Riverside Magazine

CITY LIFE & FINE LIVING

RIVERSIDE m ag a z i n e

f e b r u a ry- m a r c h 2 015

Power principles Lessons in local leadership Oil and smoke: Stunts over Riverside

Praising downtown music venues

Back to the Grind, a hip experience

Look for your

FREE TREE

coupon on the back of your March Utility bill.

contents

RIVERSIDE M

F E B R U A RY- M A RC H 2 015 • VO L U M E 8 , I S S U E 1

FEATURES 8 FLIGHT PLAN With the Riverside Airshow about to take to the skies, meet Jon Melby, a veteran stunt pilot who will be performing at the 23rd annual event.

He got an early experience at aerial acrobatics as an 8-year-old jumping off the roof of his family’s two-story home.

14 LEADING THE WAY Three programs are giving tomorrow’s doers and decision-makers the tools they will need to become more effective. Some of today’s leaders are joining them, as both presenters and as fellow students.

Leadership survey 18 Memorial statues 33 22 MUSICAL PLAYGROUNDS Wanna catch local musical acts before they hit it big? Those oppor tunities exist at downtown venues with showcases for rising talent.

C onnect with us !

Please follow us on Twitter @RiversideMag and like us on Facebook.

26 HOUSE OF BREWS There are many places to satisfy your caffeine cravings, but none like the indie coffeehouse Back to the Grind — a large open space downtown where friends can meetup, be entertained and enjoy other slices of life.

A

G

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br o u ght t o y o u b y :

Ron Hasse PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Don Sproul MANAGING EDITOR

Jerry Rice EDITOR

Jim Maurer V.P. SALES & MARKETING

Lynda E. Bailey SALES DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

DEPARTMENTS From the editor 6 Hot List and Calendar 10 Seen 29 -32 Nonprofit Calendar 32 On the cover Representing Leadership Riverside at the Mar tin Luther King Jr. memorial statue downtown are three local leaders from the program: from left, Jim Fuson, senior general manager of the Galleria at Tyler; Darcy McNaboe, mayor of Grand Terrace; and Jack B. Clarke Jr., par tner at Best Best & Krieger.

Fuson is a member of the current class, McNaboe graduated in 2006 and Clarke was in Leadership Riverside’s first class in 1986-87.

Photo by Eric Reed

C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S & E D I TO R S

Amy Bentley, Betts Griffone George A. Paul, Canan Tasci editorial gra p hic D E S I G N

Steve Ohnersorgen

Rick Sforza PHOTO EDITOR P H OTO G R A P H E R s

James Carbone, Micah Escamilla, Eric Reed

Tom Paradis, Jack Storrusten SALES MANAGERS A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S E X E C U T I V E S

Angela Bland, Carla Ford-Brunner Willie Merriam, Melissa Morse Jennifer Wright, Adil Zaher S A L E S A S S I S TA N T s

Vikki Contreras, Dixie Mohrhauser Jeannette Ramirez, Maria Rodriguez Victoria Vidana mar k eting

Veronica Nair, Ginnie Stevens

LANG Custom Publishing Frank Pine EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Bryan Muldoon V.P. OF CIRCULATION CONTACT US Editorial: 951-541-1825; fax 909-885-8741 or jerry.rice@langnews.com Advertising: 909-386-3006; or lynda.bailey@langnews.com Riverside Magazine is produced by LANG Custom Publishing of The Sun and Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.

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Copyright ©2015 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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from the editor

Guiding forces, guiding principles

P

erhaps it’s a product of the time of year, and maybe there are other reasons, but we’ve heard “leaders” and “leadership” discussed a lot lately.

It has come up in in casual conversations while waiting in line at the grocery store, on the evening news, at the dinner table and other places. In January, the words were spoken more than two dozen times during three agenda-setting speeches — addresses that were delivered in Washington, D.C., Sacramento and here in Riverside.

There are many questions about leadership. What qualities do great leaders share? Are they born or made?

What are the best ways to inspire others?

Many perspectives, too.

For answers, and also for this issue’s cover story, we caught up with three local programs — Leadership Riverside, the Eleanor Jean Grier Leadership

Riverside and the region forward.

We also reached out to people with first-hand leadership experience in a range of fields, including business, education, military, nonprofits and politics.

Fifteen of them were kind enough to respond to our survey.

Their answers highlighted such values as treating others with dignity and respect, being a PHOTO BY ERIC REED positive example and serving Jack B. Clarke Jr., Darcy McNaboe and Jim Fuson talk others — ideals that were near the Martin Luther King Jr. statue on the pedestrian instilled by parents and other mall during Riverside Magazine’s cover shoot. mentors. They’re guiding principles that all of us can benefit from Academy and the A. Gary Anderson — not just leaders.

Graduate School of Management — to learn how each is empowering both current and future doers and decisionmakers. Students going through the jerry.rice@langnews.com programs are some of the same folks 951-541-1825, @JerryRice_IE who are and will continue to move

Jerry Rice

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OUT & ABOUT

Flying high Since he was a kid, stunt pilot has always had lofty aspirations Written by Canan Tasci Photos courtesy Jon Melby

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| riversidethemag.com | february-march 2015

Jon Melby, who has more than 35 years of flying experience, lives by these words: “Bold actions bring bold results.�

He will be making his fifth appearance in six years at the Riverside Airshow.

J

on Melby was meant to be an air show pilot.

At the age of 8, he started testing gravity by jumping from the roof of his family’s two-story Minnesota home into a pile of leaves. Later, his father took him on plane ride, and Melby discovered what it was like to be thousands of feet off the ground.

Then at age 12, he met air show pilot Bob Hoover.

“I watched him, and even got my picture taken with him. I remember him looking down at me and holding my shoulder and I said to myself, ‘That’s it. Someday, I’m going to be an air show pilot,’” Melby said.

Dreams do come true.

Melby received his pilot’s license when he was 19, along with his own airplane.

Moreover, during his first aerobatic competition against 23 pilots, he finished third, and in the next two contests he won first and second place — receiving enough points to become the Arizona State Sportsman champion.

Now at 53, Melby is an advocate for aviation and is featured in the Discovery Channel program “Airshow,” currently airing in Canada and scheduled to debut in the United States in a couple months. He appears in the first season of the show, starting with episode nine, and in April will begin filming the show’s third season.

But first, he’s coming here for the 23rd annual Riverside Airshow on March 28. The free-admission event will include more than 200 acres of aircraft and helicopter displays, classic cars, food and refreshments, community group exhibits and, of course, aerial performers.

Melby, who lives in Arizona with his family, says he’s excited about making a return engagement and will be doing tricks in his trusty black and yellow checked Pitts S1-11B muscle bi-plane. The plane’s cruising speed is 195 mph, and in Riverside onlookers will see it go from a stall to 230 mph.

He will be doing loops and barnstorming tricks, which were popular in the 1920s when pilots would go from place to place to put on their shows.

“It’s very old fashioned aerobatics to extreme

The smoke produced

by Melby’s muscle bi-plane is created using a special oil that has the same consistency as salad oil. It’s pumped via a standard automotive fuel pump, and when the oil hits the plane’s hot exhaust pipes it turns into smoke.

“The burnt oil doesn’t smell great – especially in the cockpit,” he says.

tumbling airplane, to crazy stuff where people may say, ‘There’s something wrong with this dude,’” said Melby.

Although he didn’t become an air show pilot until he was 42, Melby admits the job can be dangerous, even scary at times, but it’s all about having control over the aircraft.

