Riverside Magazine February-March 2011 by MediaNews Group Targeted Products

CITY LIFE & FINE LIVING

RIVERSIDE m ag a z i n e

f e b r u a ry – m a r c h 2 011

ENVIRONMENT WORKING TOWARD A GREENER FUTURE ON STAGE BENISE IS BACK WHERE IT BEGAN WEDDINGS CUSTOM RINGS SHOW YOUR STYLE

PLUS A NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE ANIMALS RULE CHOCOLATE TREATS FOR EVERY VALENTINE DELICIOUS WAYS TO START THE DAY RCC TAKES THE PLUNGE

K a s s i Mel

T H E M U S IC D N A R E H N E E W ET N O T H IN G G E T S B

Generations of Care for the Generations to Come                 

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MY NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS: Decorations down. House organized.

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RIVERSIDE M

f e b r u a ry- m a rc h 2 011 • VO L UME 4 , I S S UE 1

MUSIC 8 GUITAR HERO

Spanish guitarist Benise landed some of his first professional gigs here in Riverside. Now he’s an international star, and making a return appearance.

38 PEOPLE HONORING VETS

A dedicated teen documents war time stories from aging heroes; at Riverside National Cemetery, a new director embarks on a “personal mission.”

DAY 55 VALENTINE’S SWEET TREATS

Everything tastes better dipped in chocolate. As cupid’s big day nears, devour our guide to chocolate-covered treats.

FEATURES

16 MISSION & MARKET

Melissa K

STORY 18 COVER RISING TALENT

Haven’t heard of Melissa K? She’s out to change that with concer ts, music videos and starring roles on local stages. Melissa is even making a play for late-night TV.

22 ENVIRONMENT GREENER PASTURES

There are many routes to a more eco-friendly future, and Riverside has them covered — from sustainable gardening to solar power to turning restaurant grease into gas.

48 TASTE

Hear t attack victim has a new lease on life; RCC’s aquatics center makes an early splash.

Breakfast is the most impor tant meal of the day, and these four restaurants do it right.

32 NEIGHBORHOODS

57 WEDDINGS

Animals are a big par t of daily life in La Sierra Acres, which also boasts a new community center.

44 HEALTH

Custom rings show off a bride’s sense of style and personality, local jewelers say.

66 PAST LIVES

Even the proper use of common drugs may have unintended consequences, a doctor warns.

Roland E. Lex was a hands-on leader who helped establish Riverside National Cemetery.

DEPARTMENTS From the editor 6; Hot list and calendar 12; Dining guide 52; Seen 60; Nonprofit calendar 65

Cover photo Melissa K Photo by Gabriel Luis Acosta Makeup by Christina M. Gaudy, CMG Cosmetics

Riverside Dental Group Comprehensive Dental Care For The Entire Family

iverside Dental Group was established January 28, 1974 by Dr. Ed Rouhe and four other partners. The doctors built an award winning modern office on the 1.9-acre site of the old Samuel Carey Evans mansion at the corner of El Hijo Street and Magnolia Avenue. The Group’s building surrounds a large camphor tree which is estimated to be over 100 years old. The revolutionary aspect of the 9,000 square foot office building is the patient treatment room layout, which focuses on patient comfort and ease of functions.

General & Cosmetic Dentistry Children’s Dental Specialists Endodontics Periodontics & Implant Dentistry Prosthodontics Orthodontics & Invisalign

The reception area is sunken with a gracious hotel lobby feeling. Over the past 35 years the group has grown to an additional 6 offices providing dental care for parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Riverside Dental Group employs over 30 Dentists and 250 employees from our local communities. Annually our offices treat more than 110,000 patients. Riverside Dental Group and Associate offices are pleased to receive the prestigious accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care

Riverside - Magnolia Riverside Dental Group 7251 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504 (951) 689-5031

Riverside - Central

Dental Associates of Riverside 3487 Central Avenue Riverside, CA 92506 (951) 369-1001

Moreno Valley

Dental Associates of Moreno Valley 22500 Town Circle, Ste 2074 Moreno Valley, CA 92533 (951) 697-6800

Corona

Dental Associates of Corona 1380 El Sobrante Road Corona, CA 92879 (951) 273-9580

(AAAHC). AAAHC accreditation demonstrates we are nationally recognized for excellence in care and service to patients. With strong quality assurance programs, doctor mentoring and uniform guidelines for patient care Riverside Dental Group and associate offices are working to achieve the distinction of an enduring organization that has established a tradition of fine dentistry that the community trusts. Our patients are very valuable to us, which is why most of our new patients are referred to us by our current patients.

Riverside Dental Group AT WOODCREST

O. Edgar Rouhe, DDS Dr. Rouhe is one of the four original partners that founded Riverside Dental Group in 1974 and has recently joined the staff in our Woodcrest office on a full-time basis. A life-long resident of Riverside, Dr. Rouhe received his DDS from Loma Linda University and brings many years of experience to his practice of dentistry. Dr. Rouhe has had advanced training in full-mouth reconstruction and cosmetic treatment, and enjoys providing the highest quality of care and service to his patients.

Temecula

Dental Associates of Temecula 40820 Winchester Road, Ste 1500 Temecula, CA 92591-5508 (951) 296-6788

Palm Desert

Desert Dental Specialty Group 72- 415 Park View Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 568-5928

Woodcrest

Riverside Dental Group at Woodcrest 19009 Van Buren Blvd, Ste 204 Riverside, CA 92508 (951) 776-9001

Tonia Cantrell, DDS Dr. Cantrell completed her undergraduate degree at San Diego State University in 2000 and went on to earn her doctorate degree at UCLA Dental School in 2004. She completed her training at a children’s hospital in Wisconsin where she worked with special needs patients, dental trauma management, and sedation techniques. Dr. Cantrell has always felt at ease working with children. She takes great pride in her work as a clinician, but also hopes that she can be one more influential role model in a child’s life.

from the editor

Green acres

RIVERSIDE M

v o l u m e 4 , i ss u e 1 b ro u g h t t o y o u b y :

