Andrew and Samantha Melendrez stand on a Wood Streets side street lined with the American flags they installed on light poles throughout the neighborhood. (Brenda Flowers)
On a Saturday morning earlier this summer, Andrew and Samantha Melendrez were up early and on the job -- climbing ladders and installing American flags on more than 100 light poles along the side streets of the Wood Streets, including Beechwood Place, Castle Reagh Place, and, new this year, Larchwood Place. When summer ends, they take the flags down and store them in the backyard shed until next year.
Andrew will be a sophomore at Poly High School in the fall. He plays soccer and runs cross country and track. Samantha will be a seventh grader at Woodcrest Christian. Together, they took over the effort from their father, Aurelio, and his friend, former Neighbor of the Week Dominic Luna, who continue to watch over them as they work.
Aurelio said it all simply: "They are doing this out of love for the city and community." And it appears to have taken root. The evening after this year's installation, Andrew told his dad that flag day has become one of his favorite days of the year.
In this 250th year of American independence, these two early-teen siblings are finding their own way to mark it – one light pole at a time.
Neighbor of the Week is our way of celebrating the hidden heroes of Riverside—those who go above and beyond to make our community stronger, kinder, and more vibrant. We believe every remarkable Riversider deserves their story told. Know someone who’s making a difference? Nominate a Neighbor of the Week
