Aryana Noroozi
Inland Empire natives Betheny S. and Veronica S. were celebrating Betheny’s birthday and wanted to make a stop at The Mission Galleria Antique Shop in Downtown Riverside. They sat down for temporary relief from their high heels while waiting for their friends to pick them up before dinner.
“I just turned 20 today and lived here all my life. I’ve never been further than Riverside or Ontario,” Betheny said. “I especially like the springtime, because that’s when everything’s in bloom.”
Veronica described herself “as a homebody,.” Even though she lives near downtown Riverside, she doesn’t make it there often.
“But when I go, I think it’s just nice. You can [feel] a nice breeze, sometimes there’s a nice view. I like when it’s filled with people because it just gives it life,” she said.
Their plans for the rest of the night include running errands and celebrating Betheny’s birthday at dinner with friends.
Ornaments hang in the window of the Mission Galleria Antique Shop in downtown Riverside, California on May 1, 2024. (Aryana Noroozi for Black Voice News/ CatchLight Local)
Friends, Betheny S. and Veronica S. share a laugh in downtown Riverside, California after making a stop at The Mission Galleria Antique Shop while celebrating Betheny’s 20th birthday on May 1, 2024. Both are Inland Empire natives and enjoy the area. (Aryana Noroozi for Black Voice News/ CatchLight Local)