When Lisa Diggs moved to Riverside in February 1997, she arrived as a newlywed and an Army veteran with nearly a decade of military service behind her. Her husband, Ray Diggs II, was a sports writer for the Press Enterprise. She came ready to put down roots — and almost immediately, she got to work.
Her entry point was the Eastside community, where she began mentoring and tutoring youth through the YES program at Inland Agency. That led her to the University Eastside Community Collaborative (UECC) AmeriCorps program at UC Riverside, where she served two terms as a youth coordinator at Highland Elementary and Taft Elementary. From there, her community footprint kept expanding: outreach work with Fair Housing of Riverside County, volunteering with Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful, participation in the Neighborhood Leadership Academy, and training through the United Way of Inland Valleys' Blueprint for Volunteer Diversity, which prepared her for service on community boards and commissions. In 2000, she received both the Presidential Service Award and a Congressional Recognition for her work with residents in the Coachella Valley.
Over the years, Lisa has served on the Park Advisory Council for Reid Park, volunteered with the Riverside Neighborhood Program, contributed as a municipal volunteer for the Library and Parks and Recreation, and lent her time to the Dickens Festival, the Juneteenth Festival, and other cultural events around the city. For seven years she volunteered with the Riverside Arts Academy. She tallied more than two decades as a mentor, tutor, and coordinator for youth and children — and through it all, she kept adding to the list.
Her veteran advocacy has been just as active. She has volunteered as a Blue Star Families Ambassador and a Women Veterans Alliance member since 2015, and as a style coach and job coach with Working Wardrobes since that same year. She was honored as a Quilt of Valor recipient in both 2019 and 2025, and recognized by Working Wardrobes as Client of the Year in 2025. On the academic side, she earned a master's degree in school counseling from Concordia University Irvine in 2022 and currently works as a substitute teacher with Moreno Valley Unified School District while pursuing a school counselor position. She remains active with her American Legion, VFW, and AMVETS Post 77 groups.
These days, Lisa is working on a short story about her personal journey and hoping to get more involved with the Inlandia Institute. Readers who'd like to connect with her are welcome to reach out.
What does Riverside mean to you? Riverside means "Neighborly." People here are so neighborly, and helpful, caring, and people will acknowledge you and speak. Say "Hello" and actually smile back at you. I appreciate all the friendships I have formed in Riverside. I was honored at a CBU basketball game on February 6, 2022, as Veteran of the Night, and that made me feel that I am a part of this community, and it made me realize that I am a "Riversider." It is nice to be recognized by your community and appreciated.
What is your Mt. Rubidoux summit count (estimated)? I have been up there at least five times, since I did live in Downtown for nine years.
What is your favorite restaurant? Gra Pow. But my favorite restaurant in Downtown is ProAbition, and Magnolia Center is Thai Kitchen.
What is the most beautiful building in Riverside? Mission Inn Hotel.
What is your favorite Riverside small business? Molinos Coffee Shop.
What is your favorite Riverside non-profit organization? Inland Empire Community Foundation.
The Festival of Lights: Every year on opening night or maybe on a Tuesday? I have gone on the opening night but it gets a bit too crowded, so now I go on a slower evening, like Tuesday or Wednesday.
What is your go-to sandwich in town? Sub Station: the meatball sub.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend day in Riverside? My idea of a perfect weekend day is when it isn't too crowded and go to the Food Lab or Spaghetti Factory and have a nice meal, and walk around the city and people watch. Or even go to Simple Simon's in the morning for a nice bagel and coffee and walk around the farmer's market on Main Street Mall.
What is your favorite spot for a date night? I like to go to Las Campanas at the Mission Inn and have some tapas and sit and talk.
Do you call it the Galleria or Tyler Mall? Tyler Mall.
If you could put one message on a billboard on the 91, what would it be? Live, Love and Laugh — today is present, tomorrow isn't promised, live for today.
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! I am working on doing my own short story and I would like to get more involved with the Inlandia Institute and continue working on my story about my journey.
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