“If I am going to die in my airplane, it’s my own fault — nobody else’s,” he said. “The thing is, I’m not afraid because I have a lot of confidence and air experience.”

When Melby’s talents are on display in Riverside, he knows that tens of thousands of people will be looking up to him — literally and figuratively.

“My whole deal is I’m an advocate for aviation, and it doesn’t matter what you want to do,” he said. “Life is about two steps forward, one step back. Nothing is easy, and the only way to do anything is to try. And if you fail, you can try again. Keep doing it until you get what you want.”

Riverside Airshow Where: Riverside Airpor t, 6951 Flight Road, Riverside When: March 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: Free Information: http://riversideairshow.com

february-march 2015 | riversidethemag.com | 9

hot list

‘FLASH: CARRIE SCHNEIDER’ THROUGH MARCH 14 – Contemporary art series features single works made within the past year. This is the seventh exhibition in the series. UCR/California Museum of Photography, 3824 Main St., Riverside; 951-827-4787; http://artsblock.ucr.edu.

Also: “Adriana Salazar: Perpetuity,” at the Sweeney Art Gallery, through March 21; “Posing Japan,” at the Museum of Photography, through July 3.

KONGOS MARCH 12 – The South African alternative rock/kwaito band is in concert with Sir Sly and Colony House.

Municipal Auditorium, 3485 Mission Inn Ave.; 951-779-9800; www.riversiderma.com.

Also: Datsik, March 13.

SPRING PLANT SALE MARCH 28-29 – Nearly 10,000 plants in more than 600 varieties will be available for purchase, including drought-tolerant and California natives, plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and plants that are suitable for cut flowers. UC Riverside Botanic Gardens, 900 University Ave.; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday; 951-784-6962; www.gardens.ucr.edu. Also: Keep Our Garden Clean and Beautiful, April 25.

JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL MARCH 1 – Seventh annual event has screenings of “Hava Nagila” (above), a moving documentary romp through the history, mystery and meaning of a song that celebrates Jewish culture; “Mr. Kaplan,” a black comedy about a Jewish retiree who is convinced that the owner of a seafront restaurant is, in fact, a former Nazi; and “Restoration,” about a man who struggles to save his antiques restoration business. Sponsored by Riverside’s Temple Beth El. Screenings at Mission Grove Plaza, 121 Alessandro Blvd., Riverside; $10 each or three for $25; 951-684-4511; www.tberiv.org; www.facebook.com/rivjff.

calendar

‘THE ART OF COLLECTING’ THROUGH MARCH 22 – Guest curated by artist Sue Mitchell and art collector Todd Wingate, the exibit showcases recently acquired art along with selections from the permanent collection. Riverside Art Museum, 3425 Mission Inn Ave.; 951-684-7111; www.riversideartmuseum.org.

LAKE ALICE TRADING CO. THROUGH MARCH 28 – Johnny Love (Reggae), Feb. 26; Factory Tuned Band (classic rock/current hits), Feb. 27; Pac Men (1980s), Feb. 28 and March 28; Inertia (original music), March 5; 212 Band (classic rock), March 6; Gravity Guild (classic and alternative rock), March 7; Little George (classic rock acoustic), March 11; Ned & the Dirt (original music/indie), March 12; Driven (classic rock), March 14; All In (classic rock/current hits), March 17; Skunkdub (reggae), March 19; Doux Boys (classic rock/ current hits), March 20; David Paul Band 10 | riversidethemag.com | february-march 2015

‘RAGTIME THE MUSICAL’ APRIL 3-12 – With a story that centers around three diverse families living in early 20th-century America, the acclaimed musical’s Broadway version was the winner of the 1998 Tony for best score, book and orchestrations.

Landis Performing Arts Center, 4800 Magnolia Ave., Riverside; $29-$50; 951-222-8100; www.performanceriverside.org.

Also: “Clybourne Park,” May 6-9.

(classic rock/current hits), March 21; Jacob Cummings (original music), March 25; Hunter & the Dirty Jacks (classic rock), March 27.

3616 University Ave., Riverside; 951-686-7343; www.lakealicetradingco.com.

FOX THEATER THROUGH APRIL 14 – Very Best of Celtic Thunder, Feb. 28; Kathleen Madigan, March 7; Chris Botti, April 11; “The Sing-Off,” April 14.

Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; 7:30 p.m.; 951-779-9800; www.riversidelive.com.

FILM SCREENINGS THROUGH APRIL 18 – Domestic and foreign films: “Maidentrip,” Feb. 27-28; “Wild,” March 6-7; “Mommy” (Canada), March 13-14; “Stray Dogs” (Taiwan), March 20-21; “Code Black,” March 27; “Cesar Chavez” and “Struggle in the Fields,” March 28; “Citizenfour” (Germany), April 3; “Life Itself,” April 10-11; “In Bloom,” April 17-18. Culver Center of the Arts, 3834 Main St., Riverside; 951-827-4787; http://culvercenter.ucr.edu.

COMEDY APOCALYPSE 12 FEB. 25 – Cutting-edge humor by comics with credits that include Comedy Central and HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam.” The Barn, 900 University Ave., Riverside; 951-827-4331; www.facebook.com/ucrbarn.

ARTS WALK MARCH 5 – Browse more than 20 art galleries, studios and museums with exhibits in various art mediums. Among them: The Riverside Metropolitan Museum has “An Asian Pacific American Story.” Special performances, poetry, theater, hands-on art activities, refreshments and more. Continues the first Thursday of every month. Downtown Riverside; 6-9 p.m.; 951-682-6737; www.riversidedowntown.org.

CLASSIC CAR SHOW MARCH 8 – Monthly car show. Continues the second Sunday of each month. Canyon Crest Towne Centre, 5225 Canyon Crest Drive, Riverside; 1-4 p.m.; 951-686-1222; www.cctownecentre.com.

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‘THE PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE’ MARCH 24 – Pink Floyd fans will be taken on a musical journey through the hits by the British rock band. Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; 951-335-3469; www.riversidelive.com. Also: “In the Mood,” April 4; “Les Miserables,” June 5-6.

‘NO SEX PLEASE, WE’RE BRITISH’ MARCH 27-APRIL 12 – A young bride lives in a residence above a bank with her husband, who is the assistant bank manager, in this farce

by Anthony Marriott and Alistair Foot.

Riverside Community Players Theater, 4026 14th St., Riverside; 951-686-4030; www.riversidecommunityplayers.com.

‘ORIGINALLY RIVERSIDE’ MARCH 28-29 – Special staged reading of a new musical work by Riverside Reptertory Theater. The Box theater, Fox Entertainment Plaza, 3635 Market St., Riverside; www.riversiderep.org..

KARL LARSON APRIL 8 – Pianist wraps the Outpost Concert Series. Culver Center of the Arts, UCR ARTSblock, 3824 Main St., Riverside; 951-827-4787; http://sweeney.ucr.edu.

Also: Indigenous Choreographers at Riverside, featuring the work of Tanya Lukin Linklater and Emily Johnson, May 7.

INTER-TRIBAL POW WOW APRIL 18 – Highlights include grand entry, gourd dancing, arts & crafts and food. Sherman Indian High School and Museum, 9010 Magnolia Ave., Riverside; 951-276-6719, ext. 321; www.shermanindianmuseum.org. Also: Miss Sherman Pageant, Talent Show, 6-9 p.m.

April 17 at Robert Levi Memorial Auditorium.

SALUTE TO VETERANS PARADE APRIL 18 – Tenth annual event honoring veterans of all ages and eras, with marching bands, equestrian and color guard units, bagpipes, antique cars, military vehicles and floats. Pancake breakfast is served for $5 at the Riverside City College staging area. Downtown Riverside; 10 a.m. to noon; free; 951-687-1175; www.asalutetoveterans.com.

