Two Council Candidates Share Riverside Favorites

Only two of the four City Council candidates in the upcoming election responded to the final installment of the Raincross Gazette questionnaire by the Oct. 30 deadline.

Aram Ayra of Ward 2 and Rich Vandenberg of Ward 4 submitted their answers. Ward 2 candidate Gracie Torres and Ward 4 incumbent Chuck Conder did not respond. The outlet sent the questions on Oct. 26.

Ayra described a multi-stop meal for a visiting friend. The itinerary begins with a breakfast burrito at Tacos Che on University, featuring swapped potatoes for French fries and house-made salsa verde. The plan continues with an Amazon Bowl at Juju Bar, a chicken salad on squaw bread with chili at Upper Crust Sandwich Shoppe, and dinner at either Le Chat Noir or Devereaux House. Ayra said she never lets friends leave Riverside hungry.

Vandenberg recommended a single location for visitors: Las Campanas at the Mission Inn. He suggested the carne asada burrito, a Perfect Mission Inn Margarita, and tableside guacamole. He cited the outdoor dining atmosphere alongside the historic Mission Inn as the key element of the experience.

When asked about local knowledge, Ayra pointed to wild donkeys. She described them as mischievous neighbors in the northeast part of Ward 2, noting that residents often stop to photograph the herds. Vandenberg highlighted the spring fragrance of orange blossoms on Victoria Avenue. He linked the scent to the Greenbelt and the city's citrus heritage.

For a free Saturday, Ayra listed outdoor activities such as walking up Mt. Rubidoux or visiting Sycamore Highlands Park. Vandenberg outlined a specific routine: a stop at Winchell’s Donuts on Chicago Avenue, a walk along Orange Street from the Convention Center to Fremont Elementary School, and a visit to the farmers market. He noted he used to walk to that same market as a child when it was called L&L Market. He often joins his father, sisters, wife, and granddaughter for these outings.

Both candidates identified mentors who shaped their public service approaches. Ayra named Yolanda Esquivel, Kevin Dawson, and Professor Ron Loveridge. She credited Esquivel with teaching the value of relationship-building and Dawson with showing the importance of consistent advocacy on daily issues. Vandenberg credited Coach Johnson, his basketball coach at Rubidoux High School in the early 1990s. Vandenberg said Johnson taught him accountability and teamwork, lessons that remain with him decades later.

The two candidates selected different theme songs for Riverside. Ayra chose “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)” by Irma Thomas. She described the city as a place where she sees flaws clearly but still loves it deeply. Vandenberg chose “My Hometown” by Bruce Springsteen. He stated that Riverside helped raise him and provided opportunities that shaped his values. He expressed hope that current children will feel the same gratitude for the city when they look back on their childhoods.