2013 Purchase of
Mt. Rubidoux Peak

The Purchase of Mt. Rubidoux Peak

Mt. Rubidoux is one of Riverside’s 51 City Parks and the historic Serra Cross sits at its peak.  In 2012 the City received a complaint that the cross violated the separation of church and state and legal action was threatened.  In response, City Council voted to publicly auction 0.43 acres at the top of Mt. Rubidoux, including the historic Serra Cross, with no favoritism toward potential bidders.

Totally Mt. Rubidoux, a partnership between Friends of Mt. Rubidoux, The Mission Inn Foundation & Museum, and Rivers & Lands Conservancy (formerly Riverside Land Conservancy) was formed to raise awareness and funds to purchase the peak during the auction.

The community raised nearly $260,000 and in 2013 and Rivers & Lands Conservancy (RLC), an accredited land trust, purchased the peak for $10,500. Funds were set aside to support the first three years of monitoring and stewardship of the property as well as for education and outreach. The remaining funds, a little over $190,000, were invested in an endowment so that the interest earned could support the care of Mt. Rubidoux Peak in perpetuity. All additional money above initial expenses raised was allocated solely for this non-wasting, perpetual endowment.