In honor of upcoming Day of the Dead, we're featuring Laura Pulido Vasquez again this year. Last year's Neighbor of the Week inspired our community by creating a large ofrenda outside her Riverside home that welcomed all neighbors to participate. Her generous spirit and dedication to sharing DĂa de los Muertos traditions made this sacred holiday more accessible and meaningful for Riversiders, showing how one person's cultural celebration can bring an entire neighborhood together.
Riverside has quickly become my home despite being here only for 3 years (almost 4). It has been everything I've always dreamed of when I started my family, from the nature surrounding my neighborhood to the history that Downtown holds.
This year, I decided to share with the neighborhood one of the most beautiful and touching traditions of my culture; DIA DE LOS MUERTOS (Day of the Dead ) is not only a celebration of life for all my ancestors but also a way to honor them and feel a little closer to them. My Ofrenda is not only for my ancestors; I'm inviting everyone from the community to celebrate with us and their late family members. They brought pictures and their favorite things they used to like to do or drink and remembered the good times, lessons, and love they shared with us while they were here.
What does Riverside mean to you? Riverside is more than a city to me. Riverside is home. I'm in love with its unique architecture and how much they are trying to keep its roots despite the changes in society. I love how the community welcomes the new generation and new youth trends while keeping its rustic sensibility.
What is your Mt. Rubidoux summit count (estimated)? I would say a dozen times.
What is your favorite restaurant outside of Downtown or Magnolia Center? Pepitos in Canyon Crest, they have the best margaritas!
What is the most beautiful building in Riverside? The Mission Inn.
What is your favorite Riverside small business? MĂ Cultura, a little Mexican store next to ProAbition.
What is your favorite Riverside non-profit organization? Mission Inn and Citrus Heritage runs.
The Festival of Lights: Every year on opening night or maybe on a Tuesday? Tuesday for sure! Itâs less crowded and I work on the weekends.
What is your go-to sandwich in town? Backstreet, with their beautiful patio.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend day in Riverside? I would say a nice run or hike up Mt Rubidoux, followed by lunch in the Canyon Crest Towne Center, a bike ride around my beautiful neighborhood, a show in the Fox Theater, and dinner at Duane's Steakhouse.
What is your favorite spot for a date night? ProAbition on Sundays for JAZZ night!
Do you call it the Galleria or Tyler Mall? Tyler Mall.
What is one place in Riverside you would bring back if you could? I'm lucky, not much has left since I moved here, but I hope we never lose the Mission Inn.
If you could put one message on a billboard on the 91, what would it be? "Donât be too hard on yourself , you are doing great!"
Neighbor of the Week and Local Legends is our way of celebrating the hidden heroes of Riversideâthose 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 whoâs making a difference? Nominate a Neighbor of the Week
