Category: Inland Empire

The displacement of the Mission Inn Museum and shifts in local political leadership emerge as the most impactful stories of 2024, according to Raincross Gazette readers in a year-end survey. These developments spark conversations about preserving local history while navigating change in Riverside’s political and cultural landscape. The contested eviction of the Mission Inn Foundation from its longtime home resonates deeply with residents, marking the end of a 30-year era of volunteer-led historical tours at the landmark hotel. “It totally changed the dynamic of the Foundation and required new touring options,” one respondent notes. Local elections also dominate readers’ attention, with many citing the city council race and changes in city leadership as pivotal moments. Respondents describe 2024 as a year of “shift in focus and tenor,” noting changes in development priorities and community engagement approaches. The Hawarden Hills Fire, the largest fire in Riverside’s history, stands out as another significant moment, with readers emphasizing its widespread impact on the community. “It was both criminal and created far-reaching consequences, including economic impacts for homeowners and the city as well as the emotional toll,” one resident observes. Looking ahead to 2025, survey participants expressed keen interest in several

You only have a few weeks left to stop by the Riverside Art Museum (RAM) and check out The Human Interaction is a Beautiful Thing. Mariah Green, RAM curator, has put together a tightly curated exhibit of the photography of Adrian Dizon and Cisco Streetlenz coupled with a short film documenting the processes and relationships that make what they do unique. Dizon is a student at UCR and works, locally at Urge Pallete, his  passion for photography started with Punk and Hardcore shows. The transition from bands on stage to the community in the venue and eventually to the community-at-large has a long tradition in Southern California. Glen E. Friedman and Edward Colver blazed that trail in the early 80’s and created some of the most important documents of Los Angeles in that era. CIsco is a native of Los Angeles wo “Picked up a camera with intent” almost twenty years ago and uses it as a tool to reflect the beauty of the people and places in his South Central LA neighborhood. He is proficient in both film and digital photography, and there is

The year is coming to an end, but images captured by our Inland Empire team of photographers in the past 12 months remain. Major Inland Empire news events in 2024 include wildfires, a Coachella visit from President-elect Donald Trump while on the campaign trail, and major changes on area roadways, including the opening of toll lanes on the 10 Freeway, west of the 15, and so many more. Our photographers — from The Press-Enterprise, The Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, and Redla nds Daily Facts — were out in communities in the Inland Empire, capturing images of these moments. Here are some of their favorite images.   Los Angeles Police clash with pro-Palestinian protesters outside the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday, May 12, 2024. The confrontation follows Pomona College’s decision to relocate their graduation ceremony due to a weeklong pro-Palestinian encampment occupying the original commencement site on campus. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)   Marine veteran Christian Garibay visits his cousin, CPL US Marine Corps Jose Angel Garibay who was killed in battle in Afghanistan in 2003, at the Riverside National Cemetery

If you want Inland Empire weird news, all you really need to do is keep up on Inland Empire news. The weirdness comes with the territory. For my 27th annual roundup, narrowing down the nominees meant a lot of tough choices. Among the stories that didn’t make the cut? A newly hired executive at Rialto City Hall left his $355,000-a-year job after three months, claiming that he was retiring to help his grandson build birdhouses. Lego objected to social media posts about arrests by the Murrieta Police Department in which suspects’ faces were obscured by yellow bricks. And a Ford Mustang went airborne and crashed into a Chino house. Not the house’s first level. Its second level. Now that’s horsepower. With those also-rans out of the way, it’s time to look back, in humor or horror, at the year’s low points. Without further ado, let’s count down the Inland Empire’s Top 10 Weirdest News Events of 2024. Valley View High School students stage a protest outside of the school on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. The students were voicing their displeasure at the way a teacher

Ajinomoto Foods North America, a specialty frozen food manufacturer in Ontario, is partnering with the Ontario Reign hockey team, part of the American Hockey League, for the 2024-25 season. Through the partnership, Ajinomoto will provide a scholarship for the Junior Reign Scholarship program and will support the Reign’s Youth Fantasy Camp for kids age 7 through 15. The Junior Reign Scholarship will be presented in March during “ReignCon” and “Anime Night” at the Toyota Arena in Ontario. The Junior Reign is a junior hockey team intended to help player development on and off the ice. Ajinomoto will partner with the Hope Reigns Foundation to provide a monetary donation toward the Junior Reign scholarship, according to a news release. The Youth Fantasy Camp, a youth hockey camp scheduled to take place before the Reign’s home game on Jan. 4, will allow young hockey players to receive a day of professional instruction from Reign personnel including coaches and staff. “As a company that is committed to supporting communities where we operate, we’re proud to give back in some small way by encouraging local youth in their future