RIVERSIDE ART MARKET APRIL 25 – Artist and craft booths, facepainting, children’s activities, demonstrations of glass-blowing, print-making and painting, popup restaurants and food trucks highlight this second-annual event. Riverside Art Museum, 3425 Mission Inn Ave.; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 951-684-7111; 951-201-8173; www.riversideartalliance.org.

FLOWER SHOW AND GARDEN TOUR APRIL 25-26 – 68th annual Riverside Community Flower Show and Garden Tour, with a tour of private gardens. “Ocean of Blooms” is the theme. Elks Lodge, 6166 Brockton Ave., Riverside; flower show 1-6 p.m.

Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, home garden tours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days; 951-777-0746; www.riversideflowershow.info.

‘MRS. PACKARD’ APRIL 30-MAY 9 – Based on historical events from the early 1860s, Emily Mann’s play focuses on one woman, who was wrongly committed to an asylum, and her struggle to right a system gone awry. Studio Theatre, Arts 113, UC Riverside, 900 University Ave.; 8 p.m.; 951-827-3245; http://theatre.ucr.edu.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY PHILHARMONIC MAY 9 – “Stars of the Philharmonic,” featuring Rossini’s “William Tell Overture,” Williams’ “Fantasia on a Theme” and, showcasing Eileen Holt, The Phil’s principal flute, Nielsen’s “Flute Concerto.” Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; 951-787-0251; www.thephilharmonic.org.

‘CAHUILLA CONTINUUM’ ONGOING – Exhibit tells the story of a Southern California native people, the Cahuilla, through more than 160 artifacts. Metropolitan Museum, 3580 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; 951-826-5273; www.riversideca.gov/museum.

Also: “Telling Riverside’s Story in 50 Objects” and “Nature Lab,” both ongoing.

DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET ONGOING – Fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and more. Downtown, Main Street between Fifth and Sixth streets, Riverside; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays; 951-826-2434.

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Rain in the forecast March 25-26

There will be no drought of classic Beatles hits when Rain comes to the Fox Performing Arts Center next month.

Founded in 1975, Rain has been in the Beatles tribute business longer than just about anybody. The group’s performance opens with America’s introduction to the group via “The Ed Sullivan Show” and

musically moves its way through several milestones, including the Shea Stadium concert, the movie years and the release of the “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Abbey Road” albums.

The current tour boasts several upgrades, such as a new set with high-definition LED screens and a playlist that delves even

deeper into the Beatles anthology.

“We really want the audience to feel like they’re seeing the Beatles,” says Steve Landes, AKA John Lennon. “We’re paying musical tribute to the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in history.”

Information: www.foxriversidelive.com – Jerry Rice

RANCHO BELAGO

february-march 2015 | riversidethemag.com | 13

Cover story

Powering up

for

14

tomorrow

Leadership Riverside participants are introduced to a range of topics during the 10-month program.

A day focusing on health and emergency services included a presentation at California Baptist University’s School of Nursing and simulation lab.

A trio of leadership programs give participants tools to become better doers and decision-makers Leadership Riverside Written by Amy Bentley

W

| riversidethemag.com | february-march 2015

hen Lorna Jenkins applied for Leadership Riverside, she had no idea it would lead to piloting a C-17 flight simulator at March Air Reserve

Base or visiting with the Police Department’s bomb squad.

These were just two of the many activities that Jenkins experienced during the training program offered by the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce. The hope is that those who complete it will learn more about their community and will help make Riverside a better place.

“This is not a leadership development course, because (the participants) are already leaders in their own right whether it’s through their professions or their experiences,” said Cindy Roth, chamber president and CEO. Many of them, she adds, might be an expert in one or two areas, but the program gives them a greater understanding of a broad range of local and regional issues. After graduation, they’ll be better equipped to speak about those issues, and potentially even offer ideas and solutions as a member of city, county and regional boards and commissions.

“They may find a passion that is different from what they were focused on before,” said Roth, adding that she also sees graduates as potential candidates for gubernatorial File photo appointments.

Cindy Roth “We need to make sure our region is at the table in Sacramento,” she said, “otherwise we could be on the table real quick.”

Jenkins, who owns My Learning Studio and My Learning Studio Outreach in Riverside, gained insight on city operations and discovered the importance of Riverside County’s military installations to the area’s economy. Jenkins says she became close friends with fellow students she otherwise never would have met, and had lots of fun in the process.

“Our first day was pretty exciting,” she recalled. “We had a scavenger hunt around downtown. We uncovered so much history within two hours, such as Chinatown, Flyers Wall at the Mission Inn, all the statues and the cemetery.”

“There was always homework,” she added.

“During Government Day, my group had an assignment regarding AB10 — the minimum wage annual adjustment. Being the only small business owner in the entire group of 22 was a little tough, since I had employees and most others were employed. I felt they didn’t realize the impact of the increase and yet after I presented my argument, most had a better understanding of the impact it would (Riverside continues on Page 16)

Grier academy students meet with political and business leaders, including Riverside Mayor William “Rusty” Bailey, center.

Eleanor Jean Grier Leadership Academy Written by Amy Bentley

E

leanor Jean Grier spent her life helping others improve the quality of their lives, and if the former Riverside educator and civil rights activist were alive today she’d likely be thrilled that the city is home to a successful leadership program named in her honor.

The Eleanor Jean Grier Leadership Academy has produced 144 graduates — mostly African Americans from the Riverside area.

But people of all races, ages and backgrounds are welcome to apply for this free 13-week leadership development program, says Katie Greene, who started it in 2007 with the Riverside African American Historical Society and serves as its project coordinator.

“Our goal is to groom leadership from the underrepresented groups and the minority community, but that doesn’t limit us. We have graduated Hispanics, whites, blacks, Indians — anyone,” she said. “The only requirement is that they are committed to the time. The staff is made up of volunteers, and we can’t do repeat classes.”

After launching with a $90,000 grant from The James Irvine Foundation, the academy has been able to continue thanks to other

grants and donations from local politicians and organizations.

During each session, which runs from August through November, classes meet on Thursday nights at the offices of the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County.

Typically, 12-15 people are enrolled, ranging in age from 19 to 70.

Local public officials, community and nonprofit leaders, and others come to discuss a range of topics, including public speaking; the basics of government; the Brown Act open-meeting law; serving on local boards, commissions and nonprofits; leadership styles; ethics; nonprofit budgeting and grants; law enforcement; how to campaign for elective office; and dealing with the media. Students attend a City Council meeting and come away with valuable exposure to Riverside’s movers and shakers as well as lasting relationships with fellow participants.

“We cover public speaking because good leaders need to know how to express themselves and get their point across,” said Green, adding that the curriculum includes a Toastmasters presentation.

One of the most popular classes (Grier continues on Page 17)

february-march 2015 | riversidethemag.com | 15

(Riverside continued from Page 15)

NEW

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WARRANTY

actually have on the economy.”

She was thrilled to go behind the scenes at the Fox Performing Arts Center, the Convention Center and March Air Reserve Base, where the group toured aircraft and she piloted a simulator. They also met local judges and prosecutors and spent time with police dogs and bomb squad members at the Riverside Police Department.

Launched in 1986 with the first class graduating in 1987, Leadership Riverside consists of 10 monthly, full-day sessions on topics including law and justice, economic development, military affairs, health and emergency services, arts and culture, and education.