Fred H. Hamilton

ustainable living — a lifestyle that reduces the use of the Earth’s natural resources or one’s carbon footprint — should be as American as the flag, mom and apple pie. That’s the philosophy that drives the founders of Growcology, Bianca and Nick Heyming. It also leads to another American value: freedom. “Freedom to me means self-reliance,” Bianca says. “It means that I’m not a pawn or a number. I am contributing to the whole system, and what I contribute is valuable.” Growcology’s mission is to motivate, educate and collaborate with others on ways to live more sustainably. One means to that end comes through gardening in a way that works in harmony with nature. Bianca is an enthusiastic supporter of the concept and welcomes new opportunities to show others how to do it. “I enjoy teaching people how to better feed their families,” she says. “And not only that, I get to be involved in the health and well-being and the happiness and wholeness of those families. That’s huge. I love to watch kids as they are introduced to plants that are more sour than Lemonheads (candy). It’s awesome.” If Bianca’s last name sounds familiar, that may be due to the work of her father-in-law, Frank Heyming, a principal with the real estate and property management firm Heyming and Johnson Inc. He’s also a board member with Riverside Land Conservancy. For the nonprofit, Frank wrote and produced “The Hills of Riverside,” a DVD that celebrates the picturesque natural resources crowning the city. Through words and stunning photos in the April-May 2009 issue, we profiled the elder Heyming’s efforts to preserve a valuable asset. In this issue, we learn more about the work of the family’s younger generation. Their story leads a special report on several ways Riverside is becoming a greener place to live and work. If Growcology’s mission inspires you, join them on March 5 for the start of a free four-month course that teaches gardening basics. Growing season is here.

PUBLISHER & CEO

Don Sproul

MANAGING EDITOR

Jerry Rice EDITOR

JJ Jones

V.P. SALES & MARKETING

Lynda E. Bailey

SALES DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Shawna Federoff

RESEARCH DIRECTOR C O N TRI B U TI N G W RITER S & EDITOR S

Amy Bentley, Allan Borgen, Luanne J. Hunt Elaine Lehman, Lauren McSherry, Caroline Woon e d i to r i a l g r a p h i c DE S I G N

Steve Ohnersorgen

Rick Sforza

PHOTO EDITOR PHOTO G RAPHER S

Gabriel Luis Acosta, James Carbone, Lea Reed

Jeannie Adair SALES & DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Mary Hollenbaugh SALES MANAGER

ADV ERTI S I N G S A L E S E X E C U TI V E S

Richard Aguayo, Cur t Annett, Carla Ford-Brunner Jennifer Lucas, Maria Mendoza, Willie Merriam Christa Morin, Adil Zaher S A L E S A S S I S TA N Ts

Carin Abdo, Dixie Mohrhauser Brendan Muldoon, David Wastell ADV ERTI S I N G g r a p h i c DE S I G N

Christie Robinson, Designer/Production Coordinator MAR K ETI N G

Veronica Nair, Ginnie Stevens

Inland Custom Publishing Group Steve Lambert V.P. OF NEWS

Frank Pine

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Kathryn Johnson V.P. OF FINANCE

John Wartinger

V.P. OF OPERATIONS

Joe Robidoux

V.P. OF OPERATIONS

Jerry Rice jerry.rice@riversidethemag.com, 909-386-3015 Riverside Magazine We welcome your ideas and invite you to subscribe. Contact the editor: jerry.rice@riversidethemag.com or 909-386-3015 For subscriptions: www.riversidethemag.com/subscribe or 909-386-3936

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CONTACT US Editorial: 909-386-3015; fax 909-885-8741 or jerry.rice@riversidethemag.com Advertising: 909-386-3936; fax 909-884-2536 or sales@riversidethemag.com. To subscribe to Riverside Magazine call 909-386-3936 or go online at www.riversidethemag.com/subscribe. Riverside Magazine is produced by the Inland Custom Publishing Group of The Sun and the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. Single copy price: $3.95. Subscriptions $14.95 per year. Postmaster: Send address changes to P.O. Box 9400, San Bernardino, CA 924279400. Copyright 2011 Riverside Magazine. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Riverside Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos or artwork even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope.

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6 | riversidethemag.com | february-march 2011

Guitar hero

m u s ic

International star returns to Riverside, where he launched his career

Wr it te n by Lu a nne J . H unt

riven by a strong work ethic and a fierce determination to succeed, Spanish guitarist Roni Benise rose from Riverside street performer to international stardom through his Emmy Award-winning PBS show, “Nights of Fire.” The production paved the way for him to share his innovative and electrifying music with audiences and

also be a featured performer on ABC’s hit reality show, “Dancing With the Stars.” Benise (pronounced “Buh-nes-say”) returns to the city where his career began and will perform March 12 at the Fox Performing Arts Center. His show, which features eight professional dancers and a six-piece band, is basically a live replication of his upcoming PBS special, “The Spanish Guitar.” The television program was filmed over three years in 10 countries. It is a musical tale that integrates live

Roni Benise draws inspiration for his shows from a variety of sources, including places he has visited.

performances with footage of Benise traveling to the cobblestone streets of old Havana, an Arabian desert, the romantic canals of Venice, the oldest bull-fighting arena in Spain, a quaint Paris café and the sacred temples of India. “This is a great show for the whole family,” Benise said. “It’s a big, Broadway-style production and has something for everyone. I hope that people will be inspired by our story and the music and walk away with the passion to follow their own dreams.

“The show also will take us to worlds both faraway and deeply personal, and remind us that hope can be the healing thread in all of our lives.” Benise started learning to play the guitar at age 11 and practiced constantly. He taught himself various styles and worked hard to develop a unique sound. As he launched his career, it was tough to find work. Clubs in Los Angeles showed no interest in hiring him, so he came to Riverside and performed at a range of places: The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa,

Orange Blossom Festival, Borders Books and the downtown farmer’s market. Benise eventually saved enough money to rent his own venues and held his first full-scale production in October 2003 at Riverside’s Municipal Auditorium. As his artistry developed and popularity grew, he started writing his own compositions, which he describes as emotional, wild, refined and romantic. “I’m always inspired by places I’ve traveled,” said Benise, whose soundtrack from “Nights of Fire” reached No. 2 on Billboard’s World Music Chart. “I’ll try to capture the essence and beauty of the different places in my melodies. It’s truly like painting on air and creating colors and lush soundscapes that take people, and me, away to a safe place with no prejudice and no boundaries.” Roni Benise Fox Performing Ar ts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside 8 p.m. March 12 $25-$69 951-779-9800, www.foxriversidelive.com

| riversidethemag.com | february-march 2011

Benise’s show features eight dancers.

hot list ODC/DANCE FEB. 17 – Three resident choreographers have created a dynamic movement vocabulary over the last four decades that has significantly influenced a generation of dancers and choreographers. UC Riverside’s University Theatre, 900 University Ave.; 8 p.m.; $28, $26 seniors, $14 students; 951-827-4331, ucriversidepresents.ucr.edu. Also: Dancing Ear th: Of Bodies of Elements, April 22; Dianne Reeves, April 28; Sara Juli: The Money Conversation, May 20.

