Riverside, California
Overview
Riverside is a city in Riverside County
, California
, United States, and the county seat
of the eponymous county. Named for its location beside the Santa Ana River
, it is the largest city in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area of Southern California
, 4th largest inland California city after Fresno
, Sacramento
, and Bakersfield, and is located approximately 60 miles (96.6 km) east of Los Angeles
. Riverside is the 61st most populous city in the United States and 12th most populous city in California.
Riverside County, California
Riverside County is a county in the U.S. state of California. One of 58 California counties, it covers in the southern part of the state, and stretches from Orange County to the Colorado River, which forms the state border with Arizona. The county derives its name from the city of Riverside,...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, United States, and the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of the eponymous county. Named for its location beside the Santa Ana River
Santa Ana River
The Santa Ana River is the largest river of Southern California in the United States. Its drainage basin spans four counties. It rises in the San Bernardino Mountains and flows past the cities of San Bernardino and Riverside, before cutting through the northern tip of the Santa Ana Mountains and...
, it is the largest city in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area of Southern California
Southern California
Southern California is a megaregion, or megapolitan area, in the southern area of the U.S. state of California. Large urban areas include Greater Los Angeles and Greater San Diego. The urban area stretches along the coast from Ventura through the Southland and Inland Empire to San Diego...
, 4th largest inland California city after Fresno
Fresno
Fresno is the fifth largest city in California.Fresno may also refer to:-Places:Colombia* Fresno, TolimaSpain* Fresno, a ghost village in Nidáliga, Valle de Sedano, Burgos* Aldea del Fresno, Madrid* Fresno de la Vega, Ribera del Esla, León...
, Sacramento
Sacramento
Sacramento is the capital of the state of California, in the United States of America.Sacramento may also refer to:- United States :*Sacramento County, California*Sacramento, Kentucky*Sacramento – San Joaquin River Delta...
, and Bakersfield, and is located approximately 60 miles (96.6 km) east of Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
. Riverside is the 61st most populous city in the United States and 12th most populous city in California.
Unanswered Questions
Encyclopedia
Riverside is a city in Riverside County
, California
, United States, and the county seat
of the eponymous county. Named for its location beside the Santa Ana River
, it is the largest city in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area of Southern California
, 4th largest inland California city after Fresno
, Sacramento
, and Bakersfield, and is located approximately 60 miles (96.6 km) east of Los Angeles
. Riverside is the 61st most populous city in the United States and 12th most populous city in California. As of the 2010 Census, Riverside had a population of 303,871. The city spans 81 square miles (209.8 km²).
Riverside was founded in the early 1870s and is the birthplace of the California citrus industry
as well as home of the Mission Inn
, the largest Mission Revival Style
building in the United States. It is also home to the Riverside National Cemetery
.
The University of California, Riverside
is located in the northeastern part of the city. Other attractions in Riverside include the Fox Performing Arts Center
, Riverside Metropolitan Museum, which houses exhibits and artifacts of local history, the California Museum of Photography, the California Citrus State Historic Park
, and the Parent Washington Navel Orange Tree, one of the two original navel orange trees in California.
The city was founded in the early 1870s beside the Santa Ana River
by John W. North
, a staunch temperance-minded abolitionist
from Tennessee
, who had previously founded Northfield, Minnesota
. A few years after, the navel orange
was planted and found to be such a success that full-scale planting started. Riverside was temperance
minded, and Republican
. There were 4 saloons in Riverside when it was founded. The license fees were raised until the saloons moved out of Riverside. Investors from England and Canada transplanted traditions and activities adopted by prosperous citizens. As a result, the first golf course and polo
field in Southern California were built in Riverside.
The first orange trees were planted in 1871, but the citrus industry Riverside is famous for beginning three years later (1874) when Eliza Tibbets
received three Brazil
ian navel orange
trees sent to her by a personal friend, William Saunders
who was a horticulturist at the United States Department of Agriculture
in Washington, D.C.
The trees came from Bahia, Brazil. The Bahia Orange did not do well in Florida
, but its success in Southern California was phenomenal.
The three trees were planted on the Tibbets' property. One of the trees died after it was trampled by a cow during the first year it was planted. After the trampling other two trees were then transplanted to property belonging to Sam McCoy as the trees were not being cared for well enough by L. C. Tibbets, Eliza's husband. The trees were again transplanted, one at the Mission Inn property in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, (this tree died in 1922) and the other was placed at the intersection of Magnolia and Arlington Ave. Eliza Tibbets
was honored with a stone marker placed with the tree. That tree still stands to this day inside a protective fence.
The trees thrived in the Southern California climate and the navel orange industry grew rapidly. Many growers purchased bud wood and then grafted the cuttings to root stock. Within a few years, the successful cultivation of many thousands of the newly discovered Brazilian navel orange led to a California Gold Rush
of a different kind: the establishment of the citrus industry, which is commemorated in the landscapes and exhibits of the California Citrus State Historic Park
and the restored packing houses in the Downtown's Marketplace district. By 1882, there were more than half a million citrus trees in California, almost half of which were in Riverside. The development of refrigerated railroad car
s and innovative irrigation systems established Riverside as the wealthiest city per capita by 1895.
As the city prospered, a small guest hotel designed in the popular Mission Revival style
, known as the Glenwood Tavern, eventually grew to become the Mission Inn, favored by presidents, royalty and movie stars. Inside was housed a special chair made for the sizable President William Howard Taft
. The hotel was modeled after the missions
left along the California coast by Franciscan friars in the 16th and 17th centuries. (Although Spanish missionaries
came as far inland as San Bernardino
(San Bernardino de Sena Estancia), east of Riverside, there was no actual Spanish mission in what is now Riverside.) Postcards of lush orange groves, swimming pools and magnificent homes have attracted vacationers and entrepreneurs throughout the years. Many relocated to the warm, dry climate for reasons of health and to escape Eastern winters. Victoria Avenue with its landmark homes serves as a reminder of European investors who settled here.
, the city has a total area of 81.4 square miles (210.8 km²), of which, 81.1 square miles (210 km²) of it is land and 0.3 square mile (0.776996433 km²) of it is water. The total area is 0.37% water. The elevation of downtown Riverside is 860 feet (262.1 m). There are some hills within the city limits of Riverside. One of which is Mt. Rubidoux a city landmark and tourist attraction. Riverside is surrounded by small and large mountains, some of which get winter snow.
(Köppen climate classification
CSa) with hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters. Temperatures in the summer can exceed 100 °F (38 °C) but with somewhat low humidity. In the winter, high temperatures average in the upper 60s (°F), but may not rise above 55 °F (13 °C) during rainy days. January, the coldest month, averages a high/low temperature of 68 °F / 43 °F (20 °C / 6 °C), while August, the hottest month, averages a high/low temperature of 95 °F / 64 °F (35 °C / 18 °C). Riverside receives 10.67" of precipitation annually with most of it occurring in the winter and early spring, especially January through March, with January being the wettest month. However, during El Nino years, Southern California can receive considerably more precipitation than average. Mudslides are more common during these winters due to the very powerful storms that are more frequent in the warm phase of ENSO
.
The Riverside area is referred to as a "smog
belt" because of its above-average level of air pollution
. In a comparison by the National Campaign Against Dirty Air Power (2003), the Riverside-San Bernardino
-Ontario
area was found to be one of the most polluted regions based on year-round particle measurements when compared to other U.S. cities. [NEJM 2004;351:1057-1067] Despite smog problems, the city has made efforts to reduce pollution by incorporating additional means of mass transit
(Metrolink
) and equipping its entire fleet of buses with natural gas
. Smog has decreased considerably over the past years, and it should continue to decrease if measures are taken to reduce smog. Most of Riverside's smog problems are the result of the prevailing wind patterns that blow the smog from the L.A. Basin and particulates generated by the Port of Los Angeles
and the Port of Long Beach
into the Inland Empire
.
A General Plan
for the city was prepared in the year 1994 and updated in 2004. This documentation set forth broad planning goals for the city and specifically included housing, transportation, noise, seismic safety
, natural resources, and all other State of California-mandated elements.
, the beaux-arts style Riverside County Historic Courthouse (based on the Petit Palais in Paris, France), and the Riverside Fox Theater
, where the first showing of the 1939 film Gone with the Wind
took place. The theater was purchased by the city and is now refurbished. Part of the Riverside Renaissance Initiative, the Fox Theater underwent extensive renovation and restoration in 2008 and 2009. to become a performing arts theater. The building was expanded to hold 1,600 seats, and the stage was enlarged to accommodate Broadway-style performances. In January, 2010 singer Sheryl Crow
opened the newly remodeled Fox Theater to a nearly sold out show.
It is also the home of the "World's Largest Paper Cup", which is over three stories (68.10 ft) tall. There is a warehouse/manufacturing building, Dixie Corporation, right behind it. It is made of painted concrete. The "Dixie Cup" landmark is located on Iowa Street just north of Palmyrita. The manufacturing plant itself is now non-existent.
Three notable hills are in Riverside's scenic landscape: Box Springs Mountain
, Evans (Jurupa) Hill and Tecolote Hill; all of which are preserved open spaces. South of Riverside is Lake Mathews
. There is also the well-known landmark/foothill, Mount Rubidoux, which is next to the Santa Ana River and one of the most noticeable landmark in the downtown area. This foothill is the dividing line between the town of Rubidoux
and the City of Riverside.
March Joint Air Reserve Base
borders Riverside on the east serving as a divider between the City and Moreno Valley. March ARB is the oldest operating Air Force Base west of the Mississippi River being founded in 1918.
At the entrance to Riverside from the 60 freeway
sits Fairmount Park. This extensive urban oasis was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted
. Slightly fraying around the edges, it still has a lovely, stocked pond, and many species of birds. Nearby, on private land, is the former site of Spring Rancheria, a Cahuilla village.
The City of Riverside has 28 neighborhoods within city limits. These neighborhoods include Airport, Alessandro Heights, Arlanza, Arlington
, Arlington Heights, Arlington South, Canyon Crest, Casa Blanca
, Downtown, Eastside, Grand, Hawarden Hills, Hillside Hunter Industrial Park, La Sierra, La Sierra Acres, La Sierra Hills, La Sierra South, Magnolia Center, Mission Grove, Northside, Orangecrest, Presidential Park, Ramona, Sycamore Canyon Park, Sycamore Canyon Springs, University, Victoria, and Wood Streets.
To the east of downtown is the originally named "Eastside," which grew out of a colonia inhabited by Mexican immigrant workers in the orange groves, other orchards and produce fields. The area these people lived in was called Agua Mansa
. Mexican communities were also formed in the barrio of Casa Blanca during the early twentieth century. That tradition continues today, with Oaxacan workers in the place of Spanish speakers.
of nearby unincorporated communities which will increase its population and land area over the next few years. Most notable is the Lake Hills/Victoria Grove area, which would extend its southwestern borders to Lake Mathews.
. The UCR Botanical Gardens
contains 40 acres (162,000 m²) of unusual plants, with four miles (6 km) of walking trails. The city prides itself on its historic connection to the navel orange, which was introduced to North America from Brazil by the first settlers to Riverside in 1873. Riverside is home to the one surviving Parent Navel Orange Tree, from which all American West Coast navel orange trees are descended.
There are three hospitals in Riverside.
Riverside is also home to the Riverside Public Library
system. Branches include: Arlington, La Sierra, Marcy, Main, Eastside Cy-brary, and Casa Blanca.
Convention facilities are available at the Riverside Convention Center, 45000 sq ft (4,180.6 m²) indoors and 25000 sq ft (2,322.6 m²) outdoors, the Riverside Marriott
14000 sq ft (1,300.6 m²) indoors, and the Mission Inn
, 15000 sq ft (1,393.5 m²) indoors and 5000 sq ft (464.5 m²) outdoors. All three facilities are located within walking distance of each other in downtown Riverside.
. The Inn puts up more than three million lights and hundreds of animated characters. The festival runs through New Years. At the festival, carolers, horse drawn carriage rides, and ice skating all color the event. Restaurants, cafes, and community groups all contribute to the festival which covers several city blocks in the downtown Riverside area.
Also during the week of Thanksgiving, the Festival of Trees
is held at the Riverside Convention Center. Held since 1990, the event seeks to raise money for the Riverside County Regional Medical Center
children’s units including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Child Abuse and Neglect Unit, and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Attracting 25,000 people per year, the event has raised over $5 million since its inception. At the Festival of Trees numerous professionally decorated Christmas trees are judged, auctioned and then displayed for public viewing. Other activities include entertainment, a children's craft area, a sweet shop, and Storytime with Santa.
Each year in February The Riverside Dickens Festival is held to, "enhance a sense of community among citizens of Riverside County and Southern California by creating a series of literary events and to provide educational, family-oriented, literary entertainment and activities such as plays, musical performances, pageants, living history presentations, workshops, lectures, classroom study, exhibits and a street bazaar with free entertainment, vendors and costumed characters."
