Councilmember Chuck Conder proposed the honor to preserve the legacies of residents who shaped Riverside, naming the couple who restored the Mission Inn as its first recipients.
The field for Riverside's June 2 City Council election is now official. The City Clerk published the final list of certified candidates Friday, confirming 10 candidates across three open seats — four in Ward 2, three in Ward 4, and three in Ward 6.
The races have taken shape over months of forums, candidate announcements, and campaign launches the Gazette has followed since last fall.
Ward 2
Four candidates are vying for the seat currently held by Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes, who is not seeking reelection and is instead running for State Assembly.
Gracie Torres — Member, Board of Directors, Western Municipal Water District
Christen Montero — Entrepreneur and planning commissioner
Aram Ayra — Educator and city commissioner
Mike Vahl — Local business owner
Dan Florez, who entered the Ward 2 race in January, withdrew last week, citing that his campaign was "ninety percent funded with my own personal funds" and that entering the race later than his opponents proved to be an obstacle. He endorsed Vahl; campaign manager Jason Hunter said Florez "demonstrated a commitment to putting the community first."
Profiles of all four candidates are available in the Gazette's 2026 Election Guide.
Ward 4
Councilmember Chuck Conder, first elected in 2017 and now seeking a third term, faces two challengers:
Chuck Conder — Councilmember, retired military
Jessica Qattawi — Businesswoman and community leader
Rich Vandenberg — Finance professional
Profiles of Qattawi and Vandenberg are available in the Gazette's 2026 Election Guide. The Gazette is continuing to pursue a profile of Conder.
Two neighborhood organizations will host candidate forums for the three City Council races, beginning Wednesday with the Ward 4 forum at Orange Terrace Community Center.
