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Riverside National Cemetery Bus Veterans

A group of World War II Veterans stands in front of a Riverside National Cemetery Bus posing for a photograph in their service uniform. One of the Veterans pictured on the right is holding a musical instrument (trumpet). The group is likely at the cemetery to pay tribute to and respect for their fallen brothers from WWII.
Bob Lynn Interview

In the 1940's Bob Lynn, was a former citrus grove owner in Riverside County. Both his grandfather and his father worked for the industry throughout the early 1900s. He recalls having owned more than one hundred acres of navel oranges in the City of Riverside. His grandfather was first involved in the Sunkist industry when he became a manager for the Arlington Heights packing house, where he inspected citrus wooden boxes and shipped them to different states. Lynn's father became an inspector for Sunkist, making sure fruit had been properly waxed and wrapped. When Lynn was six, he worked for his family’s citrus groves, killing gophers in the fields. At the height of the citrus acreage decline, he recalled a change in climate; the air became hotter and there were less trees, as buildings and blacktops replaced navel groves. With the decline of the citrus industry in Riverside, he worked to preserve the groves and became one of the founders of the Riverside Historical State Park, providing tours to the locals and establishing the Sunkist and gazebo areas, and was one of UCR’s first varial tree growers.
2010 Calendar page 12, December

A calendar cover for December/ Diciembre 2010 presents Dario Vasquez, a WWII Army veteran originally from Riverside, California. The three photos are in black and white, the top two of which are presumably from his days serving under the navy during WWII (1939-1945). The third photo underneath is of the Gold Star Mothers with a dedication description of that reads, "THE GOLD STAR MOTHERS (left to right) Maria Mollindo, Elizabeth Rangel, Delfina Vasquez, Inez Cabrera and Cornelio Macias (not present). Son's killed in action during WWII were Theodore Mollindo, Manuel Rangel, Dario Vasquez, Gus Cabrera, and Ventura Macias. The Memorial was located at Lincoln Park." On the far right a memorial description for Dario Vasquez reads, "Corporal Dario G. Vasquez was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on December 19, 1919. His family moved to Riverside, California where he was raised. He entered the Army in August, 1941. He completed his basic training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky and was then assigned to the 1st Armored Division 6th Infantry. His unit deployed to North Africa in the North African Campaign. He distinguished himself in combat and for bravery and valor was awarded the Bronze Star. He was killed in Action on April 2, 1943. He is memorialized at the North African American Cemetery in Carthage, Tunisia. He received the following Medals/ Awards: Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart American Defense Service Medal American Campaign Medal European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal Combat Infantryman Badge World War II Service Lapel Button With the exception of the Purple Heart, his family was unaware of the additional medals that were awarded to Corporal Vasquez. In September of 2009 a request was submitted to the National Personnel Records Archives to present all remaining awards/ medals to his oldest surviving brother, Gilbert G. Vasquez of Riverside, California. Elaine (Vasquez) Kist"
2010 Calendar page 6, June

A calendar cover for June/ Junio 2010 calendar cover presents six pictures of soldiers from the Inland Empire who served in different branches during WWII. Pictured left to right, the inscriptions read "Avila Brothers - WWII, Ralph (Army), Daniel (Marine), Elias (Army) - Riverside; Barney Diaz - Navy WWII, Riverside; Michael German, Air Force WWII - Riverside; Jim Castro - Army WWII, Casa Blanca; Villegas Brothers - Daario and Smiley, Army WWII - Casa Blanca; Fidel Pasillas - Army WWII, Casa Blanca." Each soldier pictured is in their military uniform and in their respective positions in the military.
2009 Calendar Page 26, End Page 1: Mission Statement, Board, Members

An end page detailing the mission statement of the Riverside County Mexican American Historical Society, as well as the names of of the RCMAHS Board and the Committee Members in one column. On the side, the quote "We need to preserve the history we helped build" is featured along with a wedding photograph of Jesse Reyes Ybarra and Velia G. Ybarra, and the inscription "In honor of Jesse R. and Velia G. Ybarra; July 3, 1942." Jesse was a PFC in the US Army Medic Corps during World War Two (from 1942-1945) and lived in San Antonio, Texas, as well as living in Riverside. Jesse died in 2007 and Velia died in 2003; both are buried at the Riverside National Cemetery.
St. Anthony Church Construction Calendar Photo

Photograph of the Casa Blanca St. Anthony Catholic Church under construction in 1923. The general frame of the church is visible. A large group of Mexican American community members, including men, women, and children, pose around the building. Catholic church building's frame being constructed in the Casa Blanca neighborhood within the City of Riverside, California. This image is featured in the 2008 Riverside County Mexican American Historical Society Calendar. See “relation” to learn more.
Jesse Reyes Ybarra Calendar Photo

