I first met Carol McDoniel at a tour of the Chinatown site at Brockton and Tequesquite and knew right away that a conversaton with the President of the Old Riverside Foundation would be an essential episode of the first few podcasts. As a second generation Riversider, I have a naturally "protective" attitude about Riverside's old treasures. I'm intrigued when I meet a person who wasn't born at Community, Parkview or Knollwood (ask your parents or grandparents) who shares my preservationist tendencies when it comes to our town.
Shortly after I got the first podcast up the news came out that plans for Downtown's historic Stalder Building were moving forward - and the proposal had very little to do with proper preservation of a structure designed by celebrated architect G. Stanley Wilson. I knew I had to fast-track my conversation plans with Carol to learn more about the status of the project (and what citizens can still do to influence the outcome of the new construction). We also talk about the upcoming annual Vintage Home Tour that is the major fundraiser for the Foundation.
It's taken me longer than planned to get this one up for listening. We make our agendas with enthusiasm and determination but sometimes life will push us off that path without notice. I offer my condolences and love to my wife and my extended family on the loss of my sister-in-law Rosemary. We carry on with her memory forever in our hearts.
- Ralph from Riverside
