Former state senator Richard Roth accepts the City of Riverside’s 2024 City Spirit Award during a council meeting Tuesday, honoring his decades of service to the community. (Ken Crawford)
The City of Riverside presented its 2024 City Spirit Award to former state senator Richard Roth during Tuesday's city council meeting, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the community over nearly five decades.
Councilmember Philip Falcone, who nominated Roth for the award, praised the retired Air Force general's commitment to working across party lines and his productive legislative record. "For the 2023-2024 legislative session, he introduced 36 bills, signed 19 into law, making him the Inland Empire's most productive state senator," Falcone said during the presentation.
Roth served 32 years in the Air Force before representing the 31st Senate District for 12 years, with legislative achievements including securing funding for the UC Riverside School of Medicine and bringing the California Air Resources Board headquarters to Riverside.
"What I think makes you so successful and such an accomplished legislator is the ability and the interest in working across the aisle," Falcone said. "You do it because it's the right thing to do."
In accepting the award, Roth emphasized his deep connection to Riverside despite not being born in the city. "To be recognized by one's hometown is the ultimate recognition," he said. "Riverside is the only hometown that I've ever known."
Roth arrived at March Air Reserve Base in 1978 for his final active duty assignment and has remained in the community ever since. He credited Riverside with providing him opportunities to develop his legal career and serve on numerous nonprofit organizations across all seven city wards, including La Sierra University and the Riverside Art Museum.
Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes highlighted one of Roth's significant legislative victories that directly benefited local communities. She referenced legislation signed by then-Governor Jerry Brown that "restored millions of dollars in revenue to four cities in Riverside County," allowing the cities of Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Menifee and Wildomar to participate in vehicle license fee adjustments.
"That brought millions back to our community," Cervantes said. "It really made our communities feel that they were seen again and that they were important and that there were people fighting for them in Sacramento."
Councilmember Steven Robillard praised Roth's thorough preparation and thoughtful engagement during meetings, while Councilmember Chuck Conder acknowledged his dual service to country and community.
Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson praised Roth as a model for public service, emphasizing his focus on problem-solving over personal recognition. "You have always been more concerned with solving the problems, focusing on the issues than on having your name splashed all over the newspaper," she said. "That's why you've been so very effective, just because you have cared more about getting things done than about Richard Roth."
Roth's legislative work continues to benefit Riverside today. Recently, he attended the groundbreaking for UC Riverside's Oasis, a green tech park that represents the ongoing impact of investments he helped secure during his time in the Senate.
In closing the ceremony, Roth expressed gratitude and pledged continued service as he and his wife unveiled his commemorative plaque. "I hope that I have been able to partially repay that huge debt of gratitude that I have for and owe to each of you and the residents of this city," he said. "I will continue to work hard every day."
