Neighbor of the Week: Erin Snyder

As part of our special weekly tradition, we recognize Riverside residents who help make our city stronger, kinder, and more connected. This week, we honor Erin Snyder as our Neighbor of the Week—a celebration of her extraordinary life of service, stewardship, and community spirit. Erin, who we recently lost, left a lasting impact on the Riverside community.

Northside resident and community leader Erin Polcene Snyder, who passed away July 12 surrounded by loved ones, was a lifelong Riversider and graduate of North High School. She embodied a rare combination of civic dedication, environmental stewardship, and personal warmth that left a lasting impact across neighborhoods, generations, and ecosystems.

Born March 18, 1958, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Erin spent her early years traveling the country as part of a military family before returning to Riverside in 1973 following the death of her father, Army Lt. Col. E.W. Polcene Jr. She graduated from North High in 1976, earned a BA in History from UC Riverside, and completed her teaching credential preparation there as well.

Erin came by her love of Riverside honestly. Her great-grandfather William G. Polcene served in the Riverside Police Department from the late 1800s until his death in 1934. Her grandparents, Elliot William and Athene Polcene, were early members of Riverside Community Players in the 1930s and '40s. Erin’s father was a Poly High graduate and Army pilot; her return to Riverside with her mother and sisters rooted her permanently in the city she would spend a lifetime serving.

She began her professional life in teaching and with the Parks and Recreation Department before landing her dream role at the Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District (RCRCD), where she served for over 24 years as Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator. She loved driving past Evergreen Memorial Park—home to generations of her Polcene ancestors—on her way to the office at the base of Mt. Rubidoux.

A certified UC California Naturalist and instructor, Erin guided all ages through local ecosystems, led native plant and watershed tours, and graduated hundreds of fellow naturalists. She was also the driving force behind Envirothon, a high school competition rooted in environmental science and advocacy.

“She was a true ‘force of nature,’” friend and fellow naturalist Sheri Harris wrote. “She empowered hundreds of high schoolers... guided all ages of our community on tours, projects and programs... and along the way, I had the honor of her becoming my friend and co-naturalist. Erin will be sorely missed.”

Erin didn’t just advocate for Riverside’s environment—she lived it. She led efforts to install and monitor bluebird nest boxes in the Northside, including at the Riverside Golf Course, to support migratory bird populations. Her passion for conservation was deeply personal and always community-centered.

In the early 1990s, after honing her public speaking skills with Toastmasters Club 815, Erin found her voice as a community advocate. For over four decades, she was a vocal and thoughtful force on behalf of her neighborhood. She served multiple terms as president of the Northside Improvement Association, championed the Northside Specific Plan, and was instrumental in shaping key projects like Reid Park, Springbrook Wash, and Santa Ana Riverconservation efforts. She could often be found organizing events like National Night Out at Reid Park or speaking at City Hall with clarity and conviction.

As Ward 1 Councilmember Phillip Falcone put it: “Erin’s informed and collaborative approach brought her and the Northside Improvement Association respect, influence, and strong relationships across decades of leadership. Riverside is a much better place thanks to Erin. And won’t be the same without her.”

Her reach extended far beyond the Northside. Erin was a longtime leader with the Riverside Neighborhood Partnership (RNP), helping coordinate the city’s Neighborhood Conferences and championing grassroots organizing. In 2021, she received the Jack B. Clarke Good Neighbor of the Year Award, one of Riverside’s highest civic honors.

She was also active in countless organizations over the years, including DANA, Neighbors Better Together, Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful, Girl Scouts, Red Cross, Citizens University Committee, Riverside Woman’s Club, Riverside Lawn Bowlers, Riverside Food Co-op, and 4H.

“She was a true heroine,” recalled Linda Clayton Baker, who worked with Erin through RNP. “If I ever needed to know about Riverside, I’d ask Erin. She went to City Council meetings, Women’s Club meetings, RNP meetings... She cared deeply, showed up fully, and always followed through.”

In her final weeks, Erin was lovingly cared for by her sister Paige Polcene, brother-in-law Brad, and a devoted circle of family members. “I’m so grateful for the time I got to spend with her these last days and weeks,” Paige shared. “There was laughter, frustration, and lots and lots of love.”

Erin is survived by her daughter Wendy Van Savage, son Cody Snyder, son-in-law Jeffrey Van Savage, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and sisters Teri, Kim, and Paige, along with their spouses and children. She was preceded in death by her husband Gary Snyder, her parents Bill and Barbara Polcene, and stepfather Arnold Owens.

Though Erin's time with us has come to a close, the seeds she planted—in gardens, neighborhoods, and hearts—will continue to grow. Riverside is better because she was here. And for that, we give thanks.

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