Each year, the program brings together a diverse group of 20 to 26 people — the current session has 12 men and 12 women — with varied ethnicities, backgrounds and perspectives.

A steering committee revises the program’s curriculum each year to keep it current, says Brian Hawley, chairman of the Leadership Riverside steering committee and a 2007 graduate. For example, an assignment given to last year’s group was to create a presentation on the propositions that appeared on the November ballot.

“It’s always contemporary,” added Brian Hawley Hawley, who is chairman and chief technology officer of Luminex Software in Riverside.

In addition, every group works on a class project. Hawley’s put together a disaster preparedness training program for the city; another class organized the first Citrus Classic bike ride, a benefit for the Riverside Educational Enrichment and the Alvord Educational foundations; and yet another worked on a building project with Habitat for Humanity. The most recent graduating class organized October’s TEDx event at the Fox. Leadership Riverside has produced more than 600 graduates — from small business owners and company presidents to political leaders and top cops. They include Security Pacific Bank President Mike Vanderpool, Grand Terrace Mayor Darcy McNaboe and Riverside Police Chief Sergio Diaz.

Jack B. Clarke Jr., a partner with the law firm Best Best & Krieger, was a member of the first graduating class.

“Leadership Riverside expands your perspective, and that broadening of your perspective improves the leadership base for Riverside,” he said. “The biggest benefit is talking with people about the things that they see as problems but from a different perspective.”

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CA St. Lic. #890749

When: Classes are one day a month, September through June.

Applications for 2015-16 will be due in late June or early July.

Information: 951-683-7100; www.riverside-chamber.com

each session is when grassroots community leaders come to share what inspires them.

The Rev. Ralph Rivers, a minister for 14 years and the associate pastor at Good News Community Baptist Church, was in the first graduating class and says it was a great experience.

“It opened many doors and helped me hone some skills I didn’t know I had,” said Rivers, who helped create the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce.

“What I liked about the academy is the friendships and the contacts I got from my participation,” he said, adding that he formed a graduate alumni group. “We try to keep in touch and make sure our alumni are ready to lend a hand in the community.”

Other Grier academy graduates include Jonathan Armstead, a member of the Riverside Human Relations Commission; and Christina Duran, who

Assemblyman Jose Medina, left of center, offered his perspectives on working with fellow legislators in Sacramento during a Grier academy class.

is active with the Community Settlement Association of Riverside and the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Alisha Wilkins, who serves on the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and is on the board of the county Fair Housing Council, was a graduate of the second Grier class.

“We learned so much about leadership styles — directing,

delegating, supporting, coaching — and that you always have to continue to develop as a leader,” she said. “It was empowering to know my skill set, and it gave me the confidence to take on other leadership opportunities.”

When: Classes meet weekly, August through November.

Information: 951-509-2990 or email Katie Greene at kteagee2@char ter.net

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february-march 2015 | riversidethemag.com | 17

A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management

Leaders o

Written by Jerry Rice

T

alk about high aspirations.

Leaders of the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management are looking forward to the day when the program is ranked among the top 50 business schools in the nation.

Already, the AGSM is highly regarded as a place to learn accounting, finance, marketing and both general and supply chain management, according to Arkadiusz Mironko, executive director of graduate programs.

In addition, the school’s Sloan Center for Internet Retailing has been recognized as a leading university research center devoted to the study of e-commerce marketing.

Part of the School of Business Administration at UC Riverside, the Anderson graduate school has 300 students — twice as many as it had three years ago — and enrollment is expected to grow even more through 2020.

In November, the school received a $2.5 million gift from the A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation that is expected to help an effort to attract more top-level instructors and increase scholarship offerings for Inland Empire students.

“It means a lot of opportunities — developing research, supporting our students by helping them pay tuition, and also hiring new faculty, which will promote new research,” Mironko said.

“It’s an all-around benefit for the school and the community.”

Other growth areas for AGSM include marketing and entrepreneurial leadership.

The school is named for A. Gary Anderson, the late veteran of the mortgage banking and real estate industries. In 1976, when he purchased Directors Mortgage Loan Corp., the company had four offices and about 100 employees; within 15 years it had grown to become the nation’s 18

| riversidethemag.com | february-march 2015

Patrick Brien Executive Director, Riverside Arts Council

Enrollment at the Anderson graduate school is expected to continue growing for the next several years.

15th largest residential lender with $3.85 billion in loans.

Anderson, who died of cancer in 1992 at the age of 52, also started the nonprofit Children’s Fund of San Bernardino County and was a founding member of the Inland Empire Economic Council. After the Anderson Foundation presented an endowment to the school in 1994, it was renamed in his honor.

Notable alumni include Robert Fraley, managing director of the Fortress Investment Group; Steven Jones, vice president of the investment management firm PIMCO; and Byron H. Pollitt, chief financial officer at VISA. Mironko says that the Anderson Graduate School of Management offers students an educational experience that will benefit them throughout their careers.

“The business world is a fairly competitive landscape, so we want to have people who will be able to succeed in the program and in the job marketplace as well,” he said.

“Graduates go into entry-level and mid-level management jobs, but many of them very quickly become fasttracked into higher management positions. The skills they acquire during the program are beneficial, and they pay off very quickly.”

Information: http://agsm.ucr.edu

What does “leadership” mean to you?

For me, leadership begins with the ability to think objectively. It is the ability to see the overall picture. It continues with the ability to think abstractly and geometrically — the ability to see things from several perspectives and to imagine the effects of actions. Finally, it is the ability to inspire.

Can you get others to want to do what you ask? Anyone can force a person to do something. Can you inspire them to want to do it? Leadership is making those around you better.

What are three attributes that leaders share?

Ego, compassion and flexibility. Leaders have to believe in themselves. They have to know that they are good at what they do.

A leader has to be considerate of the needs and feelings of others. If people know that their leaders care about them, then they will go the extra mile. A leader has to able to know when changing directions is a good thing. And they cannot be ashamed of doing so. Going down with the ship is not the best choice. The best choice is figuring out a way to keep the ship afloat.

Jack B. Clarke Jr. Partner, Best Best & Krieger What’s the best leadership advice you’ve received?

Treat all people with dignity and respect, without regard to their situation in life. My Mom and Dad gave me that advice. It is useful because it works.

What are three attributes that leaders share?

Quiet confidence; clear, but changeable vision; a thirst for learning.

s on leadership

A Riverside Magazine survey: What does it take to guide and inspire others?

Lea Deesing

Tonya Kennon

Chief Innovation Officer, City of Riverside

Public Library Director, City of Riverside

Where do you find leadership?

I see great leadership expressed every day in ways that may not resemble that of a military leader or a CEO of a large corporation.

I witness leadership at our local animal rescue center where volunteers are saving lost pets, giving these pets the life-saving breaks they need. I see leadership in our local homeless shelters where the strength of one leader has the power to impact the lives of entire families and future generations.

Sometimes my daughter is my great leader of the day, because she stood up against something she believed was wrong.

Are leaders born or made?

Leaders are often born with charisma along with a sense of optimism, focus and passion, but people can develop these attributes when they believe strongly in a cause.

Jim Fuson Senior General Manager, Galleria at Tyler What’s the best leadership advice you’ve received?

Long ago, my supervisor advised me to put the right people in the right seat and to hire 10’s. You can have the best organizational plan around, but without great people in the right positions, you will be going nowhere fast.

What are three attributes that leaders share?

Integrity, respect, continual learning Are leaders born or made?

For some, leadership comes more naturally than others, however, I believe that leaders are developed through learning, observation, education and experience.

What does “leadership” mean to you?

