Category: Inland Empire

ANAHEIM — A ticket with all six numbers in Saturday night’s Powerball drawing was sold in Anaheim and the player has the option of receiving the $515 million jackpot in 30 installments or a $243.8 million lump sum payment before federal taxes, the California Lottery announced. The Anaheim 7-Eleven where a Powerball ticket worth $515 million was sold is seen Saturday night, March 29, 2025. (Photo by RMG News) The 7-Eleven store that sold the ticket is at 763 North Euclid Street, south of La Palma Avenue, the lottery website said. It wasn’t immediately known who purchased the ticket or when it would be claimed. RMG News, an independent news video provider, reported a store worker, having learned the winning ticket was sold there, called the store owner and told the owner: “It’s a jackpot from our store.” “$515 million, from our store,” the worker told the owner. “We got it, someone bought it from here. … We are very happy.” The numbers drawn Saturday were 7, 11, 21, 53, 61 and the Powerball number was 2. The drawing was the 29th since the last

Larry Thomas knew he and his wife had moved into wildfire country when they settled in Jurupa Valley eight years ago. “I love the mountains,” said Thomas, 69, a retired aerospace engineer and the current pastor at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Ontario. “I love the scenery, but I just know what comes with it.” He and his wife live in the brushy foothills just east of the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center. Large hills that are lush green — for now — loom over the neighborhood. Thomas and his neighbors said this week that they constantly live with the knowledge that a wildfire could sweep through their tightly-packed homes. “We’ve had them over beyond the golf course and across the freeway,” Thomas said. “They’ve been all around us but not here. But it’s a matter of time.” Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center is seen on Friday, March 28, 2025, the area surround the center along with the hills haven been newly designated as a “very high fire hazard severity zone” by Cal Fire. Updated maps released this month highlight parts of the Inland Empire most at

Greetings, puddle jumpers! Last week, we splashed around in the reflective and playful nature of puddles, transforming them into canvases for photography, scientific experiments, and even theatrical performances. Did you capture the distorted beauty of your surroundings in surreal pictures?  Maybe you choreographed a sidewalk slide in the rain to challenge the supremacy of the Electric slide ? Some of us might have found the perfect puddle to ponder over, and perhaps you’re there right now, waiting for another rain cloud to appear. This week, we’re diving into the auditory realm, specifically, that persistent melody that refuses to leave your brain: the earworm. You know the one – that song, jingle, or snippet of music that loops endlessly in your mind, driving you slightly mad. Across cultures, this phenomenon has many names. In German, it’s an “Ohrwurm,” literally “earworm.” In Tagalog, it’s called an “LSS” (Last Song Syndrome). In Spanish, “canción pegadiza” or “sticky song”. Regardless of the label, the experience is universal: a musical fragment lodged in our consciousness, playing on repeat. Often, the only “cure” is time . The earworm will eventually move

It’s an all-too-common scenario when trying to find care for a health concern. A loved one may need a same-day appointment with their primary care physician for cold or flu symptoms, but the next appointment is not for another week. Or you need to see a specialist for an urgent concern, but there is no availability until next month. Whether seeking care from a family physician, mental health clinician, cardiologist or an orthopedist, long waits for a needed visit are not uncommon in Southern California. Many of us and our family members question why it takes so long to simply get needed health care services. As it turns out, we simply don’t have enough physicians, specialists and other health care providers to meet the needs of our region. And, even compared to our coastal neighbors, the Inland Empire is particularly strained when it comes to resident-to-physician ratios. According to the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute’s County Health Rankings, there are 1,330 people for every one primary care physician, or PCP, across the United States. In California, that number is slightly better with one PCP

Fitness enthusiasts — and fans of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach — will soon have the chance for a unique experience on the racetrack. The 7th iteration of the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach’s annual 5K run and walk will return on Sunday, April 6. Though the actual Grand Prix won’t get underway until the following weekend, April 11 to 13, the annual 5K offers fans an opportunity to experience burn rubber of their own — at least, with their sneakers. Participants will run a two-lap tour of the race course, with the finish line at the Grand Prix’s start and finish line on Shoreline Drive, according to the Foundation. Runners and walkers replace IndyCars on the race course on Sunday, Apr. 14, 2024, at the sixth annual Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach 5K downtown. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer) Participants gather in the check-in area on Sunday, Apr. 14, 2024, for the sixth annual Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach 5K downtown. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer) Runners are off to the races on Sunday, Apr. 14, 2024