The Riverside Airshow takes place in March at the Riverside Municipal Airport
. The event attracts around 70,000 people and includes aerial performers, over 200 acre (0.809372 km²) of aircraft displays, a car show and military vehicle display, children's activities, food and refreshments, helicopter displays and community group exhibits.
The Riverside International Film Festival (RIFF) takes place in April and features films from around the world.
The Legends of Riverside Film Festival and charity fund raiser is held in March each year at the Riverside International Automotive Museum
. In addition to showcasing popular racing films, the annual event offers attendees an opportunity to personally meet famous racing legends of the past. In attendance at the 2009 event were racing greats Dan Gurney, Elliot and Stuart Forbes-Robinson, Bob Bondurant
, Peter Brock
, George Follmer
, and Dick Goldstrand. The second annual event is scheduled for March 26 through March 28, 2010.
The Riverside Robot Expo is held in November each year, sponsored by the Riverside Robotics Society in alignment of its goal "to bring robotics to the Inland Empire." Society members bring robots and robot replicas to the event to spark children's interest in math, robotics and other sciences.
On September 13, 2008, Riverside hosted its first LGBT Pride event at White Park, near the Mission Inn.
Every first Thursday of the month is the Riverside Art Walk, with local vendors sell handmade arts and crafts.
Riverside is home to a variety of churches, religious organizations, and celebrations. The annual Easter Sunrise service
at the top of Mt. Rubidoux is the nation’s oldest continual non-denominational outdoor Easter service The 100th anniversary of the event was held April 12, 2009.
Each December, a second celebration involving Mt. Rubidoux takes place. A 2½-mile procession from Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine to the top of Mount Rubidoux promotes awareness of Juan Diego's walk up Tepeyac
hill, in 1531, where he reportedly saw a Marian apparition known as Our Lady of Guadalupe
. The 2007 procession attracted 2,500 people.
Riverside is also home to the Inland Empire Atheists and Agnostics, an organization of over 500 local atheists, agnostics, and other non-religious individuals.
region, the fourth largest inland city in California, the 14th-largest
metropolitan area in the nation and part of the 2nd largest
Combined Statistical Area
in the country.
was 3,731.0 people per square mile (1,440.6/km²). The racial makeup of Riverside was 171,669 (56.5%) White, 21,421 (7.0%) African American, 3,467 (1.1%) Native American, 22,566 (7.4%) Asian (1.7% Korean, 1.6% Chinese, 1.1% Korean, 1.0% Vietnamese, 0.8% Indian, 0.3% Japanese, 0.1% Pakistani), 1,219 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 68,111 (22.4%) from other races
, and 15,418 (5.1%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 148,953 persons (49.0%); 41.8% of Riverside's population is Mexican, 1.1% Guatemalan, 1.0% Salvadoran, 0.7% Puerto Rican, 0.3% Cuban, 0.2% Nicaraguan, and 0.2% Colombian.
The Census reported that 292,322 people (96.2% of the population) lived in households, 8,925 (2.9%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 2,624 (0.9%) were institutionalized.
There were 91,932 households, out of which 38,939 (42.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 45,398 (49.4%) were opposite-sex married couples
living together, 13,845 (15.1%) had a female householder with no husband present, 6,372 (6.9%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 6,392 (7.0%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
, and 746 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 18,284 households (19.9%) were made up of individuals and 6,262 (6.8%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.18. There were 65,615 families
(71.4% of all households); the average family size was 3.67.
The population was spread out with 81,406 people (26.8%) under the age of 18, 47,126 people (15.5%) aged 18 to 24, 82,482 people (27.1%) aged 25 to 44, 66,615 people (21.9%) aged 45 to 64, and 26,242 people (8.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30.0 years. For every 100 females there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.4 males.
There were 98,444 housing units at an average density of 1,208.7 per square mile (466.7/km²), of which 51,185 (55.7%) were owner-occupied, and 40,747 (44.3%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.4%; the rental vacancy rate was 7.4%. 168,888 people (55.6% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 123,434 people (40.6%) lived in rental housing units.
of 2000, there are 255,166 people, 82,005 households, and 58,141 families residing in the city. The population density
is 1,261.5/km² (3,267.2/mi²). There are 85,974 housing units at an average density of 425.0/km² (1,100.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 59.32% White, 7.41% African American, 1.09% Native American, 5.68% Asian, 0.39% Pacific Islander, 21.00% from other races, and 5.10% from two or more races. 38.14% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 82,005 households out of which 39.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.3% are married couples
living together, 14.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% are non-families. 21.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.02 and the average family size is 3.54.
In the city the population is spread out with 30.1% under the age of 18, 12.9% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 18.0% from 45 to 64, and 9.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 30 years. For every 100 females there are 97.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $41,646, and the median income for a family is $47,254. Males have a median income of $36,920 versus $28,328 for females. The per capita income
for the city is $17,882. 15.8% of the population and 11.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 18.9% of those under the age of 18 and 8.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
obtained a gang injunction against 114 of 820 gang members from the gang. Since January 1, 2001, those 114 Eastside Riva gang members have committed 897 documented crimes and have totaled 333 convictions, including some for murder.
Data collected by Project Bridge, an anti-gang program under the City of Riverside’s Park and Recreation Department, shows that the city of Riverside has experienced an increase in gang membership and gang activity since the early 1990s. In 1991, Riverside had approximately 82 gangs with 4,500 active gang members. More recent estimates indicate there are 86 gangs with 8,000 members. Reportedly 3,000 of these members are juveniles, while 10 of these gangs are primarily minors. The juvenile crime rates did drop dramatically between 1994 and 1997 for these areas. However, juvenile crime rates have exhibited a gradual and steady rise since 1998. In 2000, Casa Blanca, Arlanza and Eastside had crime rates of approximately 40, 18, and 30 per 1000 youths, respectively. Of these three areas, the Eastside’s problems are compounded by the highest unemployment rate in the City, 65.1%. The neighborhood also has the lowest educational attainment in the City, with 82% of the population having less than a 4th grade education. Project Bridge has provided comprehensive services to at-risk and gang-involved youth between the ages of 4 and 22 and their families in for over a decade. Since 1995, the program has served over 500 gang-involved youth with recent enrollment nearing 500 participants. Almost 50 percent of participant enrollment is generated from the Eastside, mostly from the areas around the Eastside Apartments.
Riverside's Comprehensive Community-Wide Approach to Gang Prevention, Intervention, and Suppression project is focused on two of the high gang-crime neighborhoods, Casa Blanca and Eastside. In these neighborhoods, there are 21 gangs with approximately 3,230 members. The project targets more than 150 gang-involved and high-risk youth. Oversight of the project is handled by a committee consisting of local agencies and organizations, including the Riverside County Juvenile Court, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, the Riverside and Alvord Unified School Districts, the Youth Service Center, and other agency and community leaders.
On the 2009 list of most dangerous cities in America by Morgan Quitno Press
, Riverside came in 174th out of 393 ranked cities of over 75,000 population, making it the 27th most dangerous city in California and 2nd in the Inland Empire area, behind San Bernardino
. Like much of the country, Riverside's crime rate has been steadily dropping since reaching all-time high in the 1970s though the past two years has seen a dramatic 10 percent increase in the overall violent crime rate (1,954 crimes in 2005 vs. 1,777 in 2004.) According to the FBI crime index there were 1,922 violent crimes along with 11,059 property crimes in 2008.
In the city of Riverside, 15 homicides occurred in 2009, down from 20 in 2008, its highest total since 2003 when there were 24. All but three cases resulted in arrests. In the past 10 years Riverside has averaged about 20 homicides a year, it's highest being in 1999 when there were 31 homicides.
In the state legislature
Riverside is located in the 31st Senate
District, represented by Republican
Robert Dutton
, and in the 64th and 66th Assembly
Districts, represented by Republicans Brian Nestande
and Kevin Jeffries
respectively. Federally, Riverside is located in California's 44th congressional district
, which has a Cook PVI
of R +6 and is represented by Republican Ken Calvert
.
The structure of the management and coordination of city services is:
Riverside is home to several institutions of higher learning:
Two notable institutions of learning, for specified student bodies, are also located in Riverside:
, the State Route 60
, and the State Route 91
. These three freeways meet in north-eastern Riverside at the rebuilt 60/91/215 interchange that was completed in late 2007.
The constant construction on Riverside freeways has taken its toll on Riverside's image. The area near the 60/91/215 interchange had a reputation as being one of the worst interchanges in the nation due to its location in a turn, continued construction, short exit time, and other factors. Riverside is one of America's most congested cities because of heavy traffic, it used to be at the top of the list, but it has gone down to number 19.
commuter rail stations, Riverside-Downtown
and Riverside-La Sierra
. Both are served by the Inland Empire-Orange County and 91 Lines, and the Downtown station is served by the Riverside Line on weekdays, and the San Bernardino Line on weekends. Amtrak
's Southwest Chief
which runs from Los Angeles
to Chicago
also serves the city.
. Recently, the agency proposed a new bus rapid transit
route to travel along the current Route 1 from the University of California, Riverside
to Corona
. The project is expected in FY 2011 or 2012, as funding is made available.
Intercity bus service is provided by Greyhound
and Amtrak California
, as well as a handful of small operators serving the cross-border market into Mexico
.
(FAA designator: RAL) with a 5400 feet (1,645.9 m) runway, is the only airport within Riverside's city limits, and is the location for the annual Riverside Air Show. The airport is primarily used for private and business aviation. The nearest major airport is the LA/Ontario International Airport in the city of Ontario, California
(FAA designator: ONT), about 20 miles (32.2 km) northwest of Riverside.
The city of Riverside established an economic partnership program with the state of Oaxaca
, Mexico
in the early 2000s.
Riverside County, California
Riverside County is a county in the U.S. state of California. One of 58 California counties, it covers in the southern part of the state, and stretches from Orange County to the Colorado River, which forms the state border with Arizona. The county derives its name from the city of Riverside,...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, United States, and the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of the eponymous county. Named for its location beside the Santa Ana River
Santa Ana River
The Santa Ana River is the largest river of Southern California in the United States. Its drainage basin spans four counties. It rises in the San Bernardino Mountains and flows past the cities of San Bernardino and Riverside, before cutting through the northern tip of the Santa Ana Mountains and...
, it is the largest city in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area of Southern California
Southern California
Southern California is a megaregion, or megapolitan area, in the southern area of the U.S. state of California. Large urban areas include Greater Los Angeles and Greater San Diego. The urban area stretches along the coast from Ventura through the Southland and Inland Empire to San Diego...
, 4th largest inland California city after Fresno
Fresno
Fresno is the fifth largest city in California.Fresno may also refer to:-Places:Colombia* Fresno, TolimaSpain* Fresno, a ghost village in Nidáliga, Valle de Sedano, Burgos* Aldea del Fresno, Madrid* Fresno de la Vega, Ribera del Esla, León...
, Sacramento
Sacramento
Sacramento is the capital of the state of California, in the United States of America.Sacramento may also refer to:- United States :*Sacramento County, California*Sacramento, Kentucky*Sacramento – San Joaquin River Delta...
, and Bakersfield, and is located approximately 60 miles (96.6 km) east of Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
. Riverside is the 61st most populous city in the United States and 12th most populous city in California. As of the 2010 Census, Riverside had a population of 303,871. The city spans 81 square miles (209.8 km²).
Riverside was founded in the early 1870s and is the birthplace of the California citrus industry
Citrus production
Citrus fruits are the highest value fruit crop in terms of international trade. There are two main markets for citrus fruit:* the fresh fruit market* the processed citrus fruits market...
as well as home of the Mission Inn
Mission Inn
The Mission Inn, now known as The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, is a historic landmark hotel in downtown Riverside, California. Although a composite of many architectural styles, it is generally considered the largest Mission Revival Style building in the United States.-History:The property began as a...
, the largest Mission Revival Style
Mission Revival Style architecture
The Mission Revival Style was an architectural movement that began in the late 19th century for a colonial style's revivalism and reinterpretation, which drew inspiration from the late 18th and early 19th century Spanish missions in California....
building in the United States. It is also home to the Riverside National Cemetery
Riverside National Cemetery
Riverside National Cemetery is a cemetery located in Riverside, California, dedicated to the interment of United States military personnel. The cemetery covers , making it the third-largest cemetery managed by the National Cemetery Administration...
.
The University of California, Riverside
University of California, Riverside
The University of California, Riverside, commonly known as UCR or UC Riverside, is a public research university and one of the ten general campuses of the University of California system. UCR is consistently ranked as one of the most ethnically and economically diverse universities in the United...
is located in the northeastern part of the city. Other attractions in Riverside include the Fox Performing Arts Center
Riverside Fox Theater
The Riverside Fox Theater, also known as the Fox Performing Arts Center, was built in 1929, and is a Spanish Colonial Revival style building in the heart of downtown Riverside, California. The theater is the centerpiece of Riverside's Arts & Culture initiative and underwent a major renovation and...