Living my life in a manner that inspires and encourages others to live better.

Simple, really, but all encompassing, that living par t. The choices I make, the language I use, my actions and reactions — all of it.

What’s the best leadership advice you’ve received?

“You can do anything.” My mother would say it, mean it, and dare her children not to believe it, too. She sought oppor tunity for us to grow and shine and give. We’re all still believing and seeking oppor tunity to do that.

Name up to three great leaders.

• My mother, who always led by example.

I continuously check myself against the standards she set and the wisdom she impar ted. She was benevolent and gracious beyond belief. It’s no wonder I still meet people who, when they learn I am her daughter, hug me tight and tell me a story about the difference she made in their life.

• Mar tin Luther King Jr. A book of his letters has a permanent place on my nightstand. I reread them often. Among other things, Dr. King was a great visionary and communicator who thought beyond himself. Shouldn’t we all?

• Moses. Yep, the biblical one. Faith, perseverance and tenacity. Enough said.

Darcy McNaboe Mayor, Grand Terrace; 2006 Leadership Riverside graduate What does “leadership” mean to you?

Leadership is summed up to me in this quote by Gen. Douglas MacAr thur: “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set

out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”

To me, leaders learn of or observe something that needs to be done or improved and pull together the resources to make it happen. They have a way of bringing others together to effect changes.

And they understand that following the path already laid out won’t take them to new achievements.

Are leaders born or made?

I believe all individuals have leadership potential. With some individuals it takes the right issues, situation or cause to ignite the leadership potential making it seem that their capacity has been nur tured. Others have broader interests and show their leadership more frequently perhaps making it seem that they were born with the capacity.

Thomas L. Miller Attorney, Reid & Hellyer; Coordinator, Riverside Airshow What’s the best leadership advice you’ve received?

Probably the most compelling advice I ever received was from a drill instructor in the Marine Corps during boot camp in about 1966. He often repeated the phrase, “Lead, follow or get out of the way.” That simple piece of advice has stayed with me through all the years. Even though it has been often repeated and more than likely overused, it is still good advice. It means that we are moving ahead no matter what!

What are three attributes that leaders share?

Charisma, confidence and stamina Are leaders born or made?

Leaders are born, but through education and such things as leadership colleges their knowledge and leadership abilities can be enhanced. Great leaders are born and then life’s education, whether formal or through the school of hard knocks, just makes their leadership ability that much better. february-march 2015 | riversidethemag.com | 19

Sarah Mundy Director of Museums & Cultural Affairs, City of Riverside What does “leadership” mean to you?

Leadership is the ability to forge out in front, off the beaten path if necessary, to actualize a vision.

Name up to three great leaders.

There are a great many leaders I admire both past and present. On this given day I would have to say: • Pope Francis, for his ability to buck the status quo, create a fresh path and truly follow his moral compass.

• Geoffrey Canada, president and CEO of Harlem Children’s Zone, for his continual approach to changing and making things better. Canada didn’t believe his work was ever done and kept refining and star ting new approaches for addressing urban poor children.

• Winston Churchill, for his ability to galvanize a nation and beyond.

Bobbie Neff CEO, Community Connect

What’s the best leadership advice you’ve received?

It came from Cecil Steppe, director of the Depar tment of Public Social Services. Every moment spent with him was a lesson in leadership. He inspired me by putting his trust in me. I was given a specialized assignment, and I was very, very low in the chain of command. When it became apparent that I may need to speak publicly or make decisions to be successful in the assignment, Cecil said to me, “When you are in the community, you are me. Make whatever decisions you need to make, say whatever you need to say, and commit me to whatever you think I need to do.” Then he laughed and said, “Just don’t get me into trouble.”

When I left his office, I clearly remember thinking that there was no way I ever wanted to disappoint this man. This modeled “advice” was how to inspire people by showing them your trust.

It has been useful to me because it taught me the value of trust, both giving it and earning it.

20

| riversidethemag.com | february-march 2015

Dr. Lari Nelson Principal, Bryant School of Arts & Innovation What does “leadership” mean to you?

I love the quote, “Be the kind of leader you would follow.” This leader would be someone who stands not only for the cause of his organization but also takes responsibility to encourage and inspire others to higher levels of performance, commitment and motivation. This leader guides and suppor ts others on their course of action so they can achieve lofty goals.

Most impor tantly, this leader maintains personal and professional ethics, integrity and fairness and expects the same behavior from others.

What’s the best leadership advice you’ve received?

While I was serving as an assistant principal in Riverside Unified under Principal Char Gebeau, she taught me that “It’s all about relationships!” As team members build strong relationships with one another that are based in trust, they are better able to utilize their combined strengths to accomplish collective goals, as well as hold one another accountable for their individual contributions.

Col. Kenneth N. Rose Commander, 452nd Maintenance Group, March Air Reserve Base What does “leadership” mean to you?

Leadership is about taking care of one’s people, so they’ll take care of the mission.

To me, this involves asking a lot of good questions and listening to the answers without judgment. Good questions and good listening helps leaders understand, and as leaders, we can’t help our people with their problems if we don’t understand them.

Name up to three great leaders.

• Ulysses S. Grant. He lacked a number of conventional leadership traits, but he made the most of his strengths. His downto-ear th demeanor, integrity and battlefield tenacity won the allegiance of his suppor ting commanders and his soldiers as well. Grant often deviated from the old, conservative continental style of warfare; this made him vulnerable to second guessing. Grant, however, held firm to his conclusions and

based his decisions on rational, real-time analyses of the battlefield, not convention or politics. His signature campaign, the isolation and defeat of Vicksburg, is one of the greatest achievements by any U.S. general.

• Malala Yousafzai. Malala’s leadership strengths transcend age, gender and culture.

I admire how her gifted mind was, and is, resistant to the religious indoctrination of the Taliban, and I doubt there’s anyone who better exemplifies the power of education in the fight against extremism and intolerance. Even more impressive than her intellect is her fearlessness.

• Don Henderson, an everyday leader who was a high school cross-country coach as well as my seventh-grade physical education teacher. His students consistently earned high rankings at the top levels of competition. His success is a testament to the power of enthusiasm and living a good example. Students turned out by the dozens to run with Don. Well into his 50s, Don par took in every workout himself, running every mile and every sprint with his runners.

Every member of his team came to understand that in the pursuit of excellence, hard work leads to good results.

Dr. Lynne M. Sheffield Principal, J.W. North High School Name up to three great leaders.

Dr. Mar tin Luther King Jr., Gandhi and my mother, Ber tie Reeves. All of these leaders were visionaries. They were servant leaders who gave of themselves to help others. All had/have the ability to bring a community of people together building peace.

My mother was a teacher for over 30 years. She was a full-time teacher, mother and wife. I enjoyed seeing many of her students come back to her and thank her for her guidance throughout their education.

What do you think about as you start and/or finish your day?

I have decided to develop “Affirmations” at the beginning of each year. I have five affirmations — personal and professional goals that I would like to accomplish. When I star t the day, my affirmations begin with the statement, “Thank you for all of my blessings and I am grateful for…” I end my day by reviewing all that occurred within the day and do a quick review for the next day.

I truly believe that many of my accomplishments star ted as one of my affirmations and then they became a reality.

Dr. Jonathan Lorenzo Yorba

Suzanne Singer

Pete Young Director, Riverside National Cemetery

President and CEO, The Community Foundation

Rabbi, Temple Beth El What does “leadership” mean to you?

