or dealing with constant injuries.

Mt. Rubidoux

MOUNT RUBIDOUX:

Iconic, Social, and Energizing

Mount Rubidoux is more than a trail—it’s a Riverside tradition. Known across Southern California, this paved loop and summit climb has long been highlighted by fitness writers and local wellness communities as one of the most accessible hill workouts in the region. What makes it special is that it truly welcomes everyone: walkers, power walkers, runners, cyclists, families, and older adults all share the same path.

For me, Mount Rubidoux has always held personal meaning beyond fitness—Louis Rubidoux, whom Mount Rubidoux is named after, is one of my relatives, which makes every walk there feel even more connected to history, roots, and purpose.

From a fitness standpoint, Mount Rubidoux is ideal for fat-focused training. Walking or fast power walking uphill elevates heart rate naturally without the pounding impact that comes from running on flat ground. This is especially important if you have knee issues. Uphills tend to be far more joint-friendly than downhills, which place braking stress on the knees and hips. Many physical therapists and fitness professionals recommend incline walking specifically for this reason.

Another powerful element of Mount Rubidoux is the energy. You are rarely alone. Seeing people out there consistently—solo, in pairs, or in groups— creates an unspoken sense of accountability. Research and real-world experience both show that social fitness environments improve consistency, and Mount Rubidoux delivers that in a very organic way.

SYCAMORE CANYON: Nature, Flow, and Community

Sycamore Canyon is often highlighted in outdoor and fitness articles for its wide trails, open views, and gentle elevation changes. It’s the kind of place where fitness doesn’t feel forced. When I used to run here, it was less about pace and more about rhythm—finding a sustainable flow and letting the body move the way it was designed to.

This area is excellent for low-impact endurance workouts. Walking, hiking, biking, and slow jogging all fit naturally here, and the terrain allows you to easily adjust intensity. That flexibility makes Sycamore Canyon especially valuable for people who want longer workouts that support cardiovascular health and fat metabolism without excessive joint strain.

It’s also a very social environment. You’ll see familiar faces, small walking groups, cyclists pacing one another, and families turning movement into shared time. That social aspect matters. Fitness becomes far easier to maintain when it’s woven into community rather than treated like a chore.

For those dealing with knee discomfort, Sycamore Canyon allows you to slow down, stabilize, and focus on control. Simply contracting and stabilizing the muscles around the knee— the quads, hamstrings, and glutes—while walking can improve support and reduce pain over time. Movement doesn’t have to be aggressive to be effective.

Sycamore Canyon

Victoria Avenue

VICTORIA AVENUE:

Steady, Scenic, and Sustainable Victoria Avenue offers a different but equally valuable experience. Lined with citrus trees and historic charm, it provides a long, relatively flat route that’s perfect for walking, biking, or light jogging. While it doesn’t have the same volume of

people as Mount Rubidoux or Sycamore Canyon, there’s still enough activity to keep you motivated without feeling crowded.

From a fitness perspective, Victoria Avenue is ideal for beginners or anyone returning to activity after time off. The terrain is predictable and forgiving, making it easier to focus on posture,

breathing, and consistency. Many fitness experts agree that environments like this are perfect for building habits first, before intensity ever becomes a priority.

Why Walking and Power Walking Work

One of the biggest misconceptions in fitness is that you have to run to burn fat. In reality, lowintensity walking, fast power walking, and slow jogging are some of the most effective ways to target fat, especially when done consistently.

If you have knee issues, you should not run or jog. Instead, focus on walking with intention, choosing uphill routes when possible, and avoiding aggressive downhills. Stabilizing your legs, shortening your stride, and maintaining upright posture can make a significant difference in joint comfort.

How to Start Without Overdoing It

You never want to do too much too fast. If you’re not active right now, start with 30 minutes to one hour at a very moderate pace. That pace should feel sustainable, not exhausting. After two to four weeks—once your joints, muscles, and nervous system adapt—you can gradually increase duration or intensity.

Riverside offers an incredible outdoor foundation for building a lifelong fitness routine. Whether it’s the iconic community energy of Mount Rubidoux, the natural flow of Sycamore Canyon, or the steady consistency of Victoria Avenue, these routes support real life—not perfection.

Your body was designed to move, and sometimes the most powerful transformation starts with simply stepping outside and choosing a trail that keeps you coming back.

Riverside-based personal trainer Karla Adams has been featured on over five magazine covers including Muscle & Fitness Hers (2022). She specializes in custom exercise science and sport nutrition lifestyle plans. For more info go to karlaadams.com or call 1-800-2606.FIT.

