Duane roberts biography

This month, the Mission Inn Museum will open a photographic exhibit devoted to famous people and political leaders who have stayed at Riverside’s historic resort throughout its years.

Duane and Kelly Roberts, the Mission Inn’s owners, have lived some of that history since they acquired the then-shuttered property in They have played host to such notables as George W.

Bush, before and after he was elected president.

Earlier this winter, the Laguna Beach couple received a Riverside Hero award at Mayor William “Rusty” Bailey’s State of the City address. They were honored for their work revitalizing downtown Riverside and for the success of their annual Festival of Lights holiday extravaganza.

In a recent phone interview, the couple talked about the recognition, the revival of downtown Riverside around the resort and what it means to be a destination resort in the Inland area.

Q.

What does it mean to you to get an honor like that in your community?