‘STUART LITTLE’ FEB. 18-20 – The production, based on the book by E.B. White, is par t of Riverside Community Players’ Family Series. Riverside Community Players Theater, 4026 14th St., Riverside; $15 regular shows, $18 musicals, $8 family series; 951-686-4030, www.riversidecommunityplayers.com. Also: “Ten Little Indians,” March 25-April 10; “Election Day,” May 13-29.

calendar ‘FLOATING WORLDS’ THROUGH MARCH 18 – Selections from the permanent collection. Riverside Ar t Museum, 3425 Mission Inn Ave.; 951-684-7111, www.riversidear tmuseum.org. Also: “A Touch of Color,” ar t with the subtle use of color added to essentially black and white prints, through March 4 (reception March 3); “Carlyle Miller,” through March 24; Nine Day Paint Out, Feb. 19-27. ‘EYE CONTACT’ THROUGH AUG. 6 – The por traits in this exhibition, which are from the permanent collection, span the history of photography from its invention in the 19th century to the last quar ter of the 20th century. UCR/ California Museum of Photography, 3824 Main St., Riverside; 951-827-4787, cmp.ucr.edu. Also: “Blue Prints,” through Feb. 12; “Las Olvidadas,” through April 16. 12

| riversidethemag.com | february-march 2011

NATIONAL DATE FESTIVAL FEB. 18-27 – In its 65th year, the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival features carnival rides, live animals, monster truck shows, and more. Headliners: Luz Rios, Feb. 18; Third Eye Blind, Feb. 19; Kellie Pickler, Feb. 20; Switchfoot, Feb. 26. Free admission 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 18, which is opening day. Riverside County Fairgrounds, 82-503 Highway 111, Indio; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, with the carnival open until midnight on weekends; $8 adults, $7 seniors, $6 ages 5-12; 760-863-8247, www.datefest.org.

CANYON CREST TOWNE CENTRE ONGOING – Car show, 2-5 p.m. second Saturday of each month; ar t show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. second Sunday of each month. Canyon Crest Towne Centre, 5225 Canyon Crest Drive, Riverside; 951-686-1222, www.cctownecentre.com. LAKE ALICE TRADING COMPANY FEBRUARY – Acronycal, Feb. 2; 90 Proof, Feb. 4; Pandora’s Rock, Feb. 5; Jason Weber, Feb. 7, 13, 21 and 27; Natural Heights, Feb. 9 and 23; A Little on the Side, Feb. 11; Galaxy Flyers, Feb. 12; Tango Kilo, Feb. 16; Little George & The Big Time, Feb. 18; ’80s Rewind, Feb. 19; Jackson Avenue, Feb. 25; The Heymakers, Feb. 26. 3616 University Ave., Riverside; 951-686-7343, www.lakealicetradingco.com. ‘ADORNMENT’ ENDS FEBRUARY – Exhibit looks at the how and why people adorn themselves, from tattooing, branding, shaping, and surgical enhancements. Metropolitan Museum,

RIVERSIDE AIRSHOW MARCH 26 – Military aircraft, replicas, aerobatics and sky-divers plus displays of helicopters, military vehicles and classic cars highlight the 19th annual event. Pancake breakfast ($5) served at 7 a.m. on the patio side of the D&D Cafe. Riverside Airpor t, 6951 Flight Road; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; free admission ($10 parking); 951-351-6113, www.riversideairshow.com. LEGENDS OF RIVERSIDE MARCH 25-27 – Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1961 Times Grand Prix, with honoree Parnelli Jones. Riverside International Automotive Museum, 815 Marlborough Ave., No. 200, Riverside; 951-369-6966, www.legendsofriverside. com.

3580 Mission Inn Ave.; 951-826-5273, www.riversideca.gov/museum. Also: “Star Trek: The Exhibition,” at the Metropolitan Showcase, through Feb. 28. FOX PERFORMING ARTS CENTER FEBRUARY-MARCH – Joe, Feb. 11; Bur t Bacharach, Feb. 12; Opera a la Car te presents “The Mikado,” Feb. 20; Bob James with the Corona Symphony Pops, March 5; One Night of Queen, March 11; Benise, March 12; Wanda Sykes, March 25; Scott Stap (the voice of Creed), April 1; Katipunan, April 2; Riverside County Philharmonic, April 9 and May 14; California Baptist University Choir and Orchestra, May 5. 3801 Mission Inn Ave., 951-788-3944, www.foxriversidelive.com. THE PROMENADE SHOPS FEBRUARY-MARCH – Bridal show, Feb. 6; Inland Empire Ar thritis Walk, April 30; Run With the Panthers 5K, May 7. The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos, 2780 Cabot Drive, Corona; 951-277-7601, www.promenadeshopsatdoslagos.com.

ROMANO’S CONCERT LOUNGE FEBRUARY-MARCH – Concer ts featuring tribute bands. Don’t Stop Believing (Journey), Feb. 12; Wanted (Bon Jovi), Feb. 19; Abbey Road (The Beatles), Feb. 26; The Cured (The Cure), March 5; Atomic Punks (early Van Halen), March 19. 5225 Canyon Crest Drive, Riverside; 951-781-7662, theconcertlounge.com. CULVER CENTER FEBRUARY-APRIL – “Pulso y Mar tillo (Pulse and Hammer),” featuring the work of Margarita Cabrera in her first West Coast exhibition, through April 2. Film screenings include “Dreams with Sharp Teeth,” Feb. 11; “3 Idiots,” Feb. 19; “Volver,” Feb. 25; and “Burnt by the Sun,” Feb. 26. The Barbara and Ar t Culver Center of the Ar ts, 3834 Main St., Riverside; 951-827-4290, culvercenter.ucr.edu. LUX BOREAL FEB. 12 – Dance company performance. Landis Performing Ar ts Center, Riverside City College, 4800 Magnolia Ave.; 8 p.m.; 951-222-8100, www.landispac.com. Also: Intersect Dance Theatre, Feb. 25-26.

‘ENCOUNTERS 2011’ FEB. 18 – Concer t with 20th-century Spanish guitar music by classical-guitar vir tuoso Scott Tennant. Ar ts Building Performance Lab, UC Riverside, 900 University Ave.; 951-827-4331, events.ucr.edu. Also: Carillon Recital, Feb. 7, 14 and 28, and March 7; Scott Tennant performing 20th century Spanish guitar music, Feb. 18; William H. Reynolds Memorial Carillon Concert, March 5; UCR Jazz Ensemble and Henry Franklin Quintet, March 11. RIVERSIDE RAINCROSS 5K RUN/WALK FEB. 19 – Annual event includes a 5K run/ walk and 1K youth fun run. Fairmount Park, 2601 Fairmount Blvd., Riverside; 7:30 a.m.; $10-$25; 951-826-2000, www.riversideca.gov. RIVERSIDE LYRIC OPERA FEB. 19 – “La Traviata,” sung in Italian with English translations projected next to the stage. Landis Performing Ar ts Center, Riverside City College, 4800 Magnolia Ave.; 7:30 p.m.; 951-781-9561, www.riversidelyricopera.org.