The ability to move and inspire people to action for the greater good. In my case, as a rabbi, I believe I need to be priest and prophet. Priest in the sense that I have a pastoral role in helping people cope with their lives as well as live up to their potential. Prophet in the sense that I must speak truth to and about power, offering a path of ethics and justice to those I serve.

What’s the best leadership advice you’ve received?

In rabbinical school, we learned about tzimtzum — the mystical idea that God had to contract in order to make space for the world. By the same token, a good leader (as well as a good teacher) must pull back in order to make room for those being led.

In other words, the leader cannot allow his or her ego to take over. Rather, the leader must empower the group he/she is leading.

What does “leadership” mean to you?

The meaning of the word “leadership” continues to change over time, from the “position” of a leader to the “characteristics” necessary to be a leader. I agree with this conceptual evolution because leadership can be found throughout an organization. That is, leadership is not only exercised at the top; it exists throughout the foundation — whether or not one is empowered to demonstrate leadership.

Are leaders born or made?

This is the “nature” versus “nur ture” debate. It’s really a combination. I’m fascinated by twins (which I have in my family) because I’ve seen two genetically identical people exhibit the attributes of a leader and a follower, depending on the context.

What’s the best leadership advice you’ve received?

Assume your people want to do the right thing and be successful, but hold them appropriately accountable when necessary.

Additionally, if they aren’t successful it’s your role as a leader to determine what you could have done to change the outcome.

I learned that from a grizzled Navy officer when I was newly promoted to my first supervisory position in 1972.

What do you think about as you start and/or finish your day?

Star t: Prioritize tasks and ensure the necessary resources are available for the team.

Finish: Have I done everything I possibly could have to help the team today?

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music

g n i g n i S

of

Summer Twins Photo by Joy Newell

s e s i a r p the

Lisa Kekaula and Bob Vennum of The BellRays

Homegrown musicians appreciate having Back to the Grind and other local places to play Written by George A. Paul

A

ny place that helps nurture original talent is an important part of a city’s local music scene, and Back to the Grind is among Riverside’s most prominent non-traditional venues to fulfill that role.

For 19 years, the University Avenue coffeehouse owned by Darren Conkerite has provided a casual space for musicians and others to display their creative gifts.

“I am very grateful for the support Back to the Grind has always had for us as artists,” said Lisa Kekaula, singer with The BellRays. “Darren made a decision to commit to the music scene as soon as he opened. Downtown would not be thriving like it is right now, were it not for the anchor that Back to the Grind provided.”

Kekaula has performed at The Grind upwards of 40 times with her garage rock ’n’ soul band and other groups. She’s toured internationally, provided guest vocals for high profile electronica duos (the BRIT Award-winning Basement Jaxx and The Crystal Method) and more recently, the album “Re-Licked” by James Williamson, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer from Iggy & the Stooges.

Upcoming The Jezebelles: March 28 at Mission Tobacco Lounge, Riverside Summer Twins: March 28 at Burgerama 4, Observatory Grounds, Santa Ana

The Jezebelles

When The BellRays debuted at The Grind in the ‘90s, she recalled “the atmosphere was rich and hopeful,” making it stand apart from other popular music locales at the time, some of which were “very small and dark.”

Yet The Grind was downtown during a time when the city didn’t want music clubs [there],” Kekaula recalled. “A coffeehouse seemed like the only place that wasn’t going to get the trouble that venues with alcohol were dealing with.

See’s Coffee was the original coffeehouse gig, but very different. Starbucks wasn’t everywhere yet. Those shows and audiences were meaningful to us. The crowds were very diverse.”

(Please see related story on Page 26.)

After Summer Twins started playing around the area in the mid-2000s, Back to the Grind “was the only all-ages venue in Riverside and still is one of the few that are always open to exploring new ideas and allowing us some freedom when it comes to putting on shows,” said vocalist/guitarist Chelsea Brown.

The dream pop duo’s popularity at the

File photo

Groove Session has been a regular at several local venues, including Lake Alice Trading Co., Riverside Plaza and the Vibe.

coffeehouse and elsewhere around SoCal led to a tour of Japan, opening stints for The Zombies, The Muffs, Raveonettes, Matthew Sweet and The Plimsouls’ Peter Case in addition to a regular slot at Burger Records festivals in California.

As a teenager, Brown said she and her friends frequently put together shows in

the Grind basement. It “provided a space for us to explore, meet people and form a community around music and art. I feel really grateful that we had access to a place like that at a young age.”

Having a welcoming environment for kids to hang out and offer support of their creative endeavors “left a huge

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impact. … Back to the Grind will always feel like home for us.”

The coffeehouse’s “all ages” live shows and focus on original music fostered a special reputation among local musicians.

Kekaula said that policy “was essential to surviving the ‘90s and 2000s in Riverside as a band back then. Very few places like Mario’s Place and Back to the Grind were trying to help keep music alive during that time. You had to be acoustic, but it really made you grateful they were there.”

According to the BellRays singer, Conkerite catered to a “specific batch of alienated music/art-oriented people that wanted community.”

Last year, a series of fundraising events called Come Together for the Grind began to assist in necessary business upgrades. Gabe Roth of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings served as DJ. “When I heard Darren was in a pinch, I was anxious to contribute what I could just like everyone else,” said Roth, a Grammy-winning musician whose recording studio is only a block away

from the coffeehouse. “I couldn’t believe how many familiar faces turned up to support the cause — not just artists and college kids, but lawyers, professors, teachers.”

Roth added, “After all that Darren has done for the people of Riverside over the years … it was really moving to see the community reciprocate and step forward to acknowledge how important it is to keep The Grind going.”

Lake Alice Trading Co. and Mission Tobacco Lounge also have helped the Riverside music scene thrive in recent years.

“There were very long dark spells here in Riverside, and I am glad they have become a thing of the past,” Kekaula said.

One local act that has benefitted from regular gigs at MTL is The Jezebelles.

Since making their concert debut there in 2011, the all-girl rock choir always draws “an eclectic, lively crowd that’s genuinely interested in seeing something new,” said member Nita Newton. The club “has always been supportive our projects and the local music scene.”

The female group’s initial MTL appearance, Kelsey Dyer said, “was a packed house full of energy that was not able to be recreated anywhere else outside that venue, on that downtown street, in the heart of the city we love.”

Since then, the 15-member Jezebelles have put out an EP on iTunes produced

by Mike Cosgrove of Alien Ant Farm, released two music videos, played the Hootenanny festival and House of Blues in Anaheim.

Fellow Jezebelle Lauren Biggers believes these downtown venues have helped the Riverside music scene flourish.

“These are places where we get to express our art, congregate and network, meet our friends and enjoy each other’s company,” she explained.

“The owners of these venues are outgoing and open-minded when it comes to the music and arts scene. They understand the diversity and the culture and are always eager to provide a venue to express ourselves — be it hosting art shows, fairs, fundraisers or concerts.”

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february-march 2015 | riversidethemag.com | 25

TASTE

Enjoying the Darren Conkerite has spent nearly two decades building Back to the Grind into a coffeehouse that offers much more than a great cup of Joe. Photo by Eric Reed

Grind

Coffee-lovers keep returning to a popular downtown landmark for everything it is ­— and is not Written by Betts Griffone

W

hen Back to the Grind opened in 1996, the independent downtown coffeehouse was referred to on T-shirts as “Riverside’s most comfortable living room.”

It remains that today, with comfy couches and overstuffed chairs filling the area near the entrance so customers can kick back and engage in conversation, read the latest headlines and follow what’s trending in social media as they enjoy a cup of Joe, an espresso or a flavored cappuccino.