Local Business

The Riversider | February/March 2026

Frequency Factory

Deep in the heart of Arlanza , at the corner of Arlington Avenue and Rutland, lies one of Riverside’s best kept secrets. Inside the doors of an unassuming business space with no windows and no sign is the home of Frequency Factory, a fully functioning, private recording studio and rehearsal space that has been in operation for over twenty years.

The 2,000 sq. ft. facility features three sound proofed rooms and a retail space stocked with local band merchandise, music accessories, and an impressive vinyl selection.

“We try to make it a one-stop shop as much as possible,” owner Luke Jackson said. “It’s a place where you can record, rehearse, get some repairs done, and purchase a few necessary items.”

Recording and rehearsal sessions are booked by appointment only with equipment competitive to industry standards and a knowledgeable team of engineers capable of tailoring each session to the specific needs of artists of any genre.

“The guys that work with me are amazing,” Jackson said. “My lead engineer, Kyle Rogan, is not only a proficient engineer, he’s also a very talented multi-instrumentalist. So, when people come in to record with him, he knows how to push the buttons, but he also knows the language of their instruments.”

Although Jackson is an experienced sound engineer himself, he modestly adds, “[Kyle] really

picked up where I left off; that’s a place where I can’t compete as the engineer. These guys are hungry for it and need a space to do it. I built it but I’m not necessarily the guy to run every session.”

Born and raised in Riverside, Luke’s interest in engineering began when he was only ten years old.

“My dad did the soundboard at church, so I had to help him set everything up, run the board, and tear it all down,” he recalled. “I was just super into the production and watching it all come together.”

In his early teens, Luke was introduced to a wide variety of musical genres and gravitated towards hip hop and punk rock.

“I was a little sheltered to some music growing up in my elementary years. It all hit me in junior high,” he explained. “That’s when the world of music opened up to me and I couldn’t believe that there was that much out there.”

After his senior year of high school at Ramona, Luke used his graduation money to buy his first set of turntables in 1998, then began experimenting as a DJ and MC and making beats. He enrolled at The Musicians’ Institute in Hollywood the following year to study Recording Practice and Theory in hopes of starting a career in music before returning to Riverside in 2001.

It was around this time that Jackson would first step foot inside of what would eventually become Frequency Factory studios.

“We used the space that a friend’s family owned to do an art show and built a little stage in there for the performances,” he recalled. “After that, my band wanted to start jamming there while we still had access to it.”

As Luke and his band began frequenting the space for rehearsals, he saw the potential for it to become something more.

“I always wanted to open up a studio in Riverside, but it didn’t feel like it was a real possibility at the time,” Jackson said. “But I looked into it more and got a pretty good deal from my friend and we just kind of stayed.”

As time went on, Luke started converting the facility into a recording studio with help from a few of his friends.

“I just kept building slowly. It took a long time,” he recalled. “Building the space, buying the gear, and finding people who wanted to really be involved and get the work done. It took forever.”

When construction reached a point that he could start booking bands to rehearse on a regular basis, Luke began spreading the word about the space.

“I started inviting friends to rehearse when it was done, just word of mouth, to set off the clientele in those years,” he said. “Rehearsals really kept us together while we were building the studio out proper since bands didn’t have many good places to practice.”

It is because of this “word of mouth” marketing style that Frequency Factory has been such a well-kept secret for over two decades. “I’ve always kind of been speakeasy about it,” Luke explained. “I anti-marketed the place because I never wanted to get in over my head. I mean, there’s only so many hours in a day,” he added with a laugh.

Despite its unconventional marketing methods, or any challenges faced along the way, Frequency Factory has been able to achieve lasting success because of their attention to detail and the quality of service they provide. They’ve hosted hundreds of bands over the years, including some notable national acts, but that has never been a goal for Luke Jackson or Frequency Factory. He does it simply because it’s something he loves to do.

It is because of businesses like Frequency Factory and people like Luke Jackson, who pour their art into doing what they love that makes Riverside such a unique community and creative environment.

“I love Riverside. I was born here, this is my home, and Frequency Factory wouldn’t exist without it.” he said. “I never even considered quitting. I’ve tried all kinds of shit in my life, dipped my toes in lots of ideas, and a lot of those things didn’t come to fruition. This one, I don’t see any reason to stop. The community needs it, and it’s something I love.” Frequency Factory

Dining: Downtown

The Riversider | February/March 2026

Yoli’s Mexican Grill

Right on Market Street just a few blocks away from Main Street and caddy-corner to the convention center, you’ll find Yoli’s Mexican Grill. This swanky, darkly lit cantina-style restaurant is such a hidden gem that you may have driven right past it!