‘TWELFTH NIGHT’ FEB. 24-MARCH 5 – William Shakespeare’s classic play. Ar ts Building Studio Theatre, UC Riverside, 900 University Ave.; 951-827-4331, events.ucr.edu. ‘SUESSICAL THE MUSICAL’ MARCH 4-12 – A production by the nonprofit Riverside Children’s Theatre. Ramona High School, 7675 Magnolia Ave., Riverside; $10 in advance, $12 at the door; www.riversidechildrenstheatre.org. RIVERSIDE YOUTH THEATRE MARCH 18-27 – “The Wizard of Oz.” CrossWinds Theater, 29263 Ironwood Ave., Moreno Valley; 7:30 p.m. March 18-19, 25-26 and 3 p.m. March 20 and 27; 951-756-4240, www.riversideyouththeatre.org. ‘CURTAINS’ APRIL 2-10 – A musical comedy whodunit, from the creators of “Cabaret” and “Chicago.” Landis Performing Ar ts Center, 4800 Magnolia Ave., Riverside; 951-222-8100, www.performanceriverside.org.

� �eason o� �irsts at the Riverside Fox Performing Arts Center RIVERSIDE COUNTY

PHILHARMONIC 2010-2011 SEASON

April 9, 2011 7:30 p.m. “Gypsies and other virtuosos” Guest Artist: Jourdan Urbach, Violin Sarasate, Saint-Saëns, Ligeti, Tchaikovsky

Season Tickets 951-787-0251 ❘ Fox Box Office 951-779-9800 New start time for all concerts is 7:30 p.m.

May 14, 2011 7:30 p.m. “Short, sweet, and to the point” Stars of the Philharmonic Bach, Stravinsky, CPE Bach, Karim Al-Zand

July 3, 2011 7:30 p.m. Riverside National Cemetery “Concert for Heroes”

Tomasz Golka Music Director/Conductor

Admittance Free

february-march 2011 | riversidethemag.com | 13

calendar

60 seconds with ... Nikki Bohne In “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” Nikki Bohne stars as bubbly sorority queen Elle Woods, a role popularized by Reese Witherspoon in the 2001 movie. Bohne recently talked about putting her own stamp on the character: “The role is so iconic and she did such an amazing job with it, I was only going to be a second-rate version of Reese if I tried to copy her. So it was impor tant to me that I made sure Elle was very much my own, and I brought aspects of my personality. “Elle in the musical is a little more quirky than Elle in the movie. So the writing (also) creates a little bit of a different foundation for the character.” Question: How close is this show to the Broadway version? Answer: This show is actually the same as the one on Broadway. It’s just scaled down a little for the road. Q: What’s the biggest challenge of being on the road for a nine-month tour? A: Living out of two suitcases. You have to pack for different weather situations. We just went from Ottawa, Canada, to Jacksonville, Fla., so you have to be

HISTORY LECTURE APRIL 3 – “Riverside Through the Lens of E.N. Fairchild,” presented by Glenn Wenzel. Dining Commons, La Sierra University, 4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside; 12:30 p.m.; $10; 951-780-2313, www.riversidehistoricalsociety.org.

prepared for everything. Q: How many Chihuahuas are used in the show? A: We have two — Frankie and Roxie. Frankie’s the lead dog, and he’s my guy. I visit him about a half hour before the show to make sure he is comfor table with me and familiar, so when he steps out on stage with me it looks like he belongs.

— Jerry Rice ‘Legally Blonde: The Musical’ Fox Performing Ar ts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside March 18-20 877-308-2929, www.broadwayinriverside.com

RIVERSIDE COUNTY PHILHARMONIC APRIL 9 – Gypsies and Other Vir tuosos, featuring guest ar tist Jourdan Urbach on violin. Fox Theater, Riverside; 8 p.m.; $11-$74; 951-787-0251, www.thephilharmonic.org. FLOWER SHOW AND GARDEN TOUR APRIL 9-10 – Show and tour of six private gardens. Elks Lodge, 6166 Brockton Ave., Riverside; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 10; 951-643-8890. SALUTE TO VETERANS PARADE APRIL 16 – Sixth annual event honoring veterans of all ages and eras. Grand marshal is Navy veteran Jack H. Brown, chairman and CEO of Stater Bros. Markets. Downtown Riverside; 10 a.m. to noon; free; 951-687-1175, www.asalutetoveterans.com.

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FOX Performing Arts Center

Riverside, California

Winter/Spring 2011 Season

Joe

Burt Bacharach

The Mikado

with Special Guest Jon B February 11

February 20

February 12

The Canadian Tenors

March 11

March 12

Wanda Sykes

March 18-20

Chris Botti

March 25

An Evening with Scott Stapp, voice of Creed April 1 Katipunan Riverside Philharmonic/Tomasz Golka violin soloist Jourdain Urbach

March 13

April 2 April 9

Arlo Guthrie “Journey On” Tour April 10 California Baptist University Choir & Orchestra Command Performance May 5

March 26

Cinco de Mayo! – Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles® with the Corona Symphony Pops May 7 Bob James with Corona Symphony Pops May 13 Riverside Philharmonic/Tomasz Golka “Stars of the Philharmonic” May 14 Broadway Series: “Burn the Floor” May 20–22 Firefall, Poco, Pure Prairie League

June 3

New in 2011: Programs for Young Audiences The Berenstain Bears The Mystery of King Tut Seussical

Feb 23 March 22 April 12

These programs are for school audiences only. Educators should contact the Fox Box Office for program details.

Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside Tickets available at ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets and the Box Office. For Box Office Information call (951) 779 9800. Visit us on the web at foxriversidelive.com

mission&market Ta l e s o f t h e c i t y b r i e f ly t o l d Written by Jerr y Rice

Lifesaving landing Sixty-year-old Vernon Woods began a new, second life on Jan. 10, and the new helicopter landing pad at Riverside Community Hospital played an important role in the event. The retired carpenter was hiking a trail in the Box Springs Mountain Reserve with his son-inlaw, Kyron Francis, when Woods started losing Vernon Woods control of his legs and arms. Although he was not feeling chest pain at the time, he soon believed he was suffering a heart attack. After a fortunate series of events,

Woods was airlifted to RCH, where the helicopter landed on a pad that opened only a month earlier. It made all the difference. “The key is getting to the hospital within the first hour of symptom onset,” said cardiologist Syed Bokhari, one of Woods’ doctors. “The more time that goes by, the greater the damage to the heart muscle and the lesser chance of survival.” Heart attack symptoms can include chest pain or discomfort (such as a pressure or tightness), discomfort in other areas of the upper body or shortness of breath (with or without chest discomfort). The American Heart Association has more warning signs on its website, www.heart.org. Woods, who was recovering at home, wants to go back to the hospital — but

Everyone, into the pool! Riverside City College’s new $10.85 million aquatics complex is making a splash in swimming and diving circles. By the time it opened in January, at least eight regional and national competitions already had been scheduled. Among them, the Amateur Athletic Union’s diving national

championships, a July 19-27 event that is expected to draw 1,000 athletes. “Hosting those competitions is great for aquatics in the area,” said David Almquist, RCC swimming and water polo coach. With a 65-meter pool, several diving platforms — including an Olympic regulation 10-meter diving tower —

Photo courtesy Riverside Community College District

Photo by Michael Elderman

A medical helicopter lands at Riverside Community Hospital in December.

this time he’ll use the front door. “I plan to return with the biggest ‘thank you’ card I can find,” he said.

and a movable bulkhead, the facility is large enough to hold three competitions simultaneously. And for RCC’s swimming and water polo teams, the winners of four state titles, it’s a home venue to be proud of. “I had a lot of high expectations, but I never expected it would be this nice,” Almquist said.

California Theatre of the Performing Arts 562 W. 4th St. in San Bernardino For tickets call (909) 885-5152 or ticketmaster.com for information log on to www.californiatheatre.net

COV E R STORY

girl?

Who’s that

Singer, actress Melissa K is a rising talent enjoying a magical journey Wr it te n by Lu a nne J . H unt Photos by G a br iel Luis Acost a

t age 20, Melissa K already has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments — starring in a range of theater productions, performing in music videos and doing concerts at venues as diverse as the Southern California Fair in Perris and the Los Angeles nightspot Whisky A Go Go. While Melissa enjoys all the opportunities and attention, the driving force behind her artistry is a desire to connect with audiences. “I love bringing a smile to everyone’s face,” said Melissa, who also is an accomplished musician and dancer. “To me, singing and acting is the best way I know how to connect with people on a very special level. And it’s something that’s motivated me from the time I was a little girl.” Melissa’s musical journey began at the age of 11 while listening to Styx, one of her favorite bands. There was something about the music that inspired her to try her hand at songwriting. Since then, she

Melissa K, center, with members of her band, Zachary Morin, left, Brad Smith and Stevie Morin

has written 62 tunes. In recent months, she has been in the studio recording 10 of those songs for an upcoming CD, “Rock is On Fire.” Two songs from the project, “Magic” and “Fight Fire,” already have been released and recently topped the Independent Music Network’s Top 30 Mainstream Chart. The songs garnered Melissa a 2009 best female artist nomination from the network. “I would love to get signed to a major record label,” said Melissa, who was nominated for best female performer in 2007, 2008 and 2009 by the Inland Empire Music Awards. “At some point, I’d also like to start my own label and manage my own career. That’s been a big dream of mine ever since I started singing and writing songs.” “Magic” also has materialized as a music video, using four mannequins as props. The first two minutes of the video may be found on YouTube. Another song, “Sorceress,” will be shot for a music video soon. One element of it has been pitched to

talent scouts for Conan O’Brien, Jay Leno, Ellen DeGeneres and David Letterman, and a few of them have shown some interest. Along with her music success, Melissa is a soughtafter actress. She has appeared in more than a dozen high school and regional theater plays including “The Birds,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Born Again,” “Once Upon a Mattress” and “Coyote’s Christmas Carol.” In March, she will appear on stage in “Six Characters in Search of An Author” at Mt. San Jacinto College. Melissa has been a finalist in the Fullerton Theatre Festival’s dramatic monologue competition and won first place for comedic monologue at Ramona High School. The Ramona grad is preparing to audition for two feature films, a new version of “Superman,” as well as “Underworld 4.” “What’s great about acting is that I can portray someone totally different in each role,” Melissa said.

february-march 2011 | riversidethemag.com | 19

“It’s an indescribable feeling to be able to experience different emotions through characters. Still, music is my first priority right now and that is where I’m going to keep my focus.” At Mt. San Jacinto, Melissa is majoring in performing arts and business, and plans to transfer to UCLA, USC or Chapman University. “A lot of nights I’m up until 3 a.m. studying,” Melissa said. “All the added work and extra time I put into my schooling is going help me accomplish my career goals in the entertainment business. To me, it’s all fun, and I’m very lucky to be able to follow my dreams.” Melissa K www.themelissaksite.com www.myspace.com/melissakmusic For information about bookings or upcoming performances, call 951-544-9202.

“Growth is not just a platitude at AGSM; it is real and all around us. We invite you to come grow with us.

Meet Melissa K Three books that mean a lot to her: “ ‘And Then There Were None,’ by Agatha Christie, because it was my first mystery/crime novel; ‘Nancy Drew,’ by Carolyn Keene, because my dad gave me those books when I was little, and I couldn’t stop reading them; and the Bible because it is more than just a book.” Book she’s reading: “An Evening’s Enter tainment: The Age of the Silent Feature Picture” by Richard Koszarski Three films that mean a lot to her: “ ‘Rebel Without a Cause,’ because I love James Dean and it is such a classic film; ‘American Beauty’ because the cinematography is beautiful and I learned so much about mise-en-scene studying this film;

Favorite charity: “I actually just helped coordinate the holiday food and toy drive event for the community through my college.” Favorite vacation: “When I spent two weeks in Hawaii with my family (parents, cousins, aunt, uncle and grandparents). We spent one week in Honolulu and one week on a cruise to all the other islands. I can’t wait to go back!” Someone she would like to have dinner with: Irving Thalberg. “He produced legendary films and helped shape the Hollywood studio system into what it is today.” Favorite singer: Freddie Mercury CD she’s listening to: “Burlesque” soundtrack

Areas of Study Include:

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| riversidethemag.com | february-march 2011

Favorite drink: Water and Rockstar Tropical Punch

LEADING GROWTH Various fellowships available for qualified applicants

Last CD she purchased: “Thriller (25th Anniversary Edition),” by Michael Jackson

Leading Thinkers About UCR MBA:

Southern California can only grow in one direction. UCR and AGSM are directly in the path of that growth.” - David W. Stewart, Dean

and ‘Grease’ because it was my favorite movie growing up.”