, Riverside Metropolitan Museum, which houses exhibits and artifacts of local history, the California Museum of Photography, the California Citrus State Historic Park
California Citrus State Historic Park
California Citrus State Historic Park is an open air museum in the state park system of California, USA, interpreting the historic cultural landscape of the citrus industry. The story of the citrus industry's role in the history and development of California is told in the visitor center...
, and the Parent Washington Navel Orange Tree, one of the two original navel orange trees in California.
History
Santa Ana River
The Santa Ana River is the largest river of Southern California in the United States. Its drainage basin spans four counties. It rises in the San Bernardino Mountains and flows past the cities of San Bernardino and Riverside, before cutting through the northern tip of the Santa Ana Mountains and...
by John W. North
John W. North
John Wesley North was a 19th century pioneer American statesman of national reputation. He is the founder of the cities of Northfield, Minnesota, and of Riverside, California, where John W. North High School and the John W. North Water Treatment Plant are named after him...
, a staunch temperance-minded abolitionist
Abolitionism
Abolitionism is a movement to end slavery.In western Europe and the Americas abolitionism was a movement to end the slave trade and set slaves free. At the behest of Dominican priest Bartolomé de las Casas who was shocked at the treatment of natives in the New World, Spain enacted the first...
from Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area...
, who had previously founded Northfield, Minnesota
Northfield, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 17,147 people, 4,909 households, and 3,210 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,452.2 people per square mile . There were 5,119 housing units at an average density of 732.1 per square mile...
. A few years after, the navel orange
Orange (fruit)
An orange—specifically, the sweet orange—is the citrus Citrus × sinensis and its fruit. It is the most commonly grown tree fruit in the world....
was planted and found to be such a success that full-scale planting started. Riverside was temperance
Temperance movement
A temperance movement is a social movement urging reduced use of alcoholic beverages. Temperance movements may criticize excessive alcohol use, promote complete abstinence , or pressure the government to enact anti-alcohol legislation or complete prohibition of alcohol.-Temperance movement by...
minded, and Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
. There were 4 saloons in Riverside when it was founded. The license fees were raised until the saloons moved out of Riverside. Investors from England and Canada transplanted traditions and activities adopted by prosperous citizens. As a result, the first golf course and polo
Polo
Polo is a team sport played on horseback in which the objective is to score goals against an opposing team. Sometimes called, "The Sport of Kings", it was highly popularized by the British. Players score by driving a small white plastic or wooden ball into the opposing team's goal using a...
field in Southern California were built in Riverside.
Eliza Tibbets
Eliza Tibbets , on her ranch in Riverside, California with husband Luther C. Tibbets, is known as growing the first Washington navel orange and founding the citrus industry and cultural landscape of orange groves in California, United States...
received three Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian navel orange
Orange (fruit)
An orange—specifically, the sweet orange—is the citrus Citrus × sinensis and its fruit. It is the most commonly grown tree fruit in the world....
trees sent to her by a personal friend, William Saunders
William Saunders
William Saunders was a botanist, nurseryman, landscape gardener, landscape designer, and horticulturist...
who was a horticulturist at the United States Department of Agriculture
United States Department of Agriculture
The United States Department of Agriculture is the United States federal executive department responsible for developing and executing U.S. federal government policy on farming, agriculture, and food...
in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
The trees came from Bahia, Brazil. The Bahia Orange did not do well in Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, but its success in Southern California was phenomenal.
The three trees were planted on the Tibbets' property. One of the trees died after it was trampled by a cow during the first year it was planted. After the trampling other two trees were then transplanted to property belonging to Sam McCoy as the trees were not being cared for well enough by L. C. Tibbets, Eliza's husband. The trees were again transplanted, one at the Mission Inn property in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, (this tree died in 1922) and the other was placed at the intersection of Magnolia and Arlington Ave. Eliza Tibbets
Eliza Tibbets
Eliza Tibbets , on her ranch in Riverside, California with husband Luther C. Tibbets, is known as growing the first Washington navel orange and founding the citrus industry and cultural landscape of orange groves in California, United States...
was honored with a stone marker placed with the tree. That tree still stands to this day inside a protective fence.
The trees thrived in the Southern California climate and the navel orange industry grew rapidly. Many growers purchased bud wood and then grafted the cuttings to root stock. Within a few years, the successful cultivation of many thousands of the newly discovered Brazilian navel orange led to a California Gold Rush
Gold rush
A gold rush is a period of feverish migration of workers to an area that has had a dramatic discovery of gold. Major gold rushes took place in the 19th century in Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, and the United States, while smaller gold rushes took place elsewhere.In the 19th and early...
of a different kind: the establishment of the citrus industry, which is commemorated in the landscapes and exhibits of the California Citrus State Historic Park
California Citrus State Historic Park
California Citrus State Historic Park is an open air museum in the state park system of California, USA, interpreting the historic cultural landscape of the citrus industry. The story of the citrus industry's role in the history and development of California is told in the visitor center...
and the restored packing houses in the Downtown's Marketplace district. By 1882, there were more than half a million citrus trees in California, almost half of which were in Riverside. The development of refrigerated railroad car
Railroad car
A railroad car or railway vehicle , also known as a bogie in Indian English, is a vehicle on a rail transport system that is used for the carrying of cargo or passengers. Cars can be coupled together into a train and hauled by one or more locomotives...
s and innovative irrigation systems established Riverside as the wealthiest city per capita by 1895.
Mission Revival Style architecture
The Mission Revival Style was an architectural movement that began in the late 19th century for a colonial style's revivalism and reinterpretation, which drew inspiration from the late 18th and early 19th century Spanish missions in California....
, known as the Glenwood Tavern, eventually grew to become the Mission Inn, favored by presidents, royalty and movie stars. Inside was housed a special chair made for the sizable President William Howard Taft
William Howard Taft
William Howard Taft was the 27th President of the United States and later the tenth Chief Justice of the United States...
. The hotel was modeled after the missions
Spanish missions in California
The Spanish missions in California comprise a series of religious and military outposts established by Spanish Catholics of the Franciscan Order between 1769 and 1823 to spread the Christian faith among the local Native Americans. The missions represented the first major effort by Europeans to...
left along the California coast by Franciscan friars in the 16th and 17th centuries. (Although Spanish missionaries
Spanish missions in California
The Spanish missions in California comprise a series of religious and military outposts established by Spanish Catholics of the Franciscan Order between 1769 and 1823 to spread the Christian faith among the local Native Americans. The missions represented the first major effort by Europeans to...
came as far inland as San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino is a city located in the Riverside-San Bernardino metropolitan area , and serves as the county seat of San Bernardino County, California, United States...
(San Bernardino de Sena Estancia), east of Riverside, there was no actual Spanish mission in what is now Riverside.) Postcards of lush orange groves, swimming pools and magnificent homes have attracted vacationers and entrepreneurs throughout the years. Many relocated to the warm, dry climate for reasons of health and to escape Eastern winters. Victoria Avenue with its landmark homes serves as a reminder of European investors who settled here.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 81.4 square miles (210.8 km²), of which, 81.1 square miles (210 km²) of it is land and 0.3 square mile (0.776996433 km²) of it is water. The total area is 0.37% water. The elevation of downtown Riverside is 860 feet (262.1 m). There are some hills within the city limits of Riverside. One of which is Mt. Rubidoux a city landmark and tourist attraction. Riverside is surrounded by small and large mountains, some of which get winter snow.
Climate
Riverside experiences a semi-arid mediterranean climateMediterranean climate
A Mediterranean climate is the climate typical of most of the lands in the Mediterranean Basin, and is a particular variety of subtropical climate...
(Köppen climate classification
Köppen climate classification
The Köppen climate classification is one of the most widely used climate classification systems. It was first published by Crimea German climatologist Wladimir Köppen in 1884, with several later modifications by Köppen himself, notably in 1918 and 1936...
CSa) with hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters. Temperatures in the summer can exceed 100 °F (38 °C) but with somewhat low humidity. In the winter, high temperatures average in the upper 60s (°F), but may not rise above 55 °F (13 °C) during rainy days. January, the coldest month, averages a high/low temperature of 68 °F / 43 °F (20 °C / 6 °C), while August, the hottest month, averages a high/low temperature of 95 °F / 64 °F (35 °C / 18 °C). Riverside receives 10.67" of precipitation annually with most of it occurring in the winter and early spring, especially January through March, with January being the wettest month. However, during El Nino years, Southern California can receive considerably more precipitation than average. Mudslides are more common during these winters due to the very powerful storms that are more frequent in the warm phase of ENSO
El Niño-Southern Oscillation
El Niño/La Niña-Southern Oscillation, or ENSO, is a quasiperiodic climate pattern that occurs across the tropical Pacific Ocean roughly every five years...
.
Environment
Smog
Smog is a type of air pollution; the word "smog" is a portmanteau of smoke and fog. Modern smog is a type of air pollution derived from vehicular emission from internal combustion engines and industrial fumes that react in the atmosphere with sunlight to form secondary pollutants that also combine...
belt" because of its above-average level of air pollution
Air pollution
Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or cause damage to the natural environment or built environment, into the atmosphere....
. In a comparison by the National Campaign Against Dirty Air Power (2003), the Riverside-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino is a city located in the Riverside-San Bernardino metropolitan area , and serves as the county seat of San Bernardino County, California, United States...
-Ontario
Ontario, California
Ontario is a city located in San Bernardino County, California, United States, 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Located in the western part of the Inland Empire region, it lies just east of the Los Angeles county line and is part of the Greater Los Angeles Area...
area was found to be one of the most polluted regions based on year-round particle measurements when compared to other U.S. cities. [NEJM 2004;351:1057-1067] Despite smog problems, the city has made efforts to reduce pollution by incorporating additional means of mass transit
Public transport
Public transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
(Metrolink
Metrolink (Southern California)
Metrolink is a commuter rail system serving Los Angeles and the surrounding area of Southern California; it currently consists of six lines and 55 stations using of track....
) and equipping its entire fleet of buses with natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...
. Smog has decreased considerably over the past years, and it should continue to decrease if measures are taken to reduce smog. Most of Riverside's smog problems are the result of the prevailing wind patterns that blow the smog from the L.A. Basin and particulates generated by the Port of Los Angeles
Port of Los Angeles
The Port of Los Angeles, also called Los Angeles Harbor and WORLDPORT L.A, is a port complex that occupies of land and water along of waterfront. The port is located on San Pedro Bay in the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles, approximately south of downtown...
and the Port of Long Beach
Port of Long Beach
The Port of Long Beach, also known as Long Beach’s Harbor Department, is the 2nd busiest container port in the USA. It adjoins the separate Port of Los Angeles. Acting as a major gateway for U.S.-Asian trade, the port occupies of land with of waterfront in the city of Long Beach, California...
into the Inland Empire
Inland Empire (California)
The Inland Empire is a region in Southern California. The region sits directly east of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Inland Empire most commonly is used in reference to the U.S. Census Bureau's federally-defined Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area, which covers more than...
.
A General Plan
Urban planning
Urban planning incorporates areas such as economics, design, ecology, sociology, geography, law, political science, and statistics to guide and ensure the orderly development of settlements and communities....
for the city was prepared in the year 1994 and updated in 2004. This documentation set forth broad planning goals for the city and specifically included housing, transportation, noise, seismic safety
Seismology
Seismology is the scientific study of earthquakes and the propagation of elastic waves through the Earth or through other planet-like bodies. The field also includes studies of earthquake effects, such as tsunamis as well as diverse seismic sources such as volcanic, tectonic, oceanic,...
, natural resources, and all other State of California-mandated elements.
Surrounding municipalities
Cityscape
Landmarks
Riverside is home of the historic Mission InnMission Inn
The Mission Inn, now known as The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, is a historic landmark hotel in downtown Riverside, California. Although a composite of many architectural styles, it is generally considered the largest Mission Revival Style building in the United States.-History:The property began as a...
, the beaux-arts style Riverside County Historic Courthouse (based on the Petit Palais in Paris, France), and the Riverside Fox Theater
Riverside Fox Theater
The Riverside Fox Theater, also known as the Fox Performing Arts Center, was built in 1929, and is a Spanish Colonial Revival style building in the heart of downtown Riverside, California. The theater is the centerpiece of Riverside's Arts & Culture initiative and underwent a major renovation and...
, where the first showing of the 1939 film Gone with the Wind
Gone with the Wind
The slaves depicted in Gone with the Wind are primarily loyal house servants, such as Mammy, Pork and Uncle Peter, and these slaves stay on with their masters even after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 sets them free...
took place. The theater was purchased by the city and is now refurbished. Part of the Riverside Renaissance Initiative, the Fox Theater underwent extensive renovation and restoration in 2008 and 2009. to become a performing arts theater. The building was expanded to hold 1,600 seats, and the stage was enlarged to accommodate Broadway-style performances. In January, 2010 singer Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Suzanne Crow is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, musician, and actress. Her music incorporates elements of rock, folk, hip hop, country and pop...
opened the newly remodeled Fox Theater to a nearly sold out show.
