Neighbor of the Week: Dominic Luna

Dominic's connection to Riverside began in 2006 when he joined the City of Riverside Fire Department’s Fire Explorer Program. He quickly became a familiar face at city events, earning recognition as the program’s top volunteer. Since then, he’s remained rooted in the community, both personally and professionally.

In 2014, Dominic was hired as a firefighter-paramedic—his dream job. Serving the same neighborhoods he lives in gives him a profound sense of pride. Known for his compassion and commitment, Dominic goes out of his way to help others, whether responding to emergencies or simply being a good neighbor.

One of his most memorable moments came while mowing his lawn. A neighbor admired the flagpole in his yard and shared that her father—a 99-year-old veteran living near Fire Station 3—would love one of his own. Dominic made it happen. The touching story was captured on video.

Inspired by the community murals throughout the city, Dominic also helped bring public art to his workplace. After careful planning, Fire Station 3 became home to a mural honoring Midtown Riverside and the residents it serves.

Dominic was nominated by the Ward 1 Office for his work installing flags on the Wood Streets’ historic light poles—just one more way he brings pride and unity to the neighborhood he calls home.

What does Riverside mean to you? What does Riverside mean to me? It means everything! It’s the place I was born and raised. Whether I’m at work on a fire engine or driving in my personal vehicle, I’m flooded with memories all throughout the city. I’m extremely grateful for the community and their support for the fire department—it’s blessed me with the best career I could’ve ever asked for. In turn, I’m able to provide for my family.

What is your Mt. Rubidoux summit count (estimated)? Too many to count. As an aspiring firefighter and then a probationary firefighter, it was tradition to summit Mt. Rubidoux in FULL METAL (all of our firefighter protective gear, aka turnouts) with a group of other firefighters on a regular basis.

What is your favorite restaurant outside of Downtown or Magnolia Center? Tina’s Mexican Food. I ate it growing up, and I’ll never forget when the booster clubs began selling their burritos for lunch at Poly High. Now, my children love it just as much.

What is your favorite Riverside small business? My favorite Riverside small business—hands down—is Kraemer’s Koffee Bistro. Always a place you’ll find good food, great coffee, and smiling faces.

The Festival of Lights: Every year on opening night or maybe on a Tuesday? More than likely, I’m working the Festival of Lights on opening night. So you’ll have to catch me on a Tuesday.

What is your go-to sandwich in town? Definitely the toughest question on this page—Riverside has so many good sandwich spots! If I had to pick one, it would be D’Elia’s Grinders. My go-to is a whole ham with capicola, plus a side of fries.

What is your idea of a perfect weekend day in Riverside? Waking up early to enjoy a nice walk or run down Victoria Avenue while the smell of oranges fills the air. I’ve cleared my mind too many times to count on that beautiful road.

What is your favorite spot for a date night? The Sire. Steak and potato dinner, some wine, and a cold beer. Can’t beat the price or the atmosphere.

Do you call it the Galleria or Tyler Mall? I’ve always called it the Galleria.

What is one place in Riverside you would bring back if you could? Not necessarily a place, but rather an event—I’d love to bring back Poly High School football games at the RCC Stadium.

If you could put one message on a billboard on the 91, what would it be? “Pray and don’t give up”—words my grandmother would often say.

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! The American flag has always been a symbol of pride and honor to me. I hold it close to my heart in remembrance of not only our service members but also my brothers and sisters in the fire and police services.

Most recently, I’ve started a project to line my street with American flags. The plan is to place 3'x5' flags on each of the 40 light poles along Beechwood and Castle Reagh, from Magnolia Avenue to Ramona Drive. This would create a beautiful patriotic display for all of us to enjoy and reflect our shared values and community pride.

To get things started, a neighbor and I personally purchased 10 flags out of pocket as a sample and first step toward that goal. If you'd like to support these efforts or learn more, feel free to email me.

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