Management Information Systems Finance Internet Retailing General Management

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e n v i ro n m e nt

A deeper shade of

reen How Riverside continues moving toward a more eco-friendly future

Green. It’s more than a color or a word, it’s a way of life. That’s especially true in Riverside, where efforts by government, businesses and residents have combined in multiple ways to transform this into a more environmentally friendly community. Some examples: Sustainable gardening. Solar energy. Hydroelectric power. Water recycling. And still more projects are coming online regularly. For this report, Amy Bentley takes a look at some of the ways Riverside is becoming a greener place to live and work.

Growcology

Sustainable gardening takes root

n a nearly three-acre site in a residential neighborhood off the 91 Freeway and Adams Street sits the Growcology Learning Center, where its founders plan to literally put Riverside on the map as a center of sustainable gardening. Bianca and Nick Heyming have plans for what they call the Emerald City Garden in the shape of Riverside’s iconic Raincross symbol. Once finished, they expect the community garden to be visible on Google Earth. The Emerald City Garden is part of a larger Growcology project in the works called the Garden Mosaic, which will include sustainable and community gardening courses and crop exchanges so local growers can share the fruits of their labor.

| riversidethemag.com | february-march 2011

The Heymings formed Growcology in 2009 to educate others about starting and maintaining sustainable gardens. An online community, www.mygreenriverside.com, spreads the word about green opportunities and events. “We want to be part of the global green initiative and bring it to Riverside,” said Renee Hennessee, a Growcology board member who is Nick’s sister. “We’re really about sustainability. We want to help put Riverside at the forefront of this movement and (we want it to) be emulated by other regions.” People don’t have to sacrifice all of their favorite indulgences to live sustainably, Bianca says. She did, however, give up Starbucks in favor of a friend’s regular delivery of freshroasted coffee beans.

Visitors check out Growcology's garden. For a younger guest at left, it's a hands-on experience. Ph o t o by L e a R e e d

Bianca and her husband also started growing their own produce or will purchase the fruits and vegetables they want from local farmers markets. Growcology’s focus last year was on sustainability education through low-cost classes held at the learning center. Topics included vegetable gardening, growing edible flowers, growing a winter garden and worm composting. Another 2010 success was the Chefs du Potager competition, in which Riverside City College culinary students grew crops to use in a meal they prepared. The results were judged by professional chefs at a well-attended event in July at Mario’s Place. The Garden Mosaic program begins this spring with The Resourceful Garden, a free four-month program offered to residents, businesses, senior groups, churches — any resident or organization with a small plot of land — so they can learn how to start and maintain

Ph o t o by L e a R e e d

Vegetable gardening is big on the menu at Growcology.

a garden. A second component is the Garden Exchange for participating growers who want to share. A third is the Emerald City Garden. The Heymings are looking forward to launching many new gardens. “We are going to be integrating these gardens into each neighborhood

as much as possible,” Nick said. Another upcoming project involves planting a living art exhibit at the Growcology center that will show visitors how to integrate sustainability in their lives. For a schedule of classes on sustainability and homesteading, visit www.growcology.com.

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Forces of nature Meet Bianca and Nick Heyming, founders of Growcology: Bianca has served as a motivational speaker for at-risk youth since she was a teen living in Whittier, taking girls involved with gangs on wilderness retreats and connecting them with business mentors. After graduating from Nick Heyming Cal State Fuller ton with a degree in journalism, Bianca star ted a media company in Irvine. Volunteering with Venice High School’s learning garden is where Bianca “fell in love with dir ty hands,” she says. Bianca continues to travel internationally as a motivational speaker, telling others how sustainability can empower families.

So what does it take to get people more interested in sustainable gardening? “The No. 1 reason people don’t grow food is the perception that it’s difficult,” she said. “You don’t need a green finger; you are par t of the ecosystem.” Nick, a Riverside native, has followed his passions around the globe. He earned a business degree from USC and was working for a large regional food distributor in late 2004 when a powerful tsunami struck several countries on the Indian Ocean. Nick traveled to Thailand, one of the countries par ticularly hard-hit, to help with disaster relief. In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina devastated the U.S. Gulf coast, he went to the region for a year to work on community gardens and helped renovate parks. He also has built community gardens and showed children in Peru how to grow crops. Nick’s environmental hero is President Theodore Roosevelt. “He’s pretty much why we have nice parks,” he said. “(If not for him), Yosemite would probably be a mini-mall.”

Ph o t o s by L e a R e e d

Bianca Heyming at Growcology, which has an orchard, vegetable garden and arboretum.

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solar power

energized by the sun

iverside is bathed in sunshine on most days, and the city is increasingly taking advantage of it. All over town, businesses and nonprofits — from the McDonald’s on University Avenue to the ARCO gas station on Alessandro Boulevard to the Salvation Army offices on First Street — have gone solar. So have government structures, including the Orange Terrace Community Center and the Grier Pavilion atop City Hall. Many residents have joined the trend as well, as indicated by the Solar City Map found on www.greenriverside.com.

Riverside’s first major solar project, a 151.2-kilowatt unit on a carport at the city’s Utilities Operation Center, went online in 2001. Since then, 218 more have been launched: 184 residential, 23 commercial and 12 utility-funded systems. Together, they produce more than 2.4 megawatts of clean, renewable energy — enough to power 1,800 homes. “The mayor asked us to become a model solar city,” said Mike Bacich, Riverside’s sustainability officer. “We’ve gone from being in the pack to leading the parade in terms of going green.”

A 44-year-old McDonald’s restaurant on University Avenue was torn down and a greener version replaced it in October. A variety of recycled materials were used in the construction of the fast-food outlet, which boasts a 67.62-kilowatt solar energy system. Ph o t o by J o n D i d i e r

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The mayor asked us to become a model solar city. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gone from being in the pack to leading the parade in terms of going green.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; *O 'FCSVBSZ UIF DJUZ XBT OBNFE $BMJGPSOJB T GJSTU &NFSBME $JUZ CZ UIF TUBUF %FQBSUNFOU PG $POTFSWBUJPO SFDPHOJ[JOH Riverside as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the greenest of the HSFFO u #BDJDI TBJE 4PMBS QSPKFDUT JO UIF DJUZ SFBMMZ started powering up after 3JWFSTJEF 1VCMJD 6UJMJUJFT TUBSUFE PGGFSJOH JODFOUJWFT JO UP residential customers to install solar energy systems. 316 BMTP IBT CFFO XPSLJOH outside the city limits to bring in even more power from the sun. 0OF TVDI QMBDF GPS FYBNQMF JT

UIF XFTUFSO "SJ[POB EFTFSU XIFSF UIF -B 1B[ TPMBS VQESBGU UPXFS JT FYQFDUFE UP TUBSU providing 25 megawatts of power to Riverside once it opens in FBSMZ 5IBU SFQSFTFOUT BCPVU QFSDFOU PG UIF DJUZ T PWFSBMM EFNBOE QPXFSJOH TPNF homes. i0VS QMBO JT UIBU UIF DJUZ PG Riverside will receive 33 percent of its energy from renewable SFTPVSDFT CZ u TBJE #BDJDI who added that solar energy will continue playing an important role in meeting that goal.