Three notable hills are in Riverside's scenic landscape: Box Springs Mountain
Box Springs Mountain
Box Springs Mountain, at about , is the highest peak in the Box Springs Mountains range in north-west Riverside County, California, United States. The mountain is east of downtown Riverside, and north-west of Moreno Valley, a partial border between the two large cities...
, Evans (Jurupa) Hill and Tecolote Hill; all of which are preserved open spaces. South of Riverside is Lake Mathews
Lake Mathews
Lake Mathews is a large reservoir in Riverside County, California, located in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. It is the western terminus for the Colorado River Aqueduct that provides much of the water used by the cities and water districts of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern...
. There is also the well-known landmark/foothill, Mount Rubidoux, which is next to the Santa Ana River and one of the most noticeable landmark in the downtown area. This foothill is the dividing line between the town of Rubidoux
Rubidoux, California
Rubidoux was a census-designated place and an unincorporated community in Riverside County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 34,280, up from 29,180 at the 2000 census. Like much of the fast-growing Inland Empire Metropolitan Area, Rubidoux is rapidly changing...
and the City of Riverside.
March Joint Air Reserve Base
March Joint Air Reserve Base
March Joint Air Reserve Base is located in Riverside County, California between the cities of Riverside and Moreno Valley. It is the home to the Air Force Reserve Command's 4th Air Force Headquarters and the 452d Air Mobility Wing , the largest air mobility wing of the 4th Air Force...
borders Riverside on the east serving as a divider between the City and Moreno Valley. March ARB is the oldest operating Air Force Base west of the Mississippi River being founded in 1918.
At the entrance to Riverside from the 60 freeway
California State Route 60
State Route 60 is a state highway in the U.S. state of California. It runs from Interstate 10 near the Los Angeles River in Los Angeles east to I-10 in Riverside County, with overlaps at State Route 57 and Interstate 215.-Route description:...
sits Fairmount Park. This extensive urban oasis was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted
Frederick Law Olmsted
Frederick Law Olmsted was an American journalist, social critic, public administrator, and landscape designer. He is popularly considered to be the father of American landscape architecture, although many scholars have bestowed that title upon Andrew Jackson Downing...
. Slightly fraying around the edges, it still has a lovely, stocked pond, and many species of birds. Nearby, on private land, is the former site of Spring Rancheria, a Cahuilla village.
Neighborhoods
Arlington, California
Arlington is a former unincorporated community now annexed to Riverside, in Riverside County, California. It lies at an elevation of 791 feet .Arlington is located southwest of downtown Riverside....
, Arlington Heights, Arlington South, Canyon Crest, Casa Blanca
Casa Blanca, California
Casa Blanca is a former unincorporated community now annexed to Riverside, in Riverside County, California. It lies at an elevation of 866 feet . Casa Blanca is located south-southwest of downtown Riverside....
, Downtown, Eastside, Grand, Hawarden Hills, Hillside Hunter Industrial Park, La Sierra, La Sierra Acres, La Sierra Hills, La Sierra South, Magnolia Center, Mission Grove, Northside, Orangecrest, Presidential Park, Ramona, Sycamore Canyon Park, Sycamore Canyon Springs, University, Victoria, and Wood Streets.
To the east of downtown is the originally named "Eastside," which grew out of a colonia inhabited by Mexican immigrant workers in the orange groves, other orchards and produce fields. The area these people lived in was called Agua Mansa
Agua Mansa, California
Agua Mansa is a former settlement in an unincorpated area of San Bernardino County, California, United States. Now a ghost town, only the cemetery remains, it once was the largest settlement in San Bernardino County. The town was established in 1845 on the Santa Ana River, across from the town of...
. Mexican communities were also formed in the barrio of Casa Blanca during the early twentieth century. That tradition continues today, with Oaxacan workers in the place of Spanish speakers.
Annexation proposals
The City Council has proposed numerous annexationsMunicipal annexation in the United States
Municipal annexation is a process whereby a city government expands the city limits into adjacent areas not already incorporated into cities, villages or other municipalities, and sometimes when they were...
of nearby unincorporated communities which will increase its population and land area over the next few years. Most notable is the Lake Hills/Victoria Grove area, which would extend its southwestern borders to Lake Mathews.
Current
- 97 Berry Road
- 103 Barton/Gem
- 104 I-215 Corridor
- 105 Sycamore/Central
- 106 East Blaine
- 107 Alta Cresta Remainder
- 108 Lake Hills/Victoria Grove
- 111 University City
- 112 Kaliber
- 113 Barton/Station
Potential annexations
- A Center Street
- B Highgrove
- C Spring Mountain Ranch (92)
- D Canyon Ridge
- E Woodcrest
- F Gateway
Features
Riverside is home to the University of California, RiversideUniversity of California, Riverside
The University of California, Riverside, commonly known as UCR or UC Riverside, is a public research university and one of the ten general campuses of the University of California system. UCR is consistently ranked as one of the most ethnically and economically diverse universities in the United...
. The UCR Botanical Gardens
University of California, Riverside, Botanic Gardens
The University of California, Riverside, Botanic Gardens are 40 acres of botanical gardens containing more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. The Gardens are located in the eastern foothills of the Box Springs Mountain on the University of California, Riverside campus in Riverside,...
contains 40 acres (162,000 m²) of unusual plants, with four miles (6 km) of walking trails. The city prides itself on its historic connection to the navel orange, which was introduced to North America from Brazil by the first settlers to Riverside in 1873. Riverside is home to the one surviving Parent Navel Orange Tree, from which all American West Coast navel orange trees are descended.
There are three hospitals in Riverside.
- Riverside Community Hospital is a General Acute Care HospitalHospitalA hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays....
with Basic Emergency Services and a Level II Trauma CenterTrauma centerA trauma center is a hospital equipped to provide comprehensive emergency medical services to patients suffering traumatic injuries. Trauma centers grew into existence out of the realization that traumatic injury is a disease process unto itself requiring specialized and experienced...
as of 2006. - Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center is a General Acute Care Hospital with Basic Emergency Services as of 2006.
- Kaiser Foundation Hospital - Riverside is a General Acute Care Hospital with Basic Emergency Services as of 2006.
Riverside is also home to the Riverside Public Library
Riverside Public Library
The Riverside Public Library system serves the city of Riverside, California. The main library is located adjacent to the historic Mission Inn in downtown Riverside...
system. Branches include: Arlington, La Sierra, Marcy, Main, Eastside Cy-brary, and Casa Blanca.
Convention facilities are available at the Riverside Convention Center, 45000 sq ft (4,180.6 m²) indoors and 25000 sq ft (2,322.6 m²) outdoors, the Riverside Marriott
Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. is a worldwide operator and franchisor of a broad portfolio of hotels and related lodging facilities. Founded by J. Willard Marriott, the company is now led by son J.W. Marriott, Jr...
14000 sq ft (1,300.6 m²) indoors, and the Mission Inn
Mission Inn
The Mission Inn, now known as The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, is a historic landmark hotel in downtown Riverside, California. Although a composite of many architectural styles, it is generally considered the largest Mission Revival Style building in the United States.-History:The property began as a...
, 15000 sq ft (1,393.5 m²) indoors and 5000 sq ft (464.5 m²) outdoors. All three facilities are located within walking distance of each other in downtown Riverside.
Cemeteries
Cemeteries in Riverside include:- Crestlawn Memorial Park
- Evergreen CemeteryEvergreen Cemetery (Riverside, California)Evergreen Cemetery, or Evergreen Memorial Park is a cemetery in Riverside, California, United States. The first burial occurred in 1872, and the cemetery became the resting place of many historic figures of Riverside.-History:...
- notable burials include Frank Augustus MillerFrank Augustus MillerFrank Augustus Miller was the owner and chief developer of the Mission Inn in Riverside, California, United States. He was also a civic leader and one of Riverside's strongest promoters....
, John W. NorthJohn W. NorthJohn Wesley North was a 19th century pioneer American statesman of national reputation. He is the founder of the cities of Northfield, Minnesota, and of Riverside, California, where John W. North High School and the John W. North Water Treatment Plant are named after him...
, Eliza TibbetsEliza TibbetsEliza Tibbets , on her ranch in Riverside, California with husband Luther C. Tibbets, is known as growing the first Washington navel orange and founding the citrus industry and cultural landscape of orange groves in California, United States...
, and Marcella CraftMarcella CraftMarcella Craft was an American operatic soprano who performed internationally in the late 19th century and early 20th century.-Personal life:... - Olivewood Cemetery - notable burials include Dorothy BurgessDorothy BurgessDorothy Burgess was a stage and motion picture actress from Los Angeles, California.-Family, education:She was a niece of Fay Bainter. On her father's side she was related to George Montgomery of Montgomery and Stone. Her grandfather was Henry A. Burgess, Sr. He came to Los Angeles in 1893,...
, Del LordDel LordDel Lord was a Canadian film director and actor best known as a director of Three Stooges films.-Career:Delmer Lord was born in the small town of Grimsby, Ontario, Canada...
, and Gloria RamirezGloria RamirezGloria Ramirez was a Riverside, California, woman dubbed "the toxic lady" by the media when several Riverside General Hospital workers became ill after exposure to her body and blood... - Riverside National CemeteryRiverside National CemeteryRiverside National Cemetery is a cemetery located in Riverside, California, dedicated to the interment of United States military personnel. The cemetery covers , making it the third-largest cemetery managed by the National Cemetery Administration...
, established in 1976, is the third-largest cemetery managed by the National Cemetery AdministrationUnited States National Cemetery"United States National Cemetery" is a designation for 146 nationally important cemeteries in the United States. A National Cemetery is generally a military cemetery containing the graves of U.S. military personnel, veterans and their spouses but not exclusively so...
, and since 2000 has been the most active in the system based on the number of interments. - Sherman Indian High School Cemetery, Home GardensHome Gardens, CaliforniaHome Gardens [aka Riverside Valley Home Gardens] is a census-designated place in Riverside County, California, United States. The population was 11,570 at the 2010 census, up from 9,461 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
Museums
- California Citrus State Historic ParkCalifornia Citrus State Historic ParkCalifornia Citrus State Historic Park is an open air museum in the state park system of California, USA, interpreting the historic cultural landscape of the citrus industry. The story of the citrus industry's role in the history and development of California is told in the visitor center...
Museum - Entomology Research MuseumEntomology Research MuseumThe UCR Entomology Research Museum is the insect collection of the Department of Entomology of the University of California, Riverside. It contains approximately 3 million total insect specimens, 2.2 million of which are pinned, roughly 350,000 mounted on slides, the remainder preserved in ethanol...
at the University of California, Riverside (not open to the public). - Heritage House Museum
- March Field Air MuseumMarch Field Air MuseumThe March Field Air Museum is an aviation museum near Moreno Valley and Riverside, California, adjacent to March Air Reserve Base.-Origins:The museum was founded in 1979 as March Air Force Base Museum. Originally operated by the Air Force, the museum's operation was transferred to a nonprofit...
- Mission Inn Museum
- Museum of Online Museums, the MoOM, an online museum maintained by the California Baptist University.
- Riverside Art MuseumRiverside Art MuseumRiverside Art Museum is an art museum in the historic Mission Inn District of Riverside, California. A non-profit organization, its mission is to "to serve the varied communities of the Inland Empire by providing visual art of the finest quality and related educational and interpretive...
- Riverside International Automotive MuseumRiverside International Automotive MuseumThe Riverside International Automotive Museum, or RIAM, is a non-profit corporation, located in Riverside, California, dedicated to; "Preserving the memory of California's rich motorsports heritage"...
, located at 815 Marlborough, Suite 200, Riverside, Ca. 92507. - Riverside Metropolitan MuseumRiverside Metropolitan MuseumThe Riverside Metropolitan Museum, or RMM, is an history and anthropological museum located in the historic Mission Inn District of Riverside, California, United States...
- Sherman Indian Museum at the Sherman Indian High School
- Southern California Medical Museum, housed at the Riverside County Medical Association at 3993 Jurupa Ave, Riverside.
- Sweeney Art Gallery, an extension of the University of California, Riverside
- The Stahl Center Museum of Culture at the La Sierra University
- University of California, Riverside California Museum of PhotographyUniversity of California, Riverside California Museum of PhotographyThe UCR/California Museum of Photography is an off-campus department of the UCR College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. The collections of UCR/CMP form the largest, most comprehensive holding of any photographic collection in the Western half of the United States. The growing UCR/CMP...
- World Museum of Natural History at the La Sierra University
Festivals and events
The Riverside Festival of Lights centers around the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, in the downtown area. Decoration of the Inn begins in October and a lighting ceremony that includes notable speakers, fireworks, and live musicians takes place the day after Thanksgiving DayThanksgiving (United States)
Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. It has officially been an annual tradition since 1863, when, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to be celebrated on Thursday,...