A professional black and white photograph of Jesse Reyes Ybarra, wearing glasses and a light-colored 5-piece suit. Ybarra was born: on Sep. 18, 1916, and passed away on April 13, 2007, at the age of 91. He was the Director of the Community Settlement House in Riverside from 1959-1981, an advocate for the Riverside Mexican American Historical Society, and a community leader. This image is featured in the 2008 Riverside County Mexican American Historical Society Calendar. See “relation” to learn more.
Walt Disney scouting for "Los Tres Caballeros" Image

Photo of Abbie Chavez, a young boy on left, and other cast members from the movie Los Tres Caballeros, all in costume. Walt Disney is crouched down while talking to an unknown girl and Abbie Chavez while holding and showing a pluto puppet. Behind them, several Latino/a actors wear sombreros and ponchos. The photo's inscription states, "On the set of 'Los Tres Caballeros', Abbie Chavez from West Riverside (Rubidoux) was hand-picked by Walt Disney (holding hand puppet of Pluto) to be in the movie." This image is featured in the 2008 Riverside County Mexican American Historical Society Calendar on page 24. See "relation" to learn more.
2008 Calendar Page 6, St. Francis de Assisi Catholic Church Construction

The calendar page features a photo of several construction workers (white and Mexican American) helping to build a Catholic church in the Eastside neighborhood of Riverside. Two of the construction workers are wearing suits while they pose pouring cement. There is also someone posing with blueprints. Only the unfinished frame of the building is visible. The calendar text reads "Construction of St. Francis de Assisi Catholic Church in the E-side in 1923. Photo courtesy of Riverside Metropolitan Museum."
St. Anthony Catholic Church Construction

The calendar image depicts a Catholic church building's frame being constructed in the Casa Blanca neighborhood within the City of Riverside, California. A large local group of people stand posing in front of the building for a photograph. The photo was taken in 1923 and includes young children in addition to adults, many of whom appear to be Latino. Calendar text reads "St. Anthony Catholic Church being built in Casa Blanca in 1923. Photo courtesy of Riverside Metropolitan Museum."
2008 Calendar Cover Page, Riverside County Mexican American Historical Society, 'Sharing Our History'

Pre-WWII deployment image of military personnel. Many Latino men and one Latina female are in military uniform. Presumably a majority of which are Mexican American, standing and kneeling. Some posing with weaponry. The military personnel range from Navy sailors, both enlisted and officers, along with other branches of the military (possibly Army, Airforce, and Marine Corp). A few individuals are in suits, and other styles of clothing typically associated with masculinity or the U.S. military. The background building is of St. Francis de Assisi Catholic Church. The calendar text reads "Riverside County Mexican American Historical Society, 2008 Calendar, "Sharing Our History" Riverside, California."
Johnny Sotelo, Riverside CA

Service station owner and former city council member, Johnny Sotelo, discusses his life growing up and his political career in Riverside, California.
Katie Greene Homegrown Heroes Full Interview

This interview with Katie Greene was conducted on December 5th, 2023. Greene is primarily known in the community as co-founder of The Group, a Riverside-based organization that was founded in 1999 to address issues affecting the African American Community. As the longtime chair of the Issues and Actions committee, Greene has been a long-term community advocate, building with the Riverside African American Historical Society and the Eleanor Grier Leadership Academy. In this interview, Katie recounts her life, from her childhood in Millville, Louisiana, to her military service as a medic, nurse, and nurse practitioner. While serving in the military, Greene also describes some of the challenges she faced due to her race and gender. One example is her being chosend to model hairstyles for the military's new affirmative action policies. Despite these challenges, Greene also went on to pursure a law degree and volunteered for 23 years with the Public Service Law Corporation which helped those who could not afford legal services. Both Katie and her sister Rose Mayes are a powerful postive force in Riverside, and Katie's interview reflects that.
Jane Block Homegrown Heroes Full Interview

This interview with Jane Block was conducted on November 10, 2023. Block is a 94-year old community and environmental advocate and activist from Riverside, California. In this interview, Block recounts her life story, from growing up in a rural Catholic community in Idaho, to moving to Riverside where she became a prominent figure in the local women's rights movement. Through her advocacy, Jane played in active role in founding and leading several organizations in Riverside like the County Childcare Consortium, the Women's Resource Center, and the Commission for Women in Riverside County. Jane also mentioned her work in environmental activism through protecting natural areas like the Santa Rosa Plateau and how she's connected environmental issues and women's rights.
Talene Salmaszadeh Oral History

