Riverside City Council
April 7, 2026

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City CouncilApril 7, 20262025 CITY SPIRIT AWARD NOMINEESCity Clerk’s Office RiversideCA.gov2
The Mayor and City Council have honored a community member each year since the establishment of the City Spirit Award in 1995.BACKGROUNDCITY SPIRIT AWARD RECIPIENTSRuben and Diana Ayala2017Natividad Fuentes2006Dickey DeLoss1995Brian Jaramillo 2018Damon Castillo2007Rich Biber1996Zack Earp2019San Huang2008Michael Goldware1997Ofelia Valdez-Yeager2020Cindy Roth2009Rose Mayes1998Lynn Heatley2021Kathy Allavie2010Rita Norton1999Francisca Beltran2022Jane Block2011Victor Miceli2000Beth Schwandt2023Stan Morrison2012Daniel Hantman2001Senator Richard Roth (ret)2024Debbie Guthrie2013William F. Gavitt20022025Gordon Bourns2014Dell Roberts2003Anthony Rivera2015Stan Brown2004Henry Coil, Jr.2016Jim Erickson2005 1 2
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2025 SPIRIT AWARD NOMINEESMA YOR’S NOMINATING AND SCREENING COMMITTEE SELECTIONSNomineeNominated by:Justin PardeeMayor Lock DawsonLeimamo TaylorCouncilmember Robillard, Ward 3Lorna Jenkins Councilmember Conder, Ward 4Gerardo "Jerry" PulidoCouncilmember Mill, Ward 5Elia CamarenaCouncilmember Perry, Ward 6 RiversideCA.gov4
City Spirit Award Nominee: Leimamo TaylorOver seven years ago, as a single mom with a big dream, Leimamo Taylor took a leap of faith and took over a small café at the Riverside Airport. What began as a modest venture quickly became a mission to create a welcoming space where families, friends, and neighbors could gather, connect, and feel at home.Under her leadership, the Airport Café has blossomed into a vibrant community destination filled with laughter, creativity, and care. Leimamo has brought new life and awareness to the Riverside Airport, transforming it into a bustling hub of activity and connection. Her vision has helped showcase the airport as more than a travel stop. It is now a gathering place that reflects the best of Riverside’s community spirit.Leimamo is also a passionate advocate for local restauranteurs and small business owners. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she created a coalition of restauranteurs to provide mutual support, resources, and encouragement during one of the most challenging times for the industry. Her willingness to lead and lift others has earned her deep respect across the local business community.In addition to her entrepreneurial and civic efforts, Leimamo gives back in countless ways, from organizing toy drives to supporting neighborhood events and city partnerships. She helped launch the beloved Planes and Treats event at the Riverside Airport, bringing families, local businesses, and city partners together in celebration.Leimamo Taylor truly embodies the spirit of Riverside. Through her generosity, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to others, she continues to make our city a warmer, stronger, and more connected place for everyone.WARD 3 3 4
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City Spirit Award Nominee: Lorna JenkinsA resident, an entrepreneur of our great city, a past graduate of Leadership Riverside, having received a multitude of awards and recognitions, a leading member of our Riverside business community, and the founder of My Learning Studio. The studio offers private 1-on-1 tutoring for Riverside County students of all academic subjects, K-12, including adult learners, at-risk youth, court appointed, ESL students and additionally provides FREE Reading Assistance Program (RAP) to struggling students. This nominee has a passion for helping children with academic challenges. WARD 4 RiversideCA.gov6
CITY SPIRIT CEREMONYCity Spirit Award Presentation – May 19that 6:15 pm Unveiling Ceremony and Photo5 6 3/26/2026
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That the City Council select a nominee for the 2025 CitySpirit Award to honor their extraordinary deeds andcommunity spirit, good citizenship, and dedication toenhancing the quality of life in the City.RECOMMENDATION7