In the center area, where there are several small round tables, a coffee bar runs along much of one wall. Hanging adjacent to the menu boards behind the bar, there’s an eclectic collection of art, which changes monthly. On the opposite wall there are shelves stuffed with books and interesting 26

| riversidethemag.com | february-march 2015

memorabilia.

“Our customers borrow the books to read and then they return them — sometimes,” quips Darren Conkerite, who started Back to the Grind with his best friend, Scott Cole.

On a recent morning, Mike Stumpt called out greetings from behind the coffee bar while he and Conkerite skillfully filled orders for customers. Many of them appeared to be regulars and happily carried on conversations as they waited for their coffee, tea, smoothie or sandwich, which were all made to order.

At one point, a UC Riverside graduate who was quietly reading a book, struck up a conversation with Stumpt about

3 to enjoy Three Back to the Grind specialties and the stories behind them:

Photo by James Carbone

Sierra LaPoint pours milk for a caffe latte, a coffeehouse classic.

the philosophers of the 1950s and ’60s, their use of LSD and its influence on attitudes about life.

Another gentleman, after ordering a coffee and sandwich, found a table and pulled a tiny drone from his briefcase.

He flew the brightly lighted “bug,” not much bigger than a large bumblebee, around the room to the delight of the customers. He also is a regular.

Race, socio-economic level, political persuasion or philosophy didn’t divide this crowd. Instead, it seemed to draw them together — apropos given Back to the Grind’s mission statement: “A place for all to come together, leaving labels outside.”

Here, it’s a much different vibe from the all-too-frequent experience at cookie-cutter coffee chain shops, where there’s less conversation and more laptops, iPads and smartphones.

“We’re a community networking kind of coffeehouse,” said Conkerite, adding that Back to the Grind opens its doors for everything from Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and get-togethers for college fraternities and sororities to fundraisers for nonprofits.

“They have a line of cars wrapped around the building just for the coffee,” he said, referring to a regular scene at many Starbucks locations. “We offer all

the other stuff along with our product to show that you can come and enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of pie or something else and also have some fun.”

When it comes to entertainment options, Back to the Grind has many.

Local musicians perform in a space downstairs, and the venue has served as a launchpad for several acts including the Naive Thieves, who also have been in concert in Hollywood; and the Summer Twins, a sister act that appeared last year at South by Southwest. (Please see the related story on Page 22.)

In addition, there are poetry readings, a pool table, and weekly screenings of old and classic movies — some of them silents.

A good-natured man, Conkerite has the well-being of his customers at heart.

As he sees their desires change, he adapts to meet them. An example: when Back to the Grind first opened, the food was prepared by a nearby deli, but shortly afterward a growing demand prompted him to start having nearly all the food prepared on the premises.

The menu is not extensive — mostly consisting of sandwiches (ham or turkey and cheese, tuna, peanut butter and jelly), chicken and veggie burgers, chicken wings, a stuffed veggie pita, personal-sized thin-crust pizzas and

Back to the Grind: One of the first coffee creations after Back to the Grind opened in 1996, this drink features a double shot of espresso, Ghiradelli dark and white chocolate and a touch of steamed milk, topped with whipped cream. It was inspired by the original owners, Darren Conkerite, an African-American, and Scott Cole, who is white, and remains a best-seller.

Steamer: This under-appreciated selection is perfect for those desiring a non-caffeinated drink. It’s made with steamed milk and a choice of 18 flavored syrups, including amaretto, Almond Roca, caramel, coconut, creme de menthe, hazelnut, kiwi and strawberry. Conkerite says steamers are delicious and a fun change of pace from the traditional coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

Orange Blossom Outrageous: Named for the old Orange Blossom Festival, which was last staged in 2006, the smoothie is a blend of orange juice, bananas, strawberries and crushed ice. The orange juice recalls Riverside’s citrus heritage, and bananas and strawberries are used, says Conkerite, simply “because they go really well with the orange juice.”

a few other items. After getting customer requests for ice cream, he started serving it.

As for a pair of Back to the Grind’s star attractions — coffee beans and espresso — the former is purchased from Coffee Bean International in Portland and the latter comes from Torch Coffee Roasters in Riverside.

At some point, Conkerite hopes to get a beer and wine license and start hosting wine tastings, hot and cold sake tastings and possibly even a class on brewing beer. (For special events, he currently gets a one-day license.) Other activities are in the planning stages.

“Cutting edge is a big deal, and we always try to keep things fresh and lively and hip,” said Conkerite, who became the sole owner of Back to the Grind in 2002, when he bought out Cole’s share of the business.

“You can’t be afraid of change,” Conkerite added. “If you keep things the same too long, people get bored.”

Customers have generally responded favorably, like they did in late August

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Sometimes relaxed and at other times lively, customers enjoy Back to the Grind’s atmosphere.

when an online fundraising campaign was launched to help finance needed improvements in the building, which dates to the early 1900s. Nearly $30,000 was donated, and several upgrades are

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underway or have been completed, including a renovation of the bathrooms and repairs to the flooring to meet ADA requirements, plus expanded electrical and gas lines to improve food service.

By this summer, a cooling system for the 2,000-square-foot basement is scheduled to be installed.

Regulars enjoy coming to Back to the Grind because it offers an experience that can’t be duplicated, Conkerite says.

“Everyone who comes here is attracted to the old historic feel of the building, the antique furniture — it’s their style. They’re into the music and into seeing the new artwork that goes up onto the walls,” he said.

“The traditional Starbucks person wouldn’t know what this is all about.

It would look odd to them because it’s so eclectic. It’s so mish-mash, it would kind of flip them out. But for a person who’s into the mish-mash, it really socks it to them because it’s a great space that’s very well designed for that look.”

Back to the Grind Where: 3575 University Ave., Riverside Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to midnight Friday-Saturday; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday Information: 951-784-0800; www.back2thegrind.com

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Martin Luther King Jr. Walk-A-Thon

Hundreds of supporters of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including political and business leaders, school groups and church members, recently took part in the 24th annual MLK Walk-A-Thon. Participants made the 3-mile trek from Bordwell Park, through downtown Riverside and past the King statue on the pedestrian mall, and concluded the walk at Riverside City College.

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(1) Assemblyman Jose Medina, left, LaShĂŠ Rodriguez and Chris Manning (2) Teliece Hughes, left, Mayor Rusty Bailey, with his daughter, and Natasha Ferguson (3) Councilman Mike Gardner and walkers (4) Arts and crafts table doing henna tattos (5) Riverside County Black Chamber President Pepi Jackson and Christina Duran Ph o t o s c o u r t e s y R i ve r s i d e A f r i c a n - A m e r i c a n Historical Society

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february-march 2015 | riversidethemag.com | 29

seen

State of the City Address

Delivering his third State of the City address, Mayor William “Rusty” Bailey highlighted some of Riverside’s achievements and outlined goals for the next few years in business, education, technology, transportation and other areas. A record 1,100 guests attended the event, presented recently at the Convention Center by the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce.