Talene Beuche Salmaszadeh lived and worked in Riverside for over twenty years and is an avid supporter of the local LGBTQ+ community. Through her role as a longtime host of Back to the Grind’s open mic poetry nights, her work at Back to the Grind, and as an organizer of the Saturation Fest art show, she was incredibly involved in Riverside’s LGBTQ+ art community for the past 20 years. She begins by discussing how she came to Riverside in 2001 and became involved with the local LGBTQ+ community through her regular visits to the Menagerie and activity with Riverside’s Underground Poetry Organization (RUPO). Salmaszadeh details the establishment of Back to the Grind coffee shop as a queer-friendly arts and community space which early on hosted RUPO’s community open mic poetry nights. She then describes how the Saturation Fest art show came to be, a process in which she was closely involved with as an organizer over the years. Salmaszadeh then touches on the murder of Jeffrey Owens, and the impact his death had on the local LGBTQ+ community. She closes out by discussing several key players in the local LGBTQ+ community and reflecting on the great ability of the Saturation Fest and Back to the Grind to be safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and as well as for the broader community.
Man and Woman holding Flags

A washed out photo in color of a man and a woman holding flags in their hand. The man is holding the Riverside flag that has the Riverside bell symbol and in the colors of blue and yellow, and the other flag held by the woman has an an abstract bird and unknown writing. A painting in the background appears to be depicting a scene from the Mexican-American War. They are also standing in front of a bench and next to what seems to be a fridge and fan.
Summer Fiesta and Bazaar Newspaper Article

A black and white newspaper article and image of parishioners preparing a Bazaar and summer fiesta for Immaculate Conception Academy in Riverside. The photo of a group of men wearing casual attire standing with palm tree leaves. There is also the building structure in the background of the photo. The text states: "For the school -- Parishioners pitch in to prepare for summer fiesta and bazaar to be held at Immaculate Conception Academy, 4525 Victoria Ave., on Saturday and Sunday. All proceeds go to the academy building fund. Hours will be from 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday and from 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday. Music, games, dancing and food will be provided. Pictured are Jess Carlton, Jess Martinez, Father D.A. Frederick, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church; Charles Duncan, David Lopez and Tony Lopez."
2012 Calendar Page 25, December dates

The bottom RCMAHS calendar page for December 2012 is black and white with blank notes section and surrounding months' calendars at the top right. Holidays of Hannukkah, RCMAHS Senior Christmas Dance at Zacatecas Banquet Room, Christmas. The bottom left is for Daniel Castor's bail bonds agent with their address and info: "Daniel Castro Owner/Agent; Lic. 1842300; Daniel Castro Bail Bonds | 951-788-8162 3781 14th Street, Riverside CA; 1-877-351-2245." The bottom right is an ad for Zacatecas Cafe with the address, contact info, and logo: "Zacatecas Cafe since 1963 2472 University Ave. Riverside, CA 92507 (951) 683-3939 fax (951) 683-3929."
2012 Calendar Page 24, December

The first RCMAHS calendar page for December 2012 is black and white, and "December" is written in English and Spanish at the bottom and the year on put on either side. Most of the page is a dedication to Tony Lopez and his life written by Linda Salinas-Thompson in September 2011. The text states: Tony Lopez was born in Penjamo, Mexico. He came to the United States when he was a young boy. Tony attended Lincoln and Irving Elementary Schools and went on to the 11th grade. He went on to work in the fields doing migrant farm labor work. Living in Riverside, he attended Saint Francis de Assisi Catholic Church, where he met Sarah Vasquez. They married in 1939 and were the proud parents of six children, Theresa, Anthony, Ramona, David, Monsignor Gerard Lopez, and the daughter they lost Patricia. Tony worked at Camp Hanna and went to wood shop classes during WWII. Tony retired as an engineer from building and producing machinery for the packing houses of the citrus industry. Tony coached baseball teams for many years, people still remember him for those giving days. He and Sarah have been married for over 70 years and stay very active with Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine Catholic Church. The left image are Tony Lopez and their wife Sarah Vasquez posing with a child, and the middle image is a later image of Lopez and his wife, the right picture is Lopez on his wedding day.
2012 Calendar page 15, July dates

The RCMAHS calendar page for July 2012 is black and white Independence Day is noted and a small notes section of the surrounding months' calendars after the last day of the month fills up the last four spaces. The bottom left is an ad for Pierce Bros. Crestlawn Memorial Park & Mortuary with the address, 11500 Arlington Ave./ Riverside, CA 92505/ 951-689-1441/ FD #1343" and the logo of the business on the right. The bottom right is an ad for a bail bonds service from Daniel Castro with his phone number and address stating: "Daniel Castro Owner/Agent; Lic. 1842300; Daniel Castro Bail Bonds | 951-788-8162 3781 14th Street, Riverside CA; 1-877-351-2245."
2012 Calendar page 12, June