More than three dozen public elementary schools in the Inland Empire are among California’s best, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced this week. A total of 37 schools in eastern Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties are among the 336 statewide selected for the 2025 California Distinguished Schools Program, which recognizes schools for either high student achievement or for work in closing achievement gaps in test scores. “Excellent elementary schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people,” Superintendent Thurmond said, according to a news release from his office. “This year’s California Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our elementary educators and school staff who help our students discover passions and experiences that will propel them.” California Distinguished Schools are chosen based on data reported through the California School Dashboard, including test scores, chronic absenteeism, suspension rates, and socioeconomic data. Below are the Inland area campuses included in the 2025 class of distinguished schools. Los Angeles County Bonita Unified: Gladstone Elementary Claremont Unified: Chaparral and Sumner elementary schools Pomona Unified:

Restaurants and other food vendors ordered to close and allowed to reopen by San Bernardino County health inspectors from March 20 to March 27. Paradise Mountain Coffee, 23822 Lake Drive, Crestline Closed: March 20 Reason: Insufficient hot water Reopened: March 20 Related Articles San Bernardino County restaurants shut down by health inspectors, March 13-20 San Bernardino County restaurants shut down by health inspectors, March 6-13 The Original Pantry Cafe in Los Angeles closes after 101 years of service San Bernardino County restaurants shut down by health inspectors, Feb. 20-27 San Bernardino County restaurants shut down by health inspectors, Feb. 12-20 This list is published weekly with closures since the previous week’s list. Status updates are published the following week. Source: San Bernardino County Department of Public Health — Ian Wheeler

By Greg Archer | Contributing Columnist The Women’s Giving Fund continues to make strides empowering local causes. Spearheaded by Inland Empire Community Foundation, $49,000 in grants were awarded to three nonprofits this year. The grants offer resources to Inland Empire organizations providing services to women and their families. “We are thrilled to announce not only the grants we are presenting but also to share new insights into the experiences of women in our community,” said Nefertiti Long, chair of the Women’s Giving Fund and immediate past board chair of IECF. “Our goal is to strengthen support for organizations dedicated to helping women transition from struggling to thriving.” The grants were presented at the WGF Spring Fling brunch earlier this month, which featured keynote speaker Debbie Cannon, president and CEO of the Academy for Grassroots Organizations. Cannon received the 2025 Woman of Achievement honor and $5,000 for a charity of her choice that serves women in the region. Additionally, four finalists were each given $1,000 for the charity of their choice. Corona-Norco United Way, one grantee, received $15,000 to support its domestic violence program. Inspired Life

The Riverside Arts Council will hold its annual Mayor’s Ball for the Arts on Saturday, April 5, at the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts, featuring an “Alice in Wonderland” theme. The event will be a themed gala for the first time since their hiatus during the pandemic. The fundraiser will recognize local artists through a community voting system. Artists nominated and voted for by community members will receive awards at the event, where winners will be announced. The event will include an opportunity to draw with artwork from local artists, a silent auction, food, drinks, and entertainment. Attendees are encouraged to dress as characters from Lewis Carroll’s classic tale. The Mayor’s Ball represents a significant tradition for Riverside’s arts community, combining celebration with fundraising for local arts programs. Established in 1977, the Riverside Arts Council (RAC) serves as the county’s central arts agency and California Arts Council partner. The organization provides arts-related services, education and outreach throughout the region. Proceeds from the Mayor’s Ball support RAC’s programming, including neighborhood revitalization projects and initiatives aimed at increasing access to the arts in underserved communities. More information: Tickets for the