. The Inn puts up more than three million lights and hundreds of animated characters. The festival runs through New Years. At the festival, carolers, horse drawn carriage rides, and ice skating all color the event. Restaurants, cafes, and community groups all contribute to the festival which covers several city blocks in the downtown Riverside area.
Also during the week of Thanksgiving, the Festival of Trees
Festival of Trees
Festival of Trees is the name taken by a number of charity events/organizations that hold annual events around Christmas time to raise money for some local charity These events seem to be becoming more common in North America as of this writing and are centered around the decoration...
is held at the Riverside Convention Center. Held since 1990, the event seeks to raise money for the Riverside County Regional Medical Center
Riverside County Regional Medical Center
The Riverside County Regional Medical Center, or RCRMC, is a public hospital in Moreno Valley, California, United States, operated by the County of Riverside. It is classified as a Level II Adult & Pediatric Trauma Center....
children’s units including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Child Abuse and Neglect Unit, and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Attracting 25,000 people per year, the event has raised over $5 million since its inception. At the Festival of Trees numerous professionally decorated Christmas trees are judged, auctioned and then displayed for public viewing. Other activities include entertainment, a children's craft area, a sweet shop, and Storytime with Santa.
Each year in February The Riverside Dickens Festival is held to, "enhance a sense of community among citizens of Riverside County and Southern California by creating a series of literary events and to provide educational, family-oriented, literary entertainment and activities such as plays, musical performances, pageants, living history presentations, workshops, lectures, classroom study, exhibits and a street bazaar with free entertainment, vendors and costumed characters."
The Riverside Airshow takes place in March at the Riverside Municipal Airport
Riverside Municipal Airport
Riverside Municipal Airport , also known as Riverside Airport , is a public airport located four miles southwest of the central business district of Riverside, the county seat of Riverside County, California, United States...
. The event attracts around 70,000 people and includes aerial performers, over 200 acre (0.809372 km²) of aircraft displays, a car show and military vehicle display, children's activities, food and refreshments, helicopter displays and community group exhibits.
The Riverside International Film Festival (RIFF) takes place in April and features films from around the world.
The Legends of Riverside Film Festival and charity fund raiser is held in March each year at the Riverside International Automotive Museum
Riverside International Automotive Museum
The Riverside International Automotive Museum, or RIAM, is a non-profit corporation, located in Riverside, California, dedicated to; "Preserving the memory of California's rich motorsports heritage"...
. In addition to showcasing popular racing films, the annual event offers attendees an opportunity to personally meet famous racing legends of the past. In attendance at the 2009 event were racing greats Dan Gurney, Elliot and Stuart Forbes-Robinson, Bob Bondurant
Bob Bondurant
Robert Bondurant is an American former racecar driver who raced for Shelby American, Ferrari and Eagle teams.During his teens, Bondurant raced an Indian motorcycle on dirt ovals...
, Peter Brock
Peter Brock
Peter Geoffrey Brock, AM otherwise known as "Peter Perfect", "The King of the Mountain" or simply as "Brocky" was one of Australia's best-known and most successful motor racing drivers. Brock was most often associated with Holden for almost 40 years, although he raced vehicles of other...
, George Follmer
George Follmer
George Follmer is a retired American race car driver, and one of the most successful road racers of the 1970s. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona....
, and Dick Goldstrand. The second annual event is scheduled for March 26 through March 28, 2010.
The Riverside Robot Expo is held in November each year, sponsored by the Riverside Robotics Society in alignment of its goal "to bring robotics to the Inland Empire." Society members bring robots and robot replicas to the event to spark children's interest in math, robotics and other sciences.
On September 13, 2008, Riverside hosted its first LGBT Pride event at White Park, near the Mission Inn.
Every first Thursday of the month is the Riverside Art Walk, with local vendors sell handmade arts and crafts.
Religion
Sunrise service
Sunrise service is a worship service on Easter. It takes the place of the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran tradition of the Easter Vigil, and is practised mainly by Protestant churches...
at the top of Mt. Rubidoux is the nation’s oldest continual non-denominational outdoor Easter service The 100th anniversary of the event was held April 12, 2009.
Each December, a second celebration involving Mt. Rubidoux takes place. A 2½-mile procession from Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine to the top of Mount Rubidoux promotes awareness of Juan Diego's walk up Tepeyac
Tepeyac
Tepeyac or the Hill of Tepeyac, historically known by the names "Tepeyacac" and "Tepeaquilla", is located inside Gustavo A. Madero, the northernmost delegación or borough of the Mexican Federal District. It is the site where Saint Juan Diego met the Virgin of Guadalupe in December of 1531, and...
hill, in 1531, where he reportedly saw a Marian apparition known as Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe , also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe is a celebrated Catholic icon of the Virgin Mary.According to tradition, on December 9, 1531 Juan Diego, a simple indigenous peasant, had a vision of a young woman while he was on a hill in the Tepeyac desert, near Mexico City. The lady...
. The 2007 procession attracted 2,500 people.
Riverside is also home to the Inland Empire Atheists and Agnostics, an organization of over 500 local atheists, agnostics, and other non-religious individuals.
Top employers
According to the City's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:| # | Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California, Riverside University of California, Riverside The University of California, Riverside, commonly known as UCR or UC Riverside, is a public research university and one of the ten general campuses of the University of California system. UCR is consistently ranked as one of the most ethnically and economically diverse universities in the United... |
6,740 |
| 2 | County of Riverside Riverside County, California Riverside County is a county in the U.S. state of California. One of 58 California counties, it covers in the southern part of the state, and stretches from Orange County to the Colorado River, which forms the state border with Arizona. The county derives its name from the city of Riverside,... |
6,395 |
| 3 | Riverside Unified School District Riverside Unified School District Riverside Unified School District is a school district headquartered in Riverside, California, United States. The district serves a large portion of Riverside as well as unincorporated areas of Highgrove and Woodcrest in Riverside County.... |
3,867 |
| 4 | City of Riverside | 2,619 |
| 5 | Riverside Community College District Riverside Community College District The Riverside Community College District, or RCCD, is the community college district serving Riverside, California, United States, and neighboring cities. It is part of the California Community Colleges System... |
1,669 |
| 6 | Alvord Unified School District | 1,669 |
| 7 | Riverside Community Hospital Hospital Corporation of America Hospital Corporation of America is the largest private operator of health care facilities in the world, It is based in Nashville, Tennessee and is widely considered to be the single largest factor in making that city a hotspot for healthcare enterprise.-History:The founders of HCA include Jack C.... |
1,600 |
| 8 | The Press-Enterprise | 1,090 |
| 9 | Parkview Community Hospital | 900 |
| 10 | Goodrich Goodrich Corporation The Goodrich Corporation , formerly the B.F. Goodrich Company, is an American aerospace manufacturing company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in Akron, Ohio in 1870 as Goodrich, Tew & Co. by Dr. Benjamin Franklin Goodrich. The company name was changed to the "B.F... |
500 |
Film industry
Riverside's close proximity to Hollywood, combined with its many unique architectural features, has made it a frequent filming choice by Hollywood film studios. The Mission Inn has been a particularly favorite backdrop.Statistical profile
Riverside is the 61st-largest city in the United States, 12th largest city in California, the largest city in California's Inland EmpireInland Empire (California)
The Inland Empire is a region in Southern California. The region sits directly east of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Inland Empire most commonly is used in reference to the U.S. Census Bureau's federally-defined Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area, which covers more than...
region, the fourth largest inland city in California, the 14th-largest
Table of United States Metropolitan Statistical Areas
thumb|An enlargeable map of the 942 [[Core Based Statistical Area]]s of the [[United States]]. The 367 [[Metropolitan Statistical Area]]s are shown in red....
metropolitan area in the nation and part of the 2nd largest
Greater Los Angeles Area
The Greater Los Angeles Area, or the Southland, is a term used for the Combined Statistical Area sprawled over five counties in the southern part of California, namely Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County and Ventura County...
Combined Statistical Area
Combined Statistical Area
The United States Office of Management and Budget defines micropolitan and metropolitan statistical areas. Metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas consist of one or more counties...
in the country.
Demographics
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Riverside had a population of 303,871. The population densityPopulation density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 3,731.0 people per square mile (1,440.6/km²). The racial makeup of Riverside was 171,669 (56.5%) White, 21,421 (7.0%) African American, 3,467 (1.1%) Native American, 22,566 (7.4%) Asian (1.7% Korean, 1.6% Chinese, 1.1% Korean, 1.0% Vietnamese, 0.8% Indian, 0.3% Japanese, 0.1% Pakistani), 1,219 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 68,111 (22.4%) from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 15,418 (5.1%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 148,953 persons (49.0%); 41.8% of Riverside's population is Mexican, 1.1% Guatemalan, 1.0% Salvadoran, 0.7% Puerto Rican, 0.3% Cuban, 0.2% Nicaraguan, and 0.2% Colombian.
The Census reported that 292,322 people (96.2% of the population) lived in households, 8,925 (2.9%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 2,624 (0.9%) were institutionalized.
There were 91,932 households, out of which 38,939 (42.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 45,398 (49.4%) were opposite-sex married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 13,845 (15.1%) had a female householder with no husband present, 6,372 (6.9%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 6,392 (7.0%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
POSSLQ
POSSLQ is an abbreviation for "Persons of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters," a term coined in the late 1970s by the United States Census Bureau as part of an effort to more accurately gauge the prevalence of cohabitation in American households....
, and 746 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 18,284 households (19.9%) were made up of individuals and 6,262 (6.8%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.18. There were 65,615 families
Family (U.S. Census)
A family or family household is defined by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes as "a householder and one or more other people related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. They do not include same-sex married couples even if the marriage was performed in a state...
(71.4% of all households); the average family size was 3.67.
The population was spread out with 81,406 people (26.8%) under the age of 18, 47,126 people (15.5%) aged 18 to 24, 82,482 people (27.1%) aged 25 to 44, 66,615 people (21.9%) aged 45 to 64, and 26,242 people (8.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30.0 years. For every 100 females there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.4 males.
There were 98,444 housing units at an average density of 1,208.7 per square mile (466.7/km²), of which 51,185 (55.7%) were owner-occupied, and 40,747 (44.3%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.4%; the rental vacancy rate was 7.4%. 168,888 people (55.6% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 123,434 people (40.6%) lived in rental housing units.
2000
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there are 255,166 people, 82,005 households, and 58,141 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
is 1,261.5/km² (3,267.2/mi²). There are 85,974 housing units at an average density of 425.0/km² (1,100.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 59.32% White, 7.41% African American, 1.09% Native American, 5.68% Asian, 0.39% Pacific Islander, 21.00% from other races, and 5.10% from two or more races. 38.14% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 82,005 households out of which 39.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.3% are married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 14.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% are non-families. 21.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.02 and the average family size is 3.54.
In the city the population is spread out with 30.1% under the age of 18, 12.9% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 18.0% from 45 to 64, and 9.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 30 years. For every 100 females there are 97.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $41,646, and the median income for a family is $47,254. Males have a median income of $36,920 versus $28,328 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city is $17,882. 15.8% of the population and 11.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 18.9% of those under the age of 18 and 8.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Crime
The three most crime-prone areas are the Casa Blanca, Eastside, and Arlanza neighborhoods. Two well-documented gangs in the area are the Casa Blanca Rifa and East Side Riva, both of which are said by authorities to have connections with the Mexican Mafia. Both started around the late 1920s to early 1930s, but became troublesome around the 1950s and still to this day are known to be very violent. Casa Blanca Rifa got most of its notoriety from the shooting down two police helicopters, one in 1975 in the olden neighborhood's signature clash with Riverside Police and the other on New Year's Eve of 1995. East Side Riva got media attention in 2007 when Riverside County District Attorney Rod PachecoRod Pacheco
Rodric Anthony Pacheco , usually known as Rod Pacheco, is an American politician. He served in the Riverside County District Attorney's Office as a Deputy District Attorney, Chief Deputy District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney and then as District Attorney from 2007-2010 in Riverside County,...
obtained a gang injunction against 114 of 820 gang members from the gang. Since January 1, 2001, those 114 Eastside Riva gang members have committed 897 documented crimes and have totaled 333 convictions, including some for murder.