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(1) Margie Haupt, left, Lalit Acharya, Maureen Mitchell and Felina Rosales (2) Mayor William “Rusty” Bailey (3) Councilman Andy Melendrez, left, and Matt Friedlander (4) Gary Hertica, left, Brian Koeneker, Tim Martin and Bruce Kulpa (5) Sarah Varela, left, Linda O’Donnell and Angela Henson (6) Nick Feldkamp, left, Tim Adams and Andrew Parker (7) Herman Greene, left, and Stephen Jordan (8) Jeff Miyaoka and Dana Duncan (9) John Collins, left, Susan Rainey, Patricia Locke-Dawson and former Mayor Ron Loveridge (10) Sue Britton, left, Riverside Fire Chief Michael D. Moore and Lea Petersen (11) Bud and Claudia Luppino (12) Lilin Tse and Yundra Thomas (13) Rachel Hom, left, Brooke Biddle, Hannah Borg and Kaitlyn Lamb (14) Paula Myles, left, Jeff Salas and Sharilyn Hunke (15) J.D. Franklin and Shadini Perera Ph o t o s by J a m e s C a r b o n e

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| riversidethemag.com | february-march 2015

seen

Chocolate Fantasy 1

Savory and sweet treats from local restaurants, caterers and bakeries were on the menu for the 21st annual Chocolate Fantasy, presented recently by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside at the Mitten Building in Redlands. The event raised more than $85,000 for club programs, including all-day camps, field trips, academic support and scholarships.

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(1) Angela Brooks Van Niel and Peter Van Niel (2) Celia and Alan Ricard (3) Richard and Marianne Baldwin (4) Rowena and James Ramos (5) P.T. McEwen, left, and Tim Rochford (6) Melissa Martin and Shawn Wood (7) Dani Trynoski, left, and Jonathon Weiner (8) Chocolate desserts ready to be enjoyed.

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seen Thrivent Financial, a faithbased nonprofit financial services organization, recently hosted an event at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa to benefit Sole Exchange, a Riverside ministry that provides shoes to homeless individuals and families.

Attended by 90 supporters from several local churches and organizations, Reaching Souls with Soles collected 160 pairs of new or gently used shoes. Information: www.soleexchange.org

sav e th e date Reaching Souls with Soles 1

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Feb. 28 – Edgar Santos will discuss his experiences as an A-list celebrity makeup ar tist during the sixth annual Red Dress Fashion Show & Health Expo, hosted by Riverside Community Hospital’s Hear tCare Institute. Also: talks by board-cer tified physicians, hear t-health expo, workshops and free health screenings.

Riverside Convention Center, 3637 Fifth St.; 951-788-3463; www.rchreddressfashionshow.com.

March 17-19 – Free training will be offered by Home Instead Senior Care so caregivers can be better equipped to help family members with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The class is offered in three 90-minute sessions. Par ticipants will receive a free workbook and step-by-step tips to help with the care of their loved one.

Class size is limited. 6751 Brockton Ave., Riverside; 6-7:30 p.m.; 951-369-7047.

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March 14 – Banquet for Life is the annual benefit for Riverside Life Services, a nonprofit that offers free medical care and counseling to pregnant women. The organization has helped more than 10,000 local women during the last four decades. Riverside Convention Center, 3637 Fifth St., Riverside; 951-784-2422, www.riversidelifeservices.org.

March 14 – The eighth annual Live Your Dream conference, presented by Soroptimist International of Riverside, helps seventh- and eighthgrade girls identify the steps they need to take in order to reach their dreams. California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Ave., Riverside; http://soroptimistriverside.org.

March 21 – Walk with the Animals is a benefit to suppor t Mary S. Rober ts Pet Adoption Center programs. The 23rd annual event opens with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by a 1.3-mile walk around Fairmount Park. Dogs on a leash are welcome. Also: K-9 demonstrations at 10 a.m. and a vendor/exhibitor area will be open throughout the morning. Fairmount Park, 2601 Fairmount Blvd., Riverside; 951-688-4340, ext. 305, www.petsadoption.com.

March 26 – 115th Inaugural Celebration, presented by the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce. Event will honor Walter’s Automotive Group, business of the year; and Virginia Blumenthal, citizen of the year. Riverside Convention Center, 3637 Fifth St., Riverside; 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner and awards; 951-683-7100; www.riverside-chamber.com April 23 – The Riverside Community College District’s Recognition Awards and Ar ts Gala will honor individuals who have made notable contributions in their professional field and community or in suppor t of the Moreno Valley, Norco and Riverside City colleges. Riverside Convention Center, 3637 Fifth St.; for information contact Diana Meza at 951-222-8958 or diana.meza@rccd.edu.

loc al landmarks

A walk to

remember A

T ITS CORE, Riverside’s Main Street pedestrian mall is more than just a lovely walkway lined with shops, museums and businesses.

From its beginning across from the City Hall to its terminus at the Convention Center, the walk and the statues scattered across it are a tribute, not just to the heart of the city, but to human rights and dignity.

LALIT ACHARYA, director of international affairs for the Mayor’s Office, says the memorial statues on the mall, including those of Martin Luther King Jr. and local Medal of Honor recipient Ysmael R. Villegas, were not the product of a single grand vision, instead they emerged organically, paid for by private foundations created by local residents, and each, in its way, tells a narrative story.

The King memorial, right, depicts the civil rights leader in minister’s robes striding forward with two small children.

An enriching study, the statue is adorned with bas-relief scenes of watershed civil rights moments: the march on Selma, Rosa Parks’ bus ride, a lunch counter sit-in and the

A SOLDIER on eternal patrol amid dappled shadows, the memorial to Ysmael R. Villegas is on the south side of City Hall.

Villegas, who grew up in the Casa Blanca neighborhood, was the city’s first Medal of Honor recipient and was the first veteran buried at the Riverside National Cemetery.

“I have a dream” speech in Washington.

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1. Ysmael R. Villegas 2. Martin Luther King Jr. 3. Cesar Chavez 4. Ahn Chang-ho 5. Mahatma Gandhi 6. Eliza Tibbets

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ON IN MISSI

Riverside’s memorial statues

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Inn ission The M Spa Hotel &

Photos by Eric Reed and Don Sproul Special thanks to Lalit Acharya of the Riverside Mayor’s Office

february-march 2015 | riversidethemag.com | 33

THE MEMORIAL to Cesar Chavez is the newest on the Main Street mall. Unveiled in 2013 and created

by East L.A. ar tist Ignacio Gomez, it shows Chavez in his plaid shir t leading farm workers carrying boxes of grapes and produce. The workers are depicted in increasing size as Chavez leads them toward better lives and working conditions.

Of note, a woman at the center of the monument, carrying a UFW flag, clutches a book at her side; the title: “EDUCATION.”

ACTIVIST, REBEL, peaceful protester — Riverside’s tribute to Mahatma Gandhi tells stories within stories.

Surrounded by Indian champa trees and by stones etched with quotes about and by Gandhi, the memorial depicts him in traditional dress, his eyes cast downward. Around Gandhi are scenes of India’s movement toward freedom, from a young girl depicting innocence to the salt protest, and finally a grouping of his heirs in the struggle for human rights and dignity: among them King, Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa.

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| riversidethemag.com | february-march 2015

GARBED in a Western-style business suit, Ahn Chang-ho’s memorial, above, might mistaken for that of a 21st century figure, not the writer and independence activist who worked in Riverside about a century ago. Described as the George Washington of Korea and credited with co-authoring that country’s national anthem, Ahn helped Korean workers in the early 1900s. Surrounding his memorial are plaques depicting moments from his life, including one of Ahn working in a grove to demonstrate his belief in the dignity of human labor.

ARMS OUTSTRETCHED and twirling in a dress atop a column, the statue known as the “Sower’s Dream” honors Eliza Tibbets, who is a Riverside pioneer and the only woman memorialized on the Main Street mall.

Tibbets, along with her husband Luther, is credited with bringing navel oranges and the citrus industry to California. She also is remembered as an abolitionist, suffragist and spiritualist.

More information about Riverside and its history is available through the city’s Tour Guide app available for iPhone and Android at www.riversideca.gov/ apps.

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