Riverside Council Candidates Describe Donkeys, Oranges, and Pizza Ovens
Ward 2 and Ward 4 hopefuls answered a final questionnaire about local food, family routines, and personal history before the election.
By Lauren Bello ·
Two of the four City Council candidates in the upcoming election shared personal details about their favorite Riverside spots in a final questionnaire published on Sunday. Aram Ayra, running for Ward 2, and Rich Vandenberg, seeking re-election in Ward 4, answered six questions about local life. Gracie Torres of Ward 2 and incumbent Chuck Conder of Ward 4 did not respond by the October 30 deadline.
The candidates were asked to pick a meal for a visiting friend. Ayra suggested a breakfast burrito at Tacos Che on University Avenue, swapping potatoes for French fries. She recommended an Amazon Bowl at Juju Bar for acai, a chicken salad on squaw bread at Upper Crust Sandwich Shoppe for lunch, and Le Chat Noir or Devereaux House for dinner. Vandenberg recommended the carne asada burrito and tableside guacamole at Las Campanas inside the Mission Inn. He cited the outdoor atmosphere alongside the historic building as a key part of the experience.
Both candidates identified unique local features that only residents might notice. Ayra pointed to wild donkeys in the northeast part of Ward 2. She described the animals as messy but adorable neighbors that serve as an unofficial mascot for the community and UC Riverside. Vandenberg highlighted the smell of orange blossoms in spring. He described driving along Victoria Avenue with windows down to smell the citrus, noting that the Greenbelt groves remind residents of the industry that built the city.
The candidates outlined how they spend a free Saturday. Ayra plans to walk in local parks and nature settings. She listed Mt. Rubidoux, Sycamore Highlands Park, Fairmount Park, and the UCR Botanic Gardens as preferred locations. She expressed hope that these open green spaces remain preserved for public enjoyment. Vandenberg starts his day at Winchell’s Donuts on Chicago Avenue. He then walks along Orange Street from the Convention Center to Fremont Elementary School, often joined by his father, sisters, wife, and granddaughter.
Vandenberg continues his Saturday at the farmers market for fresh produce, eggs, and homemade soap. He stops at Los Novillos on Main Street for carne asada and tortillas for a barbecue. He recalled walking to that same market as a child when it was called L&L Market. His afternoon involves yardwork, grilling, and watching a movie. Ayra stated she hopes to continue stewarding the city's natural gems.
The candidates revealed personal interests not widely known to voters. Ayra said she enjoys cooking pizza from scratch and owns a portable pizza oven. She said she can discuss dough recipes and fermentation methods for long periods. She described an interest in running a pop-up pizza spot in another life. Vandenberg said he has collected and restored classic muscle cars since high school. He recently completed a seven-year restoration of a 1970 Dodge Challenger and restored a 1968 Mustang for his son. He and his wife also owned a skateboard and clothing shop called Local Threads on Magnolia Avenue and Merrill Avenue in the early 2000s.
The candidates named people who shaped their character. Ayra credited Yolanda Esquivel, Kevin Dawson, and Professor Ron Loveridge. Esquivel taught her the value of relationship-building in public service. Dawson welcomed her into the University Neighborhood group when she was a senior at UC Riverside. Loveridge mentored her on local government and the importance of getting to know the community. Vandenberg credited Coach Johnson, his basketball coach at Rubidoux High School in the early 1990s. He said Johnson taught him to show up on time, work together, and trust one another. Vandenberg noted that his former point guard is now his brother-in-law.
The candidates chose theme songs for Riverside. Ayra selected 'Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)' by Irma Thomas. She said the song reflects a deep love for the city that runs deeper than others may see. She acknowledged the city's flaws but emphasized the people and community that make it worth loving. Vandenberg selected 'My Hometown' by Bruce Springsteen. He stated that Riverside provided opportunities and shaped his values. He expressed hope that every child growing up in the city today will have the same opportunities he had and will feel the same gratitude for the place where they were raised.
