Born and raised in Riverside, Noah is a proud graduate of the California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR), where he now serves as a Bilingual Language Arts teacher and head coach for the varsity girls basketball team. As a student, he was Student Body Government President and CSDR Athleticsâ Social Media Manager, helping to boost school spirit and community engagement. During his senior year, he made local sports history, scoring 71 points in a single game and breaking the area record for most points in a game.
His talents extend beyond the court. At age 10, he appeared alongside Marlee Matlin and Jeff Daniels in the movie Sweet Nothing in My Ear and recently played a minor role in the Deaf President Now movie released on Apple TV in 2025. After graduating from CSDR, he attended Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., where he continued his basketball career before briefly playing professionally in Radom, Poland.
Today, Noah proudly represents the United States in international Deaf basketball competitions, including the upcoming 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo. For him, Riverside is more than a hometown, itâs the foundation that shaped him, and the community heâs honored to serve every day.
What does Riverside mean to you? Riverside is more than just where I was born and raisedâitâs the heart of my story. Itâs where I learned to embrace my Deaf identity, built lifelong friendships, and discovered my passion for basketball and teaching. The community here shaped me into who I am today, and itâs where I now have the privilege of giving back as a teacher and coach. Riverside represents pride, resilience, and connection, and Iâm proud to call it my lifelong home.
What is your Mt. Rubidoux summit count (estimated)? About 50 times. Itâs always the first place I take friends when they visit from out of town.
What is your favorite restaurant outside of Downtown or Magnolia Center? Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar, their sizzling fajitas are to die for!
What is the most beautiful building in Riverside? Fox Performing Arts Center. You can just tell itâs Riverside the moment you see it.
What is your favorite Riverside small business? Daily Brew, itâs the perfect spot for great coffee and friendly faces!
What is your favorite Riverside non-profit organization? Deaf Sports Academy. They create incredible opportunities for Deaf athletes to grow, compete, and connect through sports.
The Festival of Lights: Every year on opening night or maybe on a Tuesday? Opening night! Iâm a people person, so I absolutely love seeing everyone come together and enjoying the moment.
What is your go-to sandwich in town? Backstreetâs French Dip! The staff knows my order every time I walk in. The previous owner was a great friend of my grandpa, Seymour Bernstein, which makes it even more special.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend day in Riverside? It starts with a bike ride along Victoria Avenue, followed by a coffee stop at Daily Brew or Arcade. Iâd spend the afternoon swimming in my familyâs pool, then grab tacos at Tuxieâs before heading up Mount Rubidoux for a sunset hike. Sometimes Iâll finish the night with a stroll down Main Street for a little extra fun.
What is your favorite spot for a date night? Castle Park, their mini golf course is the best in the world! It has this quirky, romantic vibe where I can enjoy time with my date and still keep things playfully competitive.
Do you call it the Galleria or Tyler Mall? Tyler Mall, what else?!
What is one place in Riverside you would bring back if you could? The old bowling alley on Arlington. Itâs a LA Fitness now, but it used to be my go-to spot because it was so close to the school and everyone would hang out there. I miss those days.
If you could put one message on a billboard on the 91, what would it be? "Learn something in traffic! This is how you sign âRiversideâ" â with a large, clear visual of the ASL sign for Riverside.
Finally, tell us what youâre working on right now and how our readers can support your effortsâwhether itâs a project, passion, or cause close to your heart! Right now, Iâm preparing to represent the United States at the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo while continuing my work as a teacher and varsity girls basketball coach at the California School for the Deaf, Riverside. Iâm also involved with Deaf Sports Academy, which creates opportunities for Deaf athletes to grow and compete. Readers can support by spreading awareness of Deaf athletics, attending local CSDR games, and following our journey on social media to help share our story with the wider community.
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 whoâs making a difference? Nominate a Neighbor of the Week
