Neighbor of the Week: Andrew Peake

Andrew has called Riverside home since 2000. A graduate of UC Riverside, he met his wife at a Starbucks in Woodcrest, and together they’re raising two children through the Riverside Unified School District’s Dual Language Immersion program.

Peake began his career at Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate as an intern and now serves as senior vice president, board member, and office manager. His professional journey eventually connected him to Path of Life Ministries through coworkers, and he’s served on the organization’s board since 2020.

During the pandemic, Peake picked up pizza-making as a fun, budget-friendly Friday night tradition with his family. It quickly became a passion project. As the pies improved, he began sharing them with friends—many of whom asked to pay. Instead, Peake invited donations to Path of Life. Three years later, Peake Pizza has become a weekly fixture, with hungry fans placing Friday night orders via Instagram to support a good cause.

What does Riverside mean to you? Riverside holds the people, places, recreation, and memories that are most important to me. It's where I met my wife, where I went to school, where my children are being raised and where I've chosen to grow personally. It is an incredible canvas to paint my life on.

What is your Mt. Rubidoux summit count (estimated)? About 50. Ten via foot, and 40 via bicycle.

What is your favorite restaurant outside of Downtown or Magnolia Center? Momo Sushi.

What is the most beautiful building in Riverside? The Cheech and the new downtown museum are both beautiful. I also love some of the unassuming mid-century modern architecture you see around town.

What is your favorite Riverside small business? Can I say the Raincross Gazette? It takes massive vision, trust in your neighbors, and love for the written word to move into the seemingly dying news world. I think we desperately need hyper-focused local news, and I'm proud of the Gazette for finding a way to deliver this info to Riversiders.

What is your favorite Riverside non-profit organization? Path of Life. While the Riverside congregate shelter is what most people know, the bulk of the services POLM provides go toward permanently housing nearly 200 households throughout Riverside County—including more than 50 RCC students.

The Festival of Lights: Every year on opening night or maybe on a Tuesday? Maybe on a Tuesday. I'm no Grinch, but I prefer loading the kids into my four-wheel sleigh and cruising the Wood Streets with some hot chocolate.

What is your go-to sandwich in town? Simple Simon's pastrami. If you haven't tried it, you need to.

What is your idea of a perfect weekend day in Riverside? This Easter was beautiful—low 70s, no clouds, slight breeze.

What is your favorite spot for a date night? The Mario's bar is a go-to, as well as Art's. You know what you're getting at both places, and there's great people-watching at both.

Do you call it the Galleria or Tyler Mall? Tyler Mall.

What is one place in Riverside you would bring back if you could? Original Pancake House!

If you could put one message on a billboard on the 91, what would it be? "Love your neighbor."

Finally, tell us what you’re working on right now and how our readers can support your efforts—whether it’s a project, passion, or cause close to your heart! Peake Pizza! Would love to have more consistent orders and continue opening people's eyes to the hard work Path of Life Ministries is doing. Follow us on Instagram.

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