E HAVE THE PROMISE OF A FUTURE THANKS TO OUR NEW HEARTS. Dď?˛. Lď?Ľď?Żď?Žď?Ąď?˛ď?¤ Bď?Ąď?Šď?Źď?Ľď?š Wď?Żď?˛ď?Źď?¤-Rď?Ľď?Žď?Żď?ˇď?Žď?Ľď?¤ Hď?Ľď?Ąď?˛ď?´ Sď?ľď?˛ď?§ď?Ľď?Żď?Ž

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Power players Largest solar power projects in Riverside (ranked by energy production in kilowatts): r 6UJMJUJFT 0QFSBUJPOT $FOUFS DBSQPS U 151.2 r -B 4JFSSB .FUSPMJOL 4UBUJPO DBSQPS U 133.2 r 0SBOHF 5FSSBDF $PNNVOJUZ $FOUFS 89.72 r "VUVNO 3JEHF "QBS UNFOUT r .JDIBFM #PZLP EFOUBM PGGJDFT r 4BMWBUJPO "SNZ r +BOFU (PFTLF 4FOJPS $FOUFS DBSQPS U r 1BUI PG -JGF .JOJTUSJFT "DDFTT $FOUFS r .D%POBME T 6OJWFSTJUZ "WF r $BTB #MBODB 'BNJMZ -FBSOJOH $FOUFS Source: Riverside Public Utilities

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february-march 2011 | riversidethemag.com | 29

innovations

cutting-edge, eco-friendly

hen it comes to innovative green thinking, Riverside has shown it’s up for the challenge. Here’s a snapshot of three success stories: However, the original turbine has been replaced by a more efficient model. • Wastewater treatment

A 48-inch pipe, with a vertical axis spherical turbine inside, replaces a section of aged pipe at the Linden Street Booster Station in Riverside, left. Water movement through the pipe spins the turbine, above, and produces energy.

• Powered-up pipes

In February 2010, Riverside Public Utilities became the first utility in the country to start testing a hydroelectric generator that uses water flowing through a pipe to create power. A turbine blade was installed in a water distribution pipe at the Linden Street Booster Station, and it generates enough energy to power one house — a small, but important achievement. The pipe carries Gage Canal water from water basins in San Bernardino to customers in Riverside. The pipe turbine generates 2 to 7 kilowatts of energy on a continuous basis, depending on the velocity of water through the pipe. This technology could be expanded to other locations and bigger pipes, officials said, but no plans to do that have been announced as of mid-January.

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Riverside is making a splash with water recycling to generate new locally produced water sources. “We’re at the beginning of developing a very robust recycled water program,” said Gary Valladao, the wastewater systems manager for Riverside Public Works. Riverside’s Water Quality Control Plant will be setting up a “membrane bioreactor,” a high-tech process for wastewater treatment that produces a higher quality of reclaimed wastewater that can be used to water golf courses, median dividers and for other landscape irrigation needs (but not for drinking). Simply put, the process uses biological microorganisms to eat waste material, and the water then passes through a filter. Public Works operates a 40 million gallon per day wastewater treatment plant where the treated water is discharged into the Santa Ana River. Part of the plant will be renovated to use the membrane bioreactor to expand the overall treatment capacity to 46 million gallons per day, with 26 million gallons being cleaned using the new process. Construction is scheduled to start in January 2012. • A slick fuel source

The Riverside Wastewater Quality Control Plant has a “green” use for old restaurant grease. The grease-to-gas energy project, which started in April 2005, collects accumulated oil from grease traps at restaurants and brings it to the wastewater treatment plant, where it is converted to methane gas, which then powers the facility. “It’s a sign of the future,” said Mike Bacich, Riverside’s sustainability officer. “We’ll be (more of ) a recycling society in the future.” Thanks to the project, the plant no longer uses outside natural gas or electric power to operate, saving more than $1 million annually.

neighborhoods

Majority Successor, a black stallion quarter horse, romps in his corral at the home of Bob and Barbara Garrett in La Sierra Acres.

Animal C

tracts In La Sierra Acres, housing with lots of room for four-legged friends Wr it te n by A my Be nt ley Photos by G a br iel Luis Acost a

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hickens wander in some front yards, while horses and goats roam other large fenced-in areas. Roosters can be heard cock-adoodle-doing all day. And residents have room to stretch out on larger lots. Welcome to La Sierra Acres, a place where farm animals are as welcome a sight as an open field or rolling hill. Donna Wandro and her family have lived in the neighborhood for 11 years, and like many residents they enjoy the animals and open spaces. Until last year they had chickens of their own, but now they simply enjoy the menageries of critters nearby. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the kids look one way they see horses, and if they look the other way they see a bull.

The La Sierra Senior Center opened in February 2010, and offers activities and classes throughout the week.

Up on the corner, we can see the sheep and goats. It’s fun,” Wandro said. Another neighbor has a donkey and horses, and yet another owns cows. The Wandros’ home is on two-thirds of an acre. The family loves the extra space for a tree swing, log cabin playhouse and vegetable garden. “I enjoy having a large yard knowing the kids have a place to play and not end up in the street,” Wandro said. “We play badminton in the yard and horseshoes and bocce ball, and we don’t have to worry about hitting the neighbors’ yards. We also trade fruits and veggies with the neighbors over the fence.” Across the street, Donna Jordan grew up years ago in La Sierra Acres but returned six years ago to buy a home that sits on a little over an acre. “I just like land. I don’t like tract homes. I wanted to have land,” said Jordan, who has plenty of space to keep a motor home on her property as well as the animals she fosters for a local rescue group. The neighborhood’s open space is what attracted many of the residents who live there. La Sierra Acres is bordered by the Santa Ana River to the north and is sandwiched between the La Sierra Hills and Arlanza neighborhoods, north of the 91 Freeway. The area was part of the Mexican land grant known as Rancho La Sierra de Sepulveda. It was part of Riverside County until the city of Riverside annexed it in 1964. Since then, mostly beginning in 2003, the city has made many infrastructure improvements, such as modernizing old water systems, paving dirt roads and

Traffic flows along Campbell Avenue in La Sierra Acres.

installing sidewalks on some busier streets, says Councilman Steve Adams, who represents the area. Many streets still lack sidewalks and curbs, but a few streets feature equestrian trails. La Sierra Acres is one of the last areas in the city where residents can keep horses, llamas, goats, chickens and many other animals. The area will maintain its rural feel, Adams notes, due to city restrictions against apartment buildings in Ward 7. Residents also have a desire to preserve the remaining open space — which is less plentiful today than it was two decades ago when Bob and Barbara Garrett moved from Norco. They brought with them a love for horses, and for a time — when they had

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A decade of progress...a A decade lifetime of progress...a of benefitslifetime of benefits February 2007 June 2001

July 2005

Traffic lights converted to LED lights to save energy consumption.