California Baptist Stunt When the CBU Stunt team returns from their Tennessee road trip on March 29, they could have an incredible 100-0 record as a program. Stunt is a competitive cheer based sport that focuses on skill moves and team coordination rather than crowd leading. Many universities have picked up Stunt as a Title 9 compliant sport for women. CBU has been competing since 2001 and in that time has not lost a single match. This is truly remarkable as the sports rapid growth begins to dilute the talent pool. Games of the Week Friday, March 28: 1 p.m. UCR vs. CSUN – Softball at UCR 4 p.m. CBU vs. Grand Canyon – Softball at CBU 6:30 p.m. CBU vs. Grand Canyon – Softball at CBU

When Brenda and her family moved to Riverside in 2004, it was for a job opportunity that brought them to this vibrant community. After retiring, Brenda began volunteering with BAT (Banquets at Trinity), a food program at Trinity Lutheran Church serving unhoused individuals, seniors, and families in need. Her passion for this work is deeply personal. As a teenager, Brenda and her family experienced homelessness for several years. That experience shaped her desire to help others facing similar challenges and to offer the same kindness and support her neighbors once gave her. A few years after joining BAT, Brenda was asked to co-manage the program. In 2021, she helped expand outreach by launching Shower of Hope, which provides showers and connections to vital resources. Through partnerships with local agencies, they now assist with obtaining ID cards, securing housing, and offering additional meals — creating a lifeline for those in need. Brenda’s mission is simple: to show love, dignity, and care to every neighbor she serves. What does Riverside mean to you? When I first moved to Riverside from San Diego, I wondered if I would

In partnership with The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, Riverside Art Museum presents “Hecho En Park Avenue,” a celebration of Riverside’s historic Eastside neighborhood through the vision of artist Juan Navarro. The exhibition showcases how Park Avenue’s rich cultural legacy has evolved through generations of families who migrated to establish roots in this vibrant corridor. Navarro, who recently completed his artist residency at “The Branch,” has collaborated with neighborhood residents to document their shared cultural heritage. “Hecho En Park Avenue” features paintings, photography, and installation pieces that invite viewers to contribute their vision for the neighborhood’s future. This approach reflects Navarro’s belief that art should actively involve the community it represents. As founder of Eastside Arthouse, Navarro has established a creative hub welcomed by locals in 2021 for its mission to bring the long-time Mexican cultural “muralismo” traditions to the area. The exhibition highlights how Riverside’s Chicanx/a/o people have maintained a strong advocacy and cultural pride tradition. Murals don’t travel well, so it is encouraged that you drive through the neighborhood, look at the murals, and get an idea of the scale

Riverside’s Eastside Library will close April 11 and reopen at a temporary location next month while construction begins on a new $20 million branch at Bobby Bonds Park. The Spc. Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library will operate with limited services from Lincoln Community Center starting May 6, and will introduce a mobile library program to serve the Eastside neighborhood during the transition. “The current lease at 4033-C Chicago Ave. is ending, necessitating the move,” said Erin Christmas, Library Director, who added that the new permanent facility is expected to open in 2025. The temporary location at Lincoln Park will operate Tuesday through Friday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering Wi-Fi access, laptop usage and story times. Hours represent a significant reduction from the library’s current schedule. A new electric Mobile Library vehicle will visit various parks throughout the Eastside and Ward 2 communities six days a week, providing Wi-Fi access and a small browsing collection for residents. “By offering multiple venues to access the library we hope to provide all regular Eastside Library users an opportunity to continue using services,” Christmas told

The Farm House Motel, the last remaining example of programmatic architecture on University Avenue, has been transformed into the Farm House Collective, a vibrant community hub featuring an impressive lineup of food vendors, retail spaces, and live music. The Bailey family, whose roots in the Inland Empire date back to the 1880s, has restored and repurposed the locally cherished structure rather than allowing it to be demolished, like much of vintage University Avenue, for potential redevelopment. “The restoration of this mid-century motor court as the Farm House Collective not only breathes new life into this stretch of University Avenue, it perfectly illustrates a moment in time,” said Jennifer Mermilliod, architectural historian with JM Research and Consulting, who advised the Bailey family during restoration. “The rustic board-and-batten cottages, central auto space and whimsical neon sign are a real-life postcard of postwar American tourism, which sparked the transformation of our highways and byways into a roadside haven for weary travelers.” Beverly Bailey of Stronghold Engineering, Inc. first envisioned repurposing the vacant motel in 2019, as suggested by her son Kyler, who had the idea while driving past the

The Inland Empire Chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) celebrated excellence in advertising at its annual ADDY Awards Gala held Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Life Arts Center in Riverside. The post Inland Empire American Advertising Federations Announces 2025 Addy Award Winners appeared first on InlandEmpire.us.