Data collected by Project Bridge, an anti-gang program under the City of Riverside’s Park and Recreation Department, shows that the city of Riverside has experienced an increase in gang membership and gang activity since the early 1990s. In 1991, Riverside had approximately 82 gangs with 4,500 active gang members. More recent estimates indicate there are 86 gangs with 8,000 members. Reportedly 3,000 of these members are juveniles, while 10 of these gangs are primarily minors. The juvenile crime rates did drop dramatically between 1994 and 1997 for these areas. However, juvenile crime rates have exhibited a gradual and steady rise since 1998. In 2000, Casa Blanca, Arlanza and Eastside had crime rates of approximately 40, 18, and 30 per 1000 youths, respectively. Of these three areas, the Eastside’s problems are compounded by the highest unemployment rate in the City, 65.1%. The neighborhood also has the lowest educational attainment in the City, with 82% of the population having less than a 4th grade education. Project Bridge has provided comprehensive services to at-risk and gang-involved youth between the ages of 4 and 22 and their families in for over a decade. Since 1995, the program has served over 500 gang-involved youth with recent enrollment nearing 500 participants. Almost 50 percent of participant enrollment is generated from the Eastside, mostly from the areas around the Eastside Apartments.
Riverside's Comprehensive Community-Wide Approach to Gang Prevention, Intervention, and Suppression project is focused on two of the high gang-crime neighborhoods, Casa Blanca and Eastside. In these neighborhoods, there are 21 gangs with approximately 3,230 members. The project targets more than 150 gang-involved and high-risk youth. Oversight of the project is handled by a committee consisting of local agencies and organizations, including the Riverside County Juvenile Court, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, the Riverside and Alvord Unified School Districts, the Youth Service Center, and other agency and community leaders.
On the 2009 list of most dangerous cities in America by Morgan Quitno Press
Morgan Quitno
Morgan Quitno Press is a research and publishing company based in Lawrence, Kansas, which compiles books with statistics of crime rates, health care, education, and other categories, ranking cities and states in the United States...
, Riverside came in 174th out of 393 ranked cities of over 75,000 population, making it the 27th most dangerous city in California and 2nd in the Inland Empire area, behind San Bernardino
San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California is a large city in the Inland Empire Metropolitan Area of Southern California.San Bernardino may also refer to:-Landforms:*San Bernardino , a torrent that flows through the Italian province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola...
. Like much of the country, Riverside's crime rate has been steadily dropping since reaching all-time high in the 1970s though the past two years has seen a dramatic 10 percent increase in the overall violent crime rate (1,954 crimes in 2005 vs. 1,777 in 2004.) According to the FBI crime index there were 1,922 violent crimes along with 11,059 property crimes in 2008.
In the city of Riverside, 15 homicides occurred in 2009, down from 20 in 2008, its highest total since 2003 when there were 24. All but three cases resulted in arrests. In the past 10 years Riverside has averaged about 20 homicides a year, it's highest being in 1999 when there were 31 homicides.
Government
Riverside is governed by a city council and a mayor. The city council has seven members each elected from single member wards. The mayor is elected in a citywide election.In the state legislature
California State Legislature
The California State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of California. It is a bicameral body consisting of the lower house, the California State Assembly, with 80 members, and the upper house, the California State Senate, with 40 members...
Riverside is located in the 31st Senate
California State Senate
The California State Senate is the upper house of the California State Legislature. There are 40 state senators. The state legislature meets in the California State Capitol in Sacramento. The Lieutenant Governor is the ex officio President of the Senate and may break a tied vote...
District, represented by Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
Robert Dutton
Robert Dutton
Robert D. Dutton is an American politician. He has served as the California State Senate Republican Leader since 2010 and as a Senator representing the 31st Senate District since 2004, after serving two years as a State Assemblyman for the 63rd Assembly District.-Biography:Robert Dutton was born...
, and in the 64th and 66th Assembly
California State Assembly
The California State Assembly is the lower house of the California State Legislature. There are 80 members in the Assembly, representing an approximately equal number of constituents, with each district having a population of at least 420,000...
Districts, represented by Republicans Brian Nestande
Brian Nestande
Brian Nestande is the Republican California State Assemblyman for the 64th District and was elected to the post in 2008. He is the son of former Assemblyman Bruce Nestande, who was the Republican nominee for Secretary of State in 1986....
and Kevin Jeffries
Kevin Jeffries
Kevin Jeffries is an American politician from the State of California. He is currently a member of the California State Assembly representing the California's 66th Assembly district...
respectively. Federally, Riverside is located in California's 44th congressional district
California's 44th congressional district
California's 44th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of California that currently covers an area of Southern California from San Clemente in Orange County on the coast, north-by-northeast inland to Riverside County, including the cities of Corona, Norco, Rubidoux,...
, which has a Cook PVI
Cook Partisan Voting Index
The Cook Partisan Voting Index , sometimes referred to as simply the Partisan Voting Index , is a measurement of how strongly an American congressional district or state leans toward one political party compared to the nation as a whole...
of R +6 and is represented by Republican Ken Calvert
Ken Calvert
Kenneth Stanton "Ken" Calvert is the U.S. Representative for , and previously the 43rd, serving since 1993. He is a member of the Republican Party. The district is part of the Inland Empire and south Orange County areas of Southern California.-Early life, education and career:Calvert was born in...
.
Local government
According to the city’s most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the city’s various funds had $892.2 million in Revenues, $706.7 million in expenditures, $3,455.5 million in total assets, $1,662.8 million in total liabilities, and $358.0 million in cash and investments.The structure of the management and coordination of city services is:
| City Department | Director |
|---|---|
| City Manager | Bradley J. Hudson |
| Assistant City Manager | Thomas M. DeSantis |
| Chief Financial Officer | Paul C. Sundeen |
| Airport Director | Mark S. Ripley |
| City Clerk | Colleen J. Nicol |
| City Attorney | Gregory P. Priamos |
| City Engineer | Tom Boyd |
| Chief of Police | Sergio G. Diaz |
| Chief Information Officer | Steve Reneker |
| Community Development Director | Scott Barber |
| Development Director | Belinda Graham |
| Fire Chief | Steve Early |
| General Services Director | Kris Martinez |
| Human Resources Director | Rhonda Strout |
| Library Director | Leonard Hernandez |
| Museum Director | Ennette Nusbaum |
| Park and Recreation Director | Ralph Nuñez |
| Public Utilities Director | David Wright |
| Public Works Director | Siobhan Foster |
Courts
- United States District Court, Central District of California, Eastern Division
- United States Bankruptcy Court, 9th Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate PanelBankruptcy Appellate PanelA Bankruptcy Appellate Panel is a group of judges of the United States bankruptcy courts who are appointed to hear appeals from certain bankruptcy cases under the supervision of the United States courts of appeals....
- United States Bankruptcy CourtUnited States bankruptcy courtUnited States bankruptcy courts are courts created under Article I of the United States Constitution. They function as units of the district courts and have subject-matter jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases. The federal district courts have original and exclusive jurisdiction over all cases arising...
, Central District of California - California Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division Two
- Superior Court of California, County of RiversideSuperior Courts of CaliforniaThe Superior Courts of California are the superior courts in the U.S. state of California with general jurisdiction to hear and decide any civil or criminal action which is not specially designated to be heard in some other court or before a government agency...
Colleges and universities
- California Baptist UniversityCalifornia Baptist UniversityCalifornia Baptist University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university located in Riverside, California, United States. Originally founded in 1950 as California Baptist College, it is controlled by the California Southern Baptist Convention, an organization affiliated with the Southern...
- California Southern Law SchoolCalifornia Southern Law SchoolCalifornia Southern Law School is a private part-time evening law school in Riverside, California. It is registered with the California State Bar Committee of Bar Examiners , but is not accredited by the CBE or approved by the American Bar Association...
- La Sierra UniversityLa Sierra UniversityLa Sierra University is a Seventh-day Adventist co-educational university accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Adventist Accrediting Association...
- Riverside City College
- UEI CollegeUEI CollegeUEI College is a career education school that specializes in automobile, business, computer, dental, medical, and pharmacy professions. The school was founded in 1982 as United Education Institute, and changed its name to UEI College in 2009...
- University of California, RiversideUniversity of California, RiversideThe University of California, Riverside, commonly known as UCR or UC Riverside, is a public research university and one of the ten general campuses of the University of California system. UCR is consistently ranked as one of the most ethnically and economically diverse universities in the United...
Public school districts and high schools
Riverside is served by two school districts:- Riverside Unified School DistrictRiverside Unified School DistrictRiverside Unified School District is a school district headquartered in Riverside, California, United States. The district serves a large portion of Riverside as well as unincorporated areas of Highgrove and Woodcrest in Riverside County....
serves eastern Riverside.- High schools include:
- Arlington High SchoolArlington High School (Riverside, California)Arlington High School is a public high school in Riverside, California, United States.-History:Founded in 1973, Arlington is one of 5 comprehensive high schools in Riverside Unified School District...
- Martin Luther King High SchoolMartin Luther King High School (Riverside, California)Martin Luther King High School is a comprehensive public high school in Riverside, California.-Background:Martin Luther King High School, commonly referred to as "King High School," is the first high school to be built in Riverside, California since 1973. The school opened in 1999 with 858 students...
- John W. North High SchoolJohn W. North High SchoolJohn W. North High School is a distinguished International Baccalaureate high school in Riverside, California, part of the Riverside Unified School District, and the home of the Huskies and the 1995 Division 4 CIF Football Champions. In 2006 and 2007 the North football team won back-to-back CIF...
- Riverside Polytechnic High SchoolRiverside Polytechnic High SchoolRiverside Polytechnic High School is a four-year public high school in Riverside, California, United States, and part of the Riverside Unified School District...
also known as Poly High School - Ramona High School
- The Riverside Virtual School
- Arlington High School
- Continuation high schoolContinuation high schoolA continuation high school is an alternative to a comprehensive high school primarily for students who are considered at-risk of not graduating at the normal pace. The requirements to graduate are the same but the scheduling is more flexible to allow students to earn their credits at a quicker...
s include:- Abraham Lincoln High School (continuation)
- Raincross High School (continuation)
- Summit View High School (continuation)
- High schools include:
- Alvord Unified School District serves western Riverside.
- High schools include:
- La Sierra High SchoolLa Sierra High SchoolLa Sierra High School, located in Riverside, California, United States, is a public high school in the Alvord Unified School District that was founded on August 28, 1969. As of 2010, Mr. Craig Shiflett serves as the principal. La Sierra High School's official school colors are blue and white...
- Norte Vista High SchoolNorte Vista High SchoolNorte Vista High School is a high school in Riverside, California, part of the Alvord Unified School District, and the home of the Norte Vista Braves.-Institution:...
- La Sierra High School
- Continuation high schools include:
- Alvord High School (continuation)
- High schools include:
Other public secondary schools
Two notable institutions of learning, for specified student bodies, are also located in Riverside:
- California School for the Deaf, RiversideCalifornia School for the Deaf, RiversideThe California School for the Deaf, Riverside is a school for deaf and hearing impaired children, and is located in Riverside, California. The school educates children from all over Southern California...
(CSD-R) for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing from Preschool to 12th grade has been open since 1952. The CSD-R varsity football team, the Riverside Cubs, had an undefeated season which led to an appearance on a May 2006 segment on ABCAmerican Broadcasting CompanyThe American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
's 20/20 news series. - Sherman Indian High SchoolSherman Indian High SchoolSherman Indian High School is an off-reservation boarding high school for Native Americans. Originally opened in 1892 as the Perris Indian School, in Perris, California, United States, the school was relocated to Riverside, California, in 1903, under the name The Sherman Institute...
of the Bureau of Indian EducationBureau of Indian EducationThe Bureau of Indian Education is a division of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It operates tribal schools for Native Americans in the United States. The BIE is headquartered in Washington, DC and runs 59 of the total 183 schools and dormitories it oversees in 23 states. -External links:*...
, is for Native American tribal members from 7th to 12th grade; it has been open since 1878.
Private secondary schools
- Bethel Christian School
- Eastside Christian Academy
- La Sierra Academy
- Notre Dame High SchoolNotre Dame High School (Riverside, California)Notre Dame High School is a private, Roman Catholic high school in Riverside, California. It is across the street from Saint Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church on Arlington Avenue. It is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino.-Background:...
(Roman Catholic) - Riverside Christian High School
- Woodcrest Christian High SchoolWoodcrest Christian High SchoolWoodcrest Christian High School is a private Christian high school located just outside the city limits of Riverside, California, United States, in the census designated place of Woodcrest...
- Islamic Academy of Riverside
Highways
Riverside is served by three major freeways, the I-215Interstate 215 (California)
Interstate 215 is a long north–south Interstate highway in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. It is an auxiliary route of Interstate 15 , running from Murrieta to northern San Bernardino...
, the State Route 60
California State Route 60
State Route 60 is a state highway in the U.S. state of California. It runs from Interstate 10 near the Los Angeles River in Los Angeles east to I-10 in Riverside County, with overlaps at State Route 57 and Interstate 215.-Route description:...
, and the State Route 91
California State Route 91
State Route 91 is a major east–west freeway located entirely within Southern California and serving several regions of the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area...
. These three freeways meet in north-eastern Riverside at the rebuilt 60/91/215 interchange that was completed in late 2007.
