First Thursdays Arts Walk: Panel Discussion and Book Launch of Cafe Stories: Riverside’s Zacatecas by William Medina

Thursday, April 4, 2024

7:00-8:00 PM

Riverside Main Library Community Room Riverside Public Library Community Room

3900 Mission Inn Avenue

Riverside, CA 92501

Free and open to the public.

With William Medina, Carlos Cortés, Judith Auth, and Suzanna Medina

7:00-8:00 PM, doors open at 6:30

Inlandia Institute presents the launch of Cafe Stories: Riverside’s Zacatecas by William Medina, Riverside historian and educator. The author will be joined by a distinguished panel to discuss his novel and the Medina family’s renowned Cafe. The panel consists of Judith Auth, Carlos Cortés, and Suzanna Medina.

William Medina’s novel, Cafe Stories: Riverside’s Zacatecas is based on stories inspired by events and characters who frequented his parent’s eatery in Riverside. He masterfully re-imagines and chronicles “… curious bits and pieces of real events that I have reassembled to weave fictional stories,” states Medina.

William and his siblings grew up helping their parents Oscar and Josefina Medina at the cafe. Over the years he and his siblings managed the eatery. The original cafe was located in a shopping center in Riverside’s multicultural Eastside. Located nearby was the iconic Nosotros Fine Arts Workshop directed by acclaimed artist Leer Larkin — who was integral to the Medina family.

Cafe Stories: Riverside’s Zacatecas will be available for sale and signing. The event is free and open to the public.

The library will also provide an array of books on local history available for check out. Don’t have a library card? You can get one on the spot!

Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Please join us.