Robert Garcia has trained world champion boxers, from his brother Mikey Garcia to Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez. Now, at his new gym in Moreno Valley, the Riverside resident is training everyone from kids around the neighborhood to tomorrow’s potential boxing stars. Robert Garcia watches Jaykob Salazar, a 16-year-old Riverside resident, work out with a punching bag at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in the Moreno Valley Mall on Monday, March 24, 2025. Garcia, a former International Boxing Federation Super Featherweight champion who has trained world champions, was named the 2024 Ring Magazine Trainer of the Year. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) Manuel Cervantes Wright, an 11-year-old Moreno Valley resident, is reflected in a mirror as he works out on a punching bag at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy inside the Moreno Valley Mall on Monday, March 24, 2025. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) A young boxer walks towards the punching bags at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in the Moreno Valley Mall on Monday, March 24, 2025. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) Alonzo Roman, an 11-year-old Moreno

Riverside native and Poly High School alumnus Bobby Kim, known professionally as Bobby Hundreds, has been appointed Vice President of Creative for the Americas at Disney Consumer Products. According to announcements, he will report to Marcus Rosie, Disney’s SVP of Global Creative, overseeing merchandise development across Disney’s retail channels. Kim co-founded the streetwear brand The Hundreds 22 years ago. The company recently closed its Fairfax Avenue flagship store but continues operating online and through other retailers. He has stepped down as creative director, where he gained previous experience with Disney collaborations through The Hundreds.

Housed in the historic Heritage House, First Comes Love: Courtship in the Victorian Era explores the customs, rituals, and evolving expectations of romance and marriage during the 19th century. The exhibition examines how courtship transformed from a matter of economic and social necessity into a pursuit of love and emotional fulfillment, reflecting the changing roles of women and their gradual shift toward personal agency in relationships. Visitors will encounter an array of artifacts that illuminate the intricacies of Victorian courtship, including handwritten letters, delicate lockets, and a beautifully preserved wedding gown. Music, literature, and sentimental objects—such as fans used for secret communication—offer insight into the coded ways individuals expressed affection within the constraints of social decorum. The exhibition also highlights how public spaces like opera houses, church gatherings, and tennis clubs provided new opportunities for courtship while strict chaperoning ensured propriety was maintained. From left to right: A cabinet card portrait of Catharine Bettner, circa 1885, and a delicate sheet music cover from 1860–1880 for  My Dearest Dear Little Heart,  composed by E. Millard. (Courtesy of the Museum of Riverside) The Heritage House itself plays a crucial role in contextualizing these themes.

Welcome to our weekly digest on public meetings and agenda items worthy of your attention in the next week. This guide is part of our mission to provide everyday Riversiders like you with the information to speak up on the issues you care about. City Council City Council will meet in closed and open sessions on Tuesday, Mar. 25, in afternoon sessions at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and an evening session at 6:15 p.m. (agenda). The agenda includes: Approving a contract amendment that increases pension contributions for police management positions by an additional 0.5%, saving taxpayers approximately $5,200 in the current fiscal year while helping address the City’s long-term pension obligations. Awarding the $32.8 million construction contract for the renovation and expansion of the Museum of Riverside’s historic 1912 building on Mission Inn Ave. Holding public hearings for two separate tax-exempt bonds funding campus improvements at California Baptist University and a 150-unit affordable housing development, with no financial obligations placed on the City. Authorizing the use of eminent domain to acquire property needed for the construction of a railroad underpass on Third St. Waiving attorney-client privilege to publicly discuss a second legal opinion on the City’s policy that