GOVERNMENT OFFICES: Federal, state, county and city offices will be closed Jan. 1 and reopen Jan. 2. Most Redlands City Hall administrative offices are closed Dec. 23 through Jan. 2. In Chino, City Hall and most city are closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 1 and will reopen with normal operating hours Jan. 2. MAIL DELIVERY: Mail will be delivered Dec. 31; there will be no delivery Jan. 1. FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS: Most banks, savings and loans and credit unions will be open Dec. 31. All financial institutions will be closed Jan. 1. STORES: Most will be open Dec. 31 but closing early. Most stores will be closed Jan. 1. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Riverside Transit Agency, Dial-A-Ride will run on a regular schedule Dec. 31 with free rides after 2:30 p.m. Buses will not operate Jan. 1 and will resume a regular schedule Jan. 2. Administrative offices and Customer Information Center will be closed Jan. 1 Omnitrans buses will run on a regular schedule Dec. 31. Buses will not operate Jan. 1 and will resume a regular schedule Jan. 2. Administrative offices and Customer Service Center will be

The parking lot of the Fontana Unified School District’s headquarters was once again a scene of holiday cheer Dec. 21 as the district held its 27th annual Fontana Santas toy distribution. For hours, a line of cars moved through the event, with families picking up gifts of school supplies, food, books and information on community resources before visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus, who handed out toys near their sleigh. Volunteers who loaded each car with gifts included Fontana district students and staff members, community members and the entire Fontana district Board of Education, according to a news release. For Elsie Avalos, who works in Maple Elementary School’s health office, it was a chance for her family to give back to the community as she volunteered alongside her daughters Isabella Avalos, a fifth-grader at Maple Elementary, and Joanna Alamilla, a student at Cal State San Bernardino who graduated from Jurupa Hills High School in 2022. “I just love seeing the happy faces. it is wonderful we can do this together,” Avalos said, according to the news release. “We were counting the days until this event.” Elsie

Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino helped thousands of families this holiday season through its drive-through food distributions and other events. The drive-through distributions, held on Nov. 22 and Dec. 13, provided local households with a whole turkey or ham, while also connecting families in need to Feeding America’s network of community partners. “Every year, our goal is to gather enough resources to bring holiday meals to local families and support our community partners,” Carolyn Fajardo, chief executive officer of Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino, said in a news release. “However, we’re facing growing challenges as food and monetary donations continue to decline, making it increasingly difficult to meet the rising need.” This year, Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino distributed 5,000 turkeys in November and nearly 6,300 turkeys and hams in December, which were distributed to community members through their Community Partner network, according to the news release. Partners such as Rolling Start Inc., Disabled American Veterans Chapter 12, Hub City Church and the Inland Vineyard Christian Fellowship each hosted their own turkey and ham distributions, helping to provide holiday meals for Inland

A giant orange will fall in Redlands and Temecula will drop a bunch of grapes as communities across the Inland Empire say farewell to 2024 and ring in the new year. New Year’s Eve revelers looking for a free, communal experience can watch as Redlands and Temecula drop their favorite fruits to mark the final moments of 2024 — on New York City time. Both events start at 6 p.m. Dec. 31, with the orange and grapes descending in their respective locales at 9 p.m. to usher in the new year. RELATED: Here are 10 free or cheap things to do on New Year’s Eve Activities associated with the New Year’s Eve Orange Drop in Redlands, which honors the city’s citrus heritage, will take over Citrus Avenue between Sixth and Eighth streets. A kids’ zone, food and dessert vendors, confetti canons and music are planned. In Temecula, the annual “grape drop” honors the region’s many vintners will be held at Town Square Park, 41000 Main St., which will undergo a temporary conversion to a Times Square-themed venue. The countdown celebration will feature live music by

Appearing in the Tournament of Roses Parade is an honor for marching bands around the world. This year, the Rancho Verde Crimson Regiment from Moreno Valley — which will join bands from Denmark and Japan — will be doing it for the second time. RELATED: Rose Parade 2025 lineup: Your guide to every float, band and equestrian unit, in order Rancho Verde High School’s marching band, 190 band and color guard members strong, will represent the Inland Empire in the 136th Rose Parade on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. The regiment is one of the larger competitive field bands in Riverside County and represents the Val Verde Unified School District campus near March Air Reserve Base. Band members are diverse and speak eight different languages at home. Color guard members with the Rancho Verde Crimson Regiment twirl flags during a Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, practice at the Moreno Valley high school ahead of the 2025 Rose Parade in Pasadena. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) Color guard members of the Rancho Verde Crimson Regiment twirl simulated weapons Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, as they practice on

Restaurants and other food vendors ordered to close and allowed to reopen by San Bernardino County health inspectors from Dec. 18 to Dec. 26. Victor Valley Moose Lodge 1808, 10230 E Ave., Hesperia Closed: Dec. 19 Reason: Insufficient refrigeration Reopened: Dec. 19 Burger Town U.S.A., 222 E. Redlands Blvd., Redlands Closed: Dec. 18 Reason: Rodent infestation Reopened: Dec. 19 Updates since last week’s list: Tutti Frutti at 17122 Slover Ave., Suite K-102, Fontana, which was ordered closed Dec. 13 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen Dec. 23. Jerry’s Cafe at 15555 Main St., Suite A-1, Hesperia, which was ordered closed Dec. 17 because of sewage overflow, was allowed to reopen Dec. 18. Related Articles Local News | San Bernardino County restaurants shut down by health inspectors, Dec. 12-19 Local News | San Bernardino County restaurants shut down by health inspectors, Dec. 4-12 