The constant construction on Riverside freeways has taken its toll on Riverside's image. The area near the 60/91/215 interchange had a reputation as being one of the worst interchanges in the nation due to its location in a turn, continued construction, short exit time, and other factors. Riverside is one of America's most congested cities because of heavy traffic, it used to be at the top of the list, but it has gone down to number 19.
Rail lines
The city contains two MetrolinkMetrolink (Southern California)
Metrolink is a commuter rail system serving Los Angeles and the surrounding area of Southern California; it currently consists of six lines and 55 stations using of track....
commuter rail stations, Riverside-Downtown
Riverside (Amtrak station)
-External links:**...
and Riverside-La Sierra
Riverside-La Sierra (Metrolink station)
-External links:* at the Riverside County Transportation Commission website...
. Both are served by the Inland Empire-Orange County and 91 Lines, and the Downtown station is served by the Riverside Line on weekdays, and the San Bernardino Line on weekends. Amtrak
Amtrak
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak , is a government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971, to provide intercity passenger train service in the United States. "Amtrak" is a portmanteau of the words "America" and "track". It is headquartered at Union...
's Southwest Chief
Southwest Chief
The Southwest Chief is a passenger train operated by Amtrak on a 2256-mile BNSF route through the Midwestern and Southwestern United States. It runs from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California, passing through Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California...
which runs from Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
to Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
also serves the city.
Bus lines
Local bus service is provided by the Riverside Transit AgencyRiverside Transit Agency
Riverside Transit Agency is a joint powers agency that provides public transportation in western Riverside County, California, United States. It operates more than 300 vehicles on 36 local fixed routes, eight long-distance "CommuterLink" express bus routes, and Dial-A-Ride service. RTA was...
. Recently, the agency proposed a new bus rapid transit
Bus rapid transit
Bus rapid transit is a term applied to a variety of public transportation systems using buses to provide faster, more efficient service than an ordinary bus line. Often this is achieved by making improvements to existing infrastructure, vehicles and scheduling...
route to travel along the current Route 1 from the University of California, Riverside
University of California, Riverside
The University of California, Riverside, commonly known as UCR or UC Riverside, is a public research university and one of the ten general campuses of the University of California system. UCR is consistently ranked as one of the most ethnically and economically diverse universities in the United...
to Corona
Corona, California
Corona is a city in Riverside County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 152,374, up from 124,966 at the 2000 census...
. The project is expected in FY 2011 or 2012, as funding is made available.
Intercity bus service is provided by Greyhound
Greyhound Lines
Greyhound Lines, Inc., based in Dallas, Texas, is an intercity common carrier of passengers by bus serving over 3,700 destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico, operating under the well-known logo of a leaping greyhound. It was founded in Hibbing, Minnesota, USA, in 1914 and...
and Amtrak California
Amtrak California
Amtrak California is a brand name used by the Caltrans Division of Rail for all state-supported Amtrak rail routes within the U.S. State of California...
, as well as a handful of small operators serving the cross-border market into Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
.
Airports
The Riverside Municipal AirportRiverside Municipal Airport
Riverside Municipal Airport , also known as Riverside Airport , is a public airport located four miles southwest of the central business district of Riverside, the county seat of Riverside County, California, United States...
(FAA designator: RAL) with a 5400 feet (1,645.9 m) runway, is the only airport within Riverside's city limits, and is the location for the annual Riverside Air Show. The airport is primarily used for private and business aviation. The nearest major airport is the LA/Ontario International Airport in the city of Ontario, California
Ontario, California
Ontario is a city located in San Bernardino County, California, United States, 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Located in the western part of the Inland Empire region, it lies just east of the Los Angeles county line and is part of the Greater Los Angeles Area...
(FAA designator: ONT), about 20 miles (32.2 km) northwest of Riverside.
Notable people
- Ahmed AhmedAhmed Ahmed-Early life:Ahmed Ahmed was born in Helwan, Egypt. His family came to the United States when he was one month old and he grew up in Riverside, California.-Career:...
, Egyptian comedian and actor - Hakim AkbarHakim AkbarAkmal Hakim Akbar is a former American football Linebacker of the National Football League and Canadian Football League. He was originally drafted by the New England Patriots in the fifth round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
, former football player - Marsia Alexander-ClarkeMarsia Alexander-Clarke-Personal life and education:Marsia Alexander-Clarke was born in Valparaiso, Chile in 1939 and moved to the United States to attend high school in 1952, eventually becoming a United States citizen. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts at Park College, and studied at the Art Students League of New York...
, artist - Chris ArreolaChris ArreolaCristobal Arreola is a Mexican-American professional Heavyweight boxer. Arreola is the former NABF, WBC Continental Americas, and current WBC FECOMBOX Heavyweight Champion. Chris is promoted by Goossen Tutor and trained by Henry Ramírez....
, professional heavyweight boxer - Dusty BakerDusty BakerJohnnie B. "Dusty" Baker, Jr. is a former player and current manager in Major League Baseball, currently the manager of the Cincinnati Reds. He enjoyed a 19-year career as a hard-hitting outfielder, mostly with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers...
, former baseball player for the Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles DodgersThe Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
among others and current manager of the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
; former manager of the Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
and San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division.... - Barry BondsBarry BondsBarry Lamar Bonds is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder. Bonds played from 1986 to 2007, for the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants. He is the son of former major league All-Star Bobby Bonds...
, baseball player for the San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
and the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions... - Bobby BondsBobby BondsBobby Lee Bonds was an American right fielder in Major League Baseball from to , primarily with the San Francisco Giants...
, former baseball player for the San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
and the California AngelsLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles... - Sean BrewerSean BrewerSean Brewer is a former professional American football tight end. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
, former football player for the Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
and Atlanta FalconsAtlanta FalconsThe Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... - Richard Shaw BrownRichard Shaw BrownRichard Shaw "Rick" Brown was the lead singer, harmonica player, and co-song writer of Psychedelic group The Misunderstood. The Misunderstood were a rock band originating from Riverside, California in the mid-1960s...
, lead-singer with Riverside rock-band, The MisunderstoodThe MisunderstoodThe Misunderstood were a psychedelic rock band originating from Riverside, California in the mid-1960s. The band moved to London early in their career, and although they recorded only a handful of songs before being forced to disband, they are considered highly influential in the then-emerging...
. Gemologist, designer and author - Larry Christiansen, chess Grandmaster
- Chris ClaiborneChris ClaiborneChristopher Ashone Claiborne is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent.-High school career:...
, football player for the New York GiantsNew York GiantsThe New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... - Frank CorralFrank CorralFrank Corral is a former National Football League placekicker from 1978-1981. He attended Norte Vista High School in Riverside, California. He was a part of the Rams' Super Bowl XIV team...
, former football kicker for the Los Angeles Rams - Allen CunninghamAllen CunninghamAllen Cunningham is an American professional poker player.Cunningham studied civil engineering at UCLA before dropping out of school to play poker professionally. At the age of 18, he began playing at in Indian casinos...
, professional pokerPokerPoker is a family of card games that share betting rules and usually hand rankings. Poker games differ in how the cards are dealt, how hands may be formed, whether the high or low hand wins the pot in a showdown , limits on bet sizes, and how many rounds of betting are allowed.In most modern poker...
player - Stephen W. CunninghamStephen W. CunninghamStephen W. Cunningham was the first graduate manager at the Southern Branch of the University of California, later UCLA, and a member of the Los Angeles City Council from 1933 to 1941.-Biography:Stephen W...
, first UCLA graduate manager and Los Angeles City Council member, 1933–41 - Jaye DavidsonJaye DavidsonJaye Davidson is an American-British former actor and model. He is best known for his roles as transgender "Dil" in the 1992 suspense-drama thriller film The Crying Game, for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, making him the first Black British actor...
, Oscar-nominated actor - Alvin DavisAlvin DavisAlvin Glenn Davis , nicknamed "Mr. Mariner", is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and designated hitter. Davis played his career primarily for the Seattle Mariners...
, baseball player for the Seattle MarinersSeattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July... - Walker EvansWalker Evans (racer)Roger Walker Evans is an Off-road Motorsports Hall of Famer . He was also a driver and owner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Walker Evans is nicknamed "the Legend". Walker is the father of off-road racer Evan Evans...
, Off-road Motorsports Hall of FameOff-road Motorsports Hall of FameThe Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame is located inside the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada.-History:In 1966, Ed Pearlman cofounded the first exclusively off-road racing organization, called the National Off-Road Racing Association...
r - Bubba FranksBubba FranksDaniel Lamont "Bubba" Franks is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers 14th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
, National Football League tight end - David GillilandDavid GillilandDavid Gilliland is a NASCAR driver and he currently drives the #34 Taco Bell Ford Fusion for Front Row Motorsports. He is the son of former Cup and West Coast driver Butch Gilliland. He was born in Riverside, California....
, NASCAR driver for Yates RacingYates RacingYates Racing was an American stock car racing racing team that competed in NASCAR until the 2009 season when it merged with Richard Petty Motorsports. Previously known as Robert Yates Racing, the team was owned by Doug Yates, who has officially owned the team since his father Robert's retirement on... - Dan GurneyDan GurneyDaniel Sexton Gurney is an American racing driver, race car constructor, and team owner.The son of a Metropolitan Opera star, he was born in Port Jefferson, New York, but moved to California as a teenager...
, the first driver to win in four major categories of motorsports; Grand Prix, Indy Car, NASCAR and Sports Car. - Barbara HamblyBarbara HamblyBarbara Hambly is an award-winning and prolific American novelist and screenwriter within the genres of fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and historical fiction...
, novelist - Duncan HunterDuncan HunterDuncan Lee Hunter is an American politician. He was a Republican member of the House of Representatives from California's 52nd, 45th and 42nd districts from 1981 to 2009....
, U.S. Representative, 2008 Republican Presidential candidate - Gabriel IglesiasGabriel IglesiasGabriel J. Iglecias , known professionally as Gabriel Iglesias, is an American standup comedian and actor, known for his shows I’m Not Fat… I’m Fluffy and Hot & Fluffy.-Early life:...
, comedian - Don ImusDon ImusJohn Donald "Don" Imus, Jr. is an American radio host, humorist, philanthropist and writer. His nationally-syndicated talk show, Imus in the Morning, is broadcast throughout the United States by Citadel Media and relayed on television by the Fox Business Network.-Personal life:Imus was born in...
, national syndicated radio talk host - Phil IveyPhil IveyPhillip Dennis "Phil" Ivey Jr. is an American professional poker player who has won eight World Series of Poker bracelets, one World Poker Tour title and appeared at nine World Poker Tour final tables...
, professional poker player - Tanya JamesTanya James (pornographic actress)Tanya James is an American pornographic actress. She entered the adult film industry in 2002 and initially only appeared in girl–girl scenes, except for a few boy–girl scenes with her then-boyfriend...
, pornographic actress - Reed JohnsonReed JohnsonReed Cameron Johnson is an American professional baseball outfielder. He was born in Riverside, California-College career:...
, baseball player for the Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National... - Sharon JordanSharon JordanSharon Jordan is an American actress. One of her notable roles is Irene the Concierge on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, a sitcom on the Disney Channel. Jordan also appeared as Irene on the first Disney crossover special with the three shows, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Hannah Montana, and...
, actress (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody) - Adam KennedyAdam KennedyAdam Thomas Kennedy is an American Major League Baseball second baseman who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He previously played for the Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Washington Nationals, Seattle Mariners and had two stints with the St. Louis Cardinals.-Early years:Kennedy...
, baseball player for the Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
and St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to... - Bobby KieltyBobby KieltyRobert Micheal Kielty is an American professional baseball outfielder for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball.-College :...
, baseball player for the Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
, Oakland AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
, Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue JaysThe Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
& Minnesota TwinsMinnesota TwinsThe Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the... - Darci KistlerDarci KistlerDarci Kistler is a noted American ballerina. She is often said to be the last muse for legendary choreographer George Balanchine.-Biography:...
, ballerina - J. F. LawtonJ. F. LawtonJonathan Frederick Lawton , born on August 11, 1960 in Riverside, California, is an American screenwriter, film producer and film director...
, screenwriter (Pretty WomanPretty WomanPretty Woman is a 1990 romantic comedy film set in Los Angeles, California. Written by J.F. Lawton and directed by Garry Marshall, this motion picture features Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, and also Hector Elizondo, Ralph Bellamy, and Jason Alexander in supporting roles. Roberts played the only...
), director and producer - Amy LeeAmy LeeAmy Lynn Hartzler , best known as Amy Lee, is an American singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist. She is co-founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Evanescence. She cites influences ranging from classical musicians such as Mozart to modern artists Björk, Tori Amos, Danny Elfman and...
, singer (EvanescenceEvanescenceEvanescence is an American rock band founded in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1995 by singer/pianist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody. After recording private albums, the band released their first full-length album, Fallen, on Wind-up Records in 2003. Fallen sold more than 17 million copies worldwide...
) - Chad MarshallChad MarshallChad Marshall is an American soccer player who currently captains the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:...