The 2012 RCMAHS June calendar cover is black and white, and "June" is written in both English and Spanish. There are multiple images of Julia Hernandez as well as a description section. The two pictures are of Hernandez standing in front of a fence and another one where she is sitting down wearing a large hat. The text states: "Julia was born in Valle De Santiago, GTO Mexico on May 28, 1896. Her parents were Fermin Lopez and Juana Rivera and they also had three sons. Julia lost her mother at a very young age. Her Aunt (Father's sister) helped in raising the children. She came to the United States at a young age. She lived in Texas, then moved and settled in Riverside, California. Julia became the Mother of eleven children, Mary, Mercedes, Vera, Minnie, Raymond, Josephine, Zeke, Virginia, Connie, Cruz, and Carmen. She lived at 2364 Tenth Street, Riverside, California. She operated her business of cooking and selling Mexican food from a grange converted into a kitchen. She became an American Citizen on June 13, 1958, and passed away on September 16, 1958. Linda Salinas-Thompson June 2011 Julia Hernandez." There is also a picture of her naturalization certificate for the United States.
2012 Calendar page 11, May dates

The 2012 RCMAHS black and white May calendar page shows multiple holidays such as Cinco De Mayo on the 5th, Mother's Day on the 13th, and Memorial Day on the 28th. At the bottom of the page are two advertisements. One is from a local cafe. The text states: "Zacatecas Cafe since 1963 2472 University Ave. Riverside, CA 92507 (951) 683-3939 fax (951) 683-3929." The other is an advertisement is a political ad. The text states: "Melendrez for Mayor in 2012 "At this critical economic time Riverside needs a Mayor who is an experienced and collaborative leader, willing to take on the task of building, preserving, and solving our City's problems. I am proud of my current leadership role. Serving the community has prepared me to be your Mayor in 2012."
2012 Calendar page 4, February

The black and white 2012 RCMAHS February calendar cover that are both in English and Spanish. There are multiple images of Simona Valero from her early, middle, and current life. Next to the images are descriptions of her life from when she was a teenager up until her current position. The description further mentions her importance as a community member of Riverside County. The text states: "Simona is the youngest of 16 children whose family settled in Casa Blanca in 1911. She was born on February 18, 1922, in Casa Blanca. Her father, Ascencion Martinez worked in the fields and in irrigation. Then he had a Barber Shop in Casa Blanca for many years. The death of her mother when she was nine years old had a great impact on her life. At the age of 16 years, she became responsible for running the house and caring for her father and three brothers living at home. She never attended High School but had opportunities by The Economic Opportunity Board and took Extension courses at UCR. At 16 years old she ran the Casa Blanca Post Office while the postmistress was on maternity leave. She also worked in area packing houses, a local grocery store, and a boutique. She went to work for the EOB in the early 1960s until it was phased out in 1972. Then she went to work for Riverside County the following year. Simona has served on many committees in her community, where she has been recognized and honored for her outstanding services. To this day she still volunteers and feels her community is part of her. Linda Salinas-Thompson September 2011."
2011 January Calendar page 3, Linda Salinas-Thompson/Rudy Diaz Dedication, Riverside County Mexican AmericanHistorical Site

A calendar page for January 2011 featuring Martin Luther King Jr. Day and New Year's Day. The January page features the previous month (December) on the Sunday slot and the next month (February) on the Monday slot. On the bottom left corner is a dedication to Linda Salinas-Thompson and Rudy Diaz; written by Elain Kist for their contributions to creating the calendar. On the bottom right corner is the contact information for the Riverside County Mexican American Historical Society. The text reads, "In Honor of Linda Salinas-Thompson/Rudy Diaz, 'A special thank you to Linda Salinas-Thompson and Rudy Diaz for their wisdom in creaitng a legacy calendar. Their vision gives our children and grandchildren a small insight into the sacrifices their grandparents and parents made for them so that they would have better lives.' God Bless, Elaine Kist".
Funeral in a Riverside Cemetery

A picture of a funeral dating from the 1930s. A large group of people ranging in age and gender stand or sit in a wide semi-circle around a coffin in a cemetery in Riverside, California. The coffin is adorned with flowers on top of it and a priest is seen behind the coffin. Most of the people present are looking at the camera, towards the viewer. Many of the people pictured are wearing black mourning clothes or formal dress, while many are wearing informal everyday clothing. A description of the photograph reads: "A funeral attended by family and friends, in the early 1930s, at the Evergreen Cemetery. Photo courtesy of Johnny Sotelo."