The first appointment of the new year is a morning conversation with Riverside photographer Michael J. Elderman.
I knew Michael's work long before we met at the Fox Open Mic last year. He's been closely involved in documenting the landmark Riverside projects and events of our times. Indeed, the late Judge Vic Miceli dubbed him "The Eyes of Riverside" after Michael's involvement in the Evergreen Cemetery rehabilitation. The Mission Inn renovation, the dig at Chinatown in the '80s, The Culver Center transformation and Fox Theatre resurrection - he's covered them all.
Frankly, it was only after I visited his website and its deep reservoir of galleries that I realized just how often this guy is out on the town covering some special Riverside happening. This obviously accounts for all those Facebook friends...all "People You May Know" lead to Michael.
I had a great time getting to know Michael's Riverside stories. Again I'm reminded how these conversations illuminate and expand my own experiences growing up in our city. Surely I hope this one brings a little bit of that to you.
- Ralph from Riverside