, Major League SoccerMajor League SoccerMajor League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
player for the Columbus CrewColumbus CrewThe Columbus Crew is an American professional soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada... - Jason Martin, musician (Starflyer 59Starflyer 59Starflyer 59 is an alternative rock band from Riverside, California that was founded in 1993 by Jason Martin, brother of Ronnie Martin of Joy Electric. While Jason Martin has written nearly all of Starflyer 59's songs, the band has included a number of different musicians over the years, including...
, Neon HorseNeon HorseNeon Horse is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. They are currently signed to Tooth and Nail Records with whom they have released two studio albums...
, The Brothers MartinThe Brothers MartinThe Brothers Martin are an indie rock band from Riverside, California consisting of brothers Ronnie Martin and Jason Martin. Musically, they incorporate elements of both Joy Electric and Starflyer 59 : electropop and shoegazing, while modern rock and 80s New Wave are also a central influence.As of...
, Bon VoyageBon Voyage (band)Bon Voyage is a musical group consisting of the duo Jason Martin, of Starflyer 59, and his wife, Julie.-History:The duo first appeared in 1995 when they released Issue 1, a 7" recording on Jeff Cloud's record label Velvet Blue Music...
) - Kellie MartinKellie MartinKellie Noelle Martin is an American television actress who is known for her roles as Rebecca Thacher on Life Goes On, Christy Huddleston on Christy, Lucy Knight on ER, and Samantha Kinsey on Mystery Woman.-Early life:...
, actress - Chief MeyersChief MeyersJohn Tortes "Chief" Meyers was a Major League Baseball catcher for the New York Giants, Boston Braves, and Brooklyn Robins from 1909 to 1917. He played on the early Giants teams under manager John McGraw and was the primary catcher for Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson...
, baseball player in early 20th century - Cheryl Miller, sports commentator and former professional basketball player and coach
- Reggie MillerReggie MillerReginald Wayne "Reggie" Miller is a retired American professional basketball player who played his entire 18-year National Basketball Association career with the Indiana Pacers...
, former basketball player for the Indiana PacersIndiana PacersThe Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association... - Stephen MurrayStephen Murray (BMX rider)Stephen Murray is a former BMX Dirt rider. On Friday 22 June 2007 at the Dew Action Sports Tour BMX Dirt Finals in Baltimore, Maryland, Stephen Murray took a catastrophic fall attempting a double back flip on the final jump in the dirt section...
, former BMXBicycle motocrossBicycle motocross or BMX refers to the sport in which the main goal is extreme racing on bicycles in motocross style on tracks with inline start and expressive obstacles, and it is also the term that refers to the bicycle itself that is designed for dirt and motocross cycling.- History :BMX started...
rider who is now paralyzed from the neck down after attempting a double backflip - Heather MylesHeather MylesHeather Myles is a country singer. Her honky tonk singing is in the Bakersfield sound-style and has been likened by many to that of Dwight Yoakam. She has had her songs featured in a major feature film....
, country singer - Nick NeugebauerNick NeugebauerNickolas Donald Neugebauer is a former Major League Baseball starting pitcher who spent the entirety of his brief playing career with the Milwaukee Brewers...
, baseball player for the Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee BrewersThe Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League... - Don O'Neill, architect and water color artist
- Mitch Lucker, vocalist of extreme metalExtreme metalExtreme metal is a loosely defined umbrella term for a number of related heavy metal music subgenres that have developed since the early 1980s. The term usually refers to a more abrasive, harsher, underground, non-commercialized style or sound nearly always associated with genres like black metal,...
band Suicide SilenceSuicide SilenceSuicide Silence is an American extreme metal band from Riverside, California. The group consists of vocalist Mitch Lucker, guitarists Chris Garza and Mark Heylmun, drummer Alex Lopez and bassist Dan Kenny. Formed in 2002, the band has released three full-length studio albums, one EP and seven music...
. - Bill ParsonsBill ParsonsWilliam Raymond "Bill" Parsons was a 6' 6" right handed baseball pitcher from Riverside, California. He had a four-year career as a major league pitcher.-Baseball career:...
, player for the Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee BrewersThe Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
and Oakland AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum.... - Troy PercivalTroy PercivalTroy Eugene Percival is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He gained fame as a closer. During a 14-year baseball career, he pitched from 1995-2009 for four different teams, pitching primarily with the California/Anaheim Angels...
, former baseball player for the Anaheim Angels and Tampa Bay RaysTampa Bay RaysThe Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field... - David PetruschinRaven (drag queen)Raven is an American drag queen and reality television personality from Riverside, California. He is best known as a contestant on second season of RuPaul's Drag Race...
, Drag artist and Reality TV star - Rod PiazzaRod PiazzaRod Piazza is an American blues harmonica player and singer. He has been playing with his band The Mighty Flyers since 1980 which he formed with his pianist wife Honey Piazza...
, blues harmonica player - Scarlett PomersScarlett PomersScarlett Noel Pomers is an American actress and singer/songwriter who works in television, film, theatre and music. Her most recognizable roles have been as Naomi Wildman on Star Trek: Voyager and Kira Hart on the television series Reba...
, actress (Star Trek: VoyagerStar Trek: VoyagerStar Trek: Voyager is a science fiction television series set in the Star Trek universe. Set in the 24th century from the year 2371 through 2378, the series follows the adventures of the Starfleet vessel USS Voyager, which becomes stranded in the Delta Quadrant 70,000 light-years from Earth while...
, RebaReba (TV series)Reba is an American sitcom starring Reba McEntire, which ran from 2001 to 2007. For the show's first five seasons, it ran on The WB, with the show transitioning to The CW in its last year.-Synopsis:...
) - Lindsay RidgewayLindsay RidgewayLindsay Elizabeth Ridgeway is a former American child actress in film, television, and theater. She is a voice actor in several animated shows like Totally Spies! and plays the character Britney....
, actress (Boy Meets WorldBoy Meets WorldBoy Meets World is an American comedy-drama series that chronicles the events and everyday life lessons of Cory Matthews, played by Ben Savage, a kid from suburban Philadelphia who grows up from a young boy to a married man. The show aired for seven seasons from 1993 to 2000 on ABC, part of the...
) - Bob RuleBob RuleBobby Frank Rule is a retired American basketball player at center for the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and briefly, the Milwaukee Bucks....
, former NBA All Star - Patrick SeitzPatrick SeitzPatrick Seitz is an American voice actor, ADR Director, and Script Writer primarily known for his work for Geneon Entertainment, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Bandai Entertainment, Media Blasters, NYAV Post, New Generation Pictures, Funimation Entertainment, and Viz Media...
, voice actor, (BleachBleach (manga)is a Japanese shōnen manga series written and illustrated by Noriaki "Tite" Kubo. Bleach follows the adventures of Ichigo Kurosaki after he obtains the powers of a —a death personification similar to the Grim Reaper—from another Soul Reaper, Rukia Kuchiki...
) - Alia ShawkatAlia ShawkatAlia Martine Shawkat is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Maeby Fünke in the Fox series Arrested Development.- Personal life :...
, actress, (Arrested Development) - Drew ShirleyDrew ShirleyAndrew Philip Shirley is a guitarist and the newest member of the alternative rock band Switchfoot. Shirley attended California Baptist University studying a Fine Arts degree with a Music minor. During that time he also started and led various school bands and shows. He had only started playing...
, member of band SwitchfootSwitchfootSwitchfoot is an American rock band from San Diego, California. The band's members are Jon Foreman , Tim Foreman , Chad Butler , Jerome Fontamillas , and Drew Shirley .After early successes in the Christian rock scene, Switchfoot first gained mainstream... - Eric ShowEric ShowEric Vaughn Show was a Major League Baseball player who played for most of his career with the San Diego Padres. On September 11, 1985, Show gave up Pete Rose's record-breaking 4,192nd career hit...
, baseball pitcher, started for San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
in 1984 season - Skee-LoSkee-LoAntoine Roundtree , better known as Skee-Lo, is an American rapper. He is best known for his 1995 song, "I Wish", which became a top-40 hit in several countries....
, African-American West Coast rapper known for "I Wish" - Susan StraightSusan StraightSusan Straight is an American author and National Book Award finalist.-Background:Susan Straight has published six novels, a novel for young readers and a children's book...
, novelist, National Book Award nominee - Hoyt S. Vandenberg, Jr.Hoyt S. Vandenberg, Jr.Hoyt Sanford Vandenberg, Jr. is a retired Major General in the United States Air Force.-Biography:Vandenberg was born in Riverside, California in 1928. His father of was General Hoyt Vandenberg and his great uncle was U.S. Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg. Vandenberg would obtain a M.S...
, U.S. Air Force Major General - Billy VeraBilly VeraBilly Vera is an American singer, actor, writer and music historian.-Life and career:Vera was born in Riverside, California. He began his singing career in 1962 as a member of the Resolutions. He went on to write several songs throughout the early 1960s, writing for the likes of Barbara Lewis,...
, (born William McCord), singer and actor; best known as frontman of Billy and the Beaters - Tyree WashingtonTyree WashingtonTyree Washington is a retired American sprinter.He attended both La Sierra High School and San Bernardino Valley College....
, athlete - Ray Lyman WilburRay Lyman WilburRay Lyman Wilbur was an American medical doctor who served as the third president of Stanford University and the 31st United States Secretary of the Interior.-Early life:...
, physician for the president of the United States, president of Stanford University, United States Secretary of the Interior - Michael WittigMichael WittigMichael Richard Wittig is an American Christian musician who is best known as "Kalel", the former bass player for the Dove Awards winning and Grammy nominated Christian hard rock band Pillar. After ten years of playing with Pillar, Wittig left the band in September 2008. He is currently a member...
, AKA "Kalel" the bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
player for hard rock band PillarPillar (band)Pillar is a Christian rock band currently located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Their sixth studio album, Confessions, was released in 2009.- Formation and independent albums :... - Cynthia WoodheadCynthia WoodheadCynthia Woodhead is an American swimmer, world champion, olympic medalist and world record holder. She won three gold medals at the 1978 world championships, when she was only fourteen years old...
, (nicknamed "Sippy"), Olympic medalist swimmer and world record holder - Alan YangAlan YangAlan Yang is an American screenwriter for the NBC sitcom, Parks and Recreation.-Career:His previous credits include the Carson Daly's Late Night Show and South Park. In 2009, he was named by Variety magazine as one of "10 Screenwriters to Watch". He currently has three screenplays in development,"...
, screenwriter for the NBC sitcom, Parks and RecreationParks and RecreationParks and Recreation is an American comedy television series on NBC that focuses on Leslie Knope , a mid-level bureaucrat in the parks department of Pawnee, a fictional town in Indiana. Created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, the series debuted on April 9, 2009; it has run for three seasons and...
; credits include the Carson Daly's Late Night Show and South Park
Sister cities
The Sendai Committee is working on setting up a secure e-pal system whereby the residents of Sendai and Riverside can exchange emails in a fashion similar to pen pals. The aim is to promote grassroots cultural exchange between the two sister cities.The city of Riverside established an economic partnership program with the state of Oaxaca
Oaxaca
Oaxaca , , officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Oaxaca is one of the 31 states which, along with the Federal District, comprise the 32 federative entities of Mexico. It is divided into 571 municipalities; of which 418 are governed by the system of customs and traditions...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
in the early 2000s.
See also
- California Riverside BalletCalifornia Riverside BalletCalifornia Riverside Ballet is a ballet company formerly headquartered in Riverside, California, United States, in Riverside's historic Aurea Vista Hotel, city landmark number 84...
- Largest cities in Southern CaliforniaLargest cities in Southern CaliforniaThis is a list of the 60 largest cities in Southern California by population. Official definitions of cities are defined according to the concept of city proper. The list ranks the regions urban municipal units according to population...
- Ranchos of CaliforniaRanchos of CaliforniaThe Spanish, and later the Méxican government encouraged settlement of territory now known as California by the establishment of large land grants called ranchos, from which the English ranch is derived. Devoted to raising cattle and sheep, the owners of the ranchos attempted to pattern themselves...
- Riverside Fire DepartmentRiverside Fire DepartmentThe Riverside Fire Department is the agency that provides fire protection and emergency medical services for the city of Riverside, California.-History:...
- Riverside Sports ComplexRiverside Sports ComplexThe Riverside Sports Complex, in Riverside, California, is the home field of the University of California, Riverside baseball team. It is primarily used for baseball and was the home of Riverside Pilots before they moved to Lancaster, California to become the Lancaster JetHawks in 1996...
Further reading
- Hall, Joan H. "Cottages, Colonials and Community Places of Riverside, California". 2003. Highgrove Press, Riverside, California. ISBN 0-9631618-5-7.
- Klotz, Esther H. and Joan H. Hall. "Adobes, Bungalows, and Mansions of Riverside, California". 2005. Highgrove Press, Riverside, California. ISBN 0-9631618-6-5.