Just like life, the Friends of Mt. Rubidoux (The Friends) has had its ebbs and flows.
In a mid-1980’s article, Terry Nielsen, Superintendent of Parks, described The Friends as a “loosely organized group of mountain supporters from about 25 households in the area who meet occasionally when a need arises.”
The Friends re-organized in 1994 with a group of interested citizens, many of whom “tended”to the needs of the mountain or routinely exercised in one form or another within the Park. Official recognition as a volunteer organization was sought through the Riverside Park Recreation Department, the Park and Recreation Commission, and the City Council. Formal recognition was received in February 1995.
George Flower was President of the Board of The Friends, ultimately becoming “President for Life.” George passed away in December of 2017 at the age of 91. To confirm his “forever” status, The Friends dedicated a plaque to him on the up road on the mountain.
By 2002, The Friends had 319 members and were meeting every other month on the 7th floor at City Hall. Individual members paid $5 annually, $10 for a family. Dues paid for things like “doggy bags”, coloring books, plants, and plaque restoration. The Officers were: President, Treasurer, Secretary, Librarian, and Education Program Coordinator.
Books about the Mountain could be “checked out” to members and volunteers met once a month for a “work party” to clean up the Mountain.
2002 Mission:
The Friends of Mt. Rubidoux strive:
To restore, preserve and beautify Mt. Rubidoux Park
To enhance knowledge of the rich history of Mt. Rubidoux Park
To foster enjoyment by visitors of Mt. Rubidoux Park
Fast forward to 2013, when The Friends played an integral role in Totally Mt. Rubidoux, a partnership with the Mission Inn Foundation and the Rivers Land Conservancy to preserve the mountain peak, specifically the Serra cross.
2020 brought the COVID19 pandemic when meetings of The Friends had ceased and membership fees were no longer collected.
Members of The Friends included and still includes, some of Riverside’s most prominent figures and Mt. Rubidoux enthusiasts, Mayor Ron Loveridge, Former Ward 1 Councilmember Chuck Beaty, and Katie Wider. Katie remains on the Board today as Director at Large having served as Board Secretary for almost 30 years,
Glenn Wenzel, considered Mt. Rubidoux’s top historian now leads the Board of The Friends as we position ourselves for the future and the next generation of The Friends leaders. Chuck and Katie remain to provide guidance and historical perspectives.
We have recently uncovered the original Friends of Mt. Rubidoux documents, which includes several binders. As we get through them, we look forward to sharing our past with you. After all, we are all Friends of Mt. Rubidoux!