Clean and Green Taskforce assembled.

1st city operated photovoltaic system installed at Utilities Operation Center.

February 2007

February 2009

July 2009

February 2009

July 2009

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Green Power Report,â&#x20AC;? Riversideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s radio show on conservation and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Greenâ&#x20AC;? living goes on the air.

State Department of Conservation Director Bridgett Luther2008 May introduces Riverside as Green Power Premium Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Emerald introduced: Utility City. customers can contribute voluntarily and help the city purchase green power.

The City of Riverside becomes a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

State Department of Conservation Director Bridgett Luther introduces Riverside as Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Emerald City.

The City of Riverside becomes a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

green power premiuman investment in Riversideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future

The term â&#x20AC;&#x153;green powerâ&#x20AC;? refers to electricity produced from renewable ENERGY SOURCES SUCH AS WIND AND SOLAR POWER GEOTHERMAL HYDROPOWER and biomass.

July 2006 October 2003 Clean Up Riversideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Environment (CURE) Program launched.

The Grease to Gas project that converts restaurant grease into energy produces approximately 1 mega watt annually.

June 2006

July 2001 Tree Power Program campaign launched offering Riverside residents their 1st FREE shade tree.

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Green Power Report,â&#x20AC;? Riversideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s radio show on May 2008 July 2005Green Power Premium June 2001 and conservation Clean and Green Traffic lights living goes on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Greenâ&#x20AC;? introduced: Utility Taskforce assembled. converted the air. to customers can LED lights to contribute voluntarily save energy and help the city June 2007 consumption. purchase green power. Riverside Green Builder 1st city operated Program becomes first green power photovoltaicin the state! What is green power? system installed at Utilities Operation July 2007 Center. GreenRiverside.com is launched.

April 2004 Weather-Based Irrigation Controller Pilot Project at White Park saves 40% on water consumption.

July 2006 December 2007 The Grease to Gas Riverside Green October First 2003 project that converts

Action Plan approved Clean Up Riversideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurant grease City Council. Environmentby (CURE) into energy produces Program launched. approximately 1 mega watt annually. /RANGE 3TREET s 2IVERSIDE #! 2IVERSIDE0UBLIC5TILITIES COM s

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July 2001

Riverside installs hydrogen fueling site - one of only 23 Tree Power Program August April2007 2004 campaign launched in the State. City Council directs Weather-Based offering Riverside implementation Irrigation of residents their 1st a Green Purchasing Controller Pilot FREE shade tree. Policy. Project at White Park saves 40% on water consumption. February 2007 Clean and Green Taskforce report completed and the City Council adopted the Sustainable Riverside Policy Statement (SRPS).

RiversidePublicUtilities.com

June 2006 Riverside installs hydrogen fueling site - one of only 23 in the State.

July 2008

5.4 kilowatt photovoltaic system donated to Habitat for Humanityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LEED platinum house.

May 2008 BlueRiverside.com is launched.

June 2007 Riverside Green Builder Program becomes first in the state!

What is green power?

September 2009

The City of Riverside unveiled Emerald City logo for the State Department of Conservation.

green power

The term â&#x20AC;&#x153;green powerâ&#x20AC;? refers to electricity produced from renewable ENERGY SOURCES SUCH AS WIND AND SOLAR POWER GEOTHERMAL HYDROPOWER and biomass.

Printed with soy ink on recycled paper

December 2008 Riversideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1st August 2007 Greenhouse City Council directs Gas emissions implementation of baseline a Green Purchasing Policy.is underway.

February 2007 Clean and Green Taskforce report completed and the City Council adopted the Sustainable Riverside Policy Statement (SRPS).

Spent American Recovery Introduced the Gr and Reinvestment Emerald City upd Act funds through the distribution of 248 RPU Whole House Program rebates, which put $1.6 million back into the April 2009 Installationcommunity of a 54 kWand saved over PV system530,000 at Casakilowatt hours.

September 2008

/RANGE 3TREET s 2IVERSIDE #! 2IVERSIDE0UBLIC5TILITIES COM s

Orange Terrace Community Center installs a 90 kilowatt PV system, the park is LEED certified.

April 2009 Installation of a 54 kW PV system at Casa Blanca Community Center takes Riverside to over 1 mega watt of solar power.

Blanca Community Center takes Riverside to over 1 mega watt of solar power.

RiversidePublicUtilities.com

June 2009 RPU reaches the 75,000 mark of trees planted through July 2008 Tree Power Program 5.4 kilowatt rebates. photovoltaic system donated to Habitat for Humanityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LEED TREE POWER platinum house.

December 2008 September Riversideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1st 2009 Greenhouse

emissions The Gas city reaches 1.5 baselineof solar megawatts is underway. power when 100th photovoltaic system is installed.

June 2009 March 2010 Whole House Rebate Program approved by City Council.

RPU reaches the 75,000 mark of trees planted through Tree Power Program rebates. 2010 October Riverside reaches 2 mega watts of solar power when POWER the LEED TREE certified, University Ave. McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant opens.

January 2009

City Fleet Management reports non-emergency May fleet 2008 is 55% clean vehicles. BlueRiverside.com

City Fleet Management reports non-emergency fleet is 55% clean vehicles.

is launched.

The City of Rivers City logo for the S Conservation.

Introduced the Green Action Plan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Emerald City update.

green power premiuman investment in Riversideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future

July 2007 September 2008 GreenRiverside.com

Orange Terrace is launched. Community Center installs a 90 kilowatt PV system, December the park is LEED2007 First Riverside Green certified. Action Plan approved by City Council.

October 2010

September 2

September 2009

The city reaches megawatts of sol power when 100t photovoltaic syst is installed.

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