Back-to-school routines return with safety reminders, young entrepreneur’s lemonade stand inspires community and committee moves to limit Council debate and public comment.
Proposed changes would establish 15-minute caps for initial Councilmember remarks and allow presiding officers to shorten public comment during crowded meetings.
Dr. Mark Harris stands outside his Riverside dental office, where community spirit shines through—from murals to painted rocks—reflecting his passion for local connections and giving back. (Brenda Flowers)
Dr. Harris isn’t just a great dentist—he’s a true community builder with a deep love for Riverside. Since moving to the city in 1995 to pursue his education, he immediately embraced the community and began giving back through outreach programs like Give Kids a Smile, Tri-County Dental Society, Headstart, Riverside Community Health Foundation, and Project K.I.N.D. He has been an active member of the Riverside Chamber of Commerce and The Pick Group, always seeking opportunities to support local businesses and connect with neighbors.
His dental office reflects that same spirit of connection and pride. A colorful mural in the parking lot, unveiled with the help of the mayor, celebrates Riverside’s unique heritage, while playful painted rocks and seasonal decorations create a welcoming atmosphere for patients. Inside, a free little library and local photography bring Riverside’s character to life, turning appointments into moments of community connection.
Beyond dentistry, Dr. Harris organizes patient group hikes up Mt. Rubidoux, book clubs, and other events designed to bring people together. His passion for Riverside is evident in everything he does—from preserving local history and celebrating its beauty to supporting small businesses and artists. Dr. Harris and his team embody how professional excellence and genuine community spirit can come together to make a lasting difference.
What does Riverside mean to you? Riverside means so much to me, but its deep connection to the community is what stands out most. This is where the citrus industry created a center of gravity for the entire Inland Empire over 100 years ago, and the roots of that mentality are still here today. I even traveled to Alabama during college with several city leaders to lobby and compete for Riverside to be named an “All-American City”—and we won! I’m constantly surprised by how many people know each other or have stories about Riverside’s history I’d never heard before. Even after 30 years of living here, I’m still learning new things about this place I call home. It’s amazing!
What is your Mt. Rubidoux summit count (estimated)? Possibly around 250. Is that considered good? We do an annual hike with our patients every spring, but maybe I should start going monthly. It’s such a beautiful hike!
What is your favorite Riverside non-profit organization? They’re all wonderful, but I’d have to say Project K.I.N.D. We had the pleasure of collaborating with them earlier this year, and they do an incredible job providing access to care for children throughout Riverside while connecting school nurses not just with dentists, but also physicians and ophthalmologists.
What is your go-to sandwich in town? You can’t beat Backstreet! My go-to order is a half pastrami, half turkey on prairie bread, with baked beans on the side. Try it and let me know what you think!
What is your idea of a perfect weekend day in Riverside? It would start with a hike up Mt. Rubidoux, followed by breakfast at Simple Simon’s to refuel. Then I’d stroll along the Main Street Mall to check out local shops before heading to the Mission Inn for a relaxing swim. I’d wrap up the day with a sunset bike ride and a nice dinner date with my wife at Le Chat Noir.
Do you call it the Galleria or Tyler Mall? Oh, the Tyler Mall. I’d never call it the Galleria. Glendale has a Galleria—we have the Tyler Mall!
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! We just finished renovating our building, and I wanted our office to highlight some of Riverside’s unique character. Earlier this year, a local artist painted a mural in our parking lot featuring Riverside’s iconic orange groves, and we added a raincross sculpture near our front door for everyone to enjoy. It’s important to me to help preserve the beauty and history of Riverside so residents feel proud of where they live. This city has a one-of-a-kind legacy, and we all need to do our part to keep it alive.
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