This friend and family owned restaurant is really something special, from their gorgeous Catrina adorned wooden bar that serves delicious latin-inspired cocktails to their phenomenal fresh handmade mole, everything they do is a labor of love. We know that if you swing by you will be absolutely delighted with their high quality authentic Mexican delicacies and friendly service.

The Riversider crew was happy to sit down with owner and chef Alondra Miranda, who shared that the restaurant’s name, Yoli’s, pays homage to her mother, Yolanda, who is the master chef behind all of their delicious food. The extensive menu is filled with her homemade recipes which is why their food is so delicious, brimming with nostalgia and spices.

I absolutely love the way the space has been so lovingly decorated. The entire family has had a part in it or works there, and making the setting inviting and warm was critical for Alondra. They take pride in their hacienda courtyard at twilight ambiance as it brings liveliness and culture to anyone who enters. Aside from her family members Yoli and David Terriquez, the eatery is also supported by Alondra's right and left hands, Monica Casas and Brenda Miranda.

Something interesting she wanted us to share is that her mother started a very successful catering business years ago and when they wanted to move to a brick and mortar, Alondra saw the space on Market Street. After soccer practice one day, she made the call to the property owner, Charlie Zhang. Little did she know, he was the founder of Pick Up Stix and believed in her vision of their wonderful little restaurant featuring spectacular authentic Mexican entrees. Charlie gave them the chance they needed to become a success, and that was in 2018! We are so glad they made it through COVID-19 and are here to stay.

Alondra wanted to share some of their best dishes with us and frankly, it was all amazing! Starting with their chips and salsa which is so important for a Mexican place. The salsa was smooth and fresh, not too spicy but enough of a kick to make you ask for more.

We tried the queso fundido skillet with chorizo, which consisted of delicious melted cheeses covered with chorizo served sizzling hot in a cast iron pan with hand made tortillas. This was so fantastic and is such a good appetizer to share with friends.

Next, we tried the enchiladas de mole which were stuffed with shredded chicken. It was the best mole I’ve ever had! Sweet and savory, and absolutely perfect. You could taste the love and hard work put into it as well as the over 30 spices used to create this authentic dish.

Next came the smoking hot fajitas mixta which contained arrachera steak, chicken, and shrimp that were all perfectly grilled and served with your choice of beans, rice, and tortillas. I will order this again and again!

They also have an extensive Mexican breakfast menu, and the chilaquiles divorciados we tried were fantastic! Just the right amount of green and red sauces poured over fried eggs made this classic dish so tasty!

Omg the drinks are fabulous, too! We tried the margarita flight, yum! The michelada was refreshing and the fish bowl drinks were all delicious. Their beautiful bar with the glorious hand painted Catrina is very special to the family as it was created in commemoration of Joshua James Terriquez, Alondra’s brother. It was so sweet of them to honor him in that way as to ensure he is there with them in spirit always.

At Yoli’s everything they do is intentional and created to provide the best flavor and atmosphere for their customers, and you can tell. Be sure to stop by Yoli’s sometime soon to check out all they have to offer, and you won’t be disappointed

Bar & Restaurant Guide

The Riversider | February/March 2026

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

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

Flabob Airport Cafe 4130 Mennes Ave (951) 213-6030

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

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

Copper Goat Coffee 3563 Main St (951) 744-4364

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

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

The Upper Crust Sandwich Shoppe 3573 Main St (951) 784-3149

Bar & Restaurant Guide

The Riversider | February/March 2026

FILIPINO

Ga-Tang 1393 University Ave, Ste 109 (657) 272-1186

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

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

Taqueria Tomateros 9164 Magnolia Ave (909) 257-1545

Bar & Restaurant Guide

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

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

Postcards from Yesterday

Chris Isaak

Saturday, March 7

Black Label Society With Special Guests Zakk Sabbath & Dark Chapel

Thursday, March 12

Jeff Dunham

Artificial Intelligence

Thursday, March 19

Bert Kreischer

Permission to Party

Saturday, May 23

Clint Black Back on the Blacktop Tour

Sunday, March 29

Jim Gaffigan Everything is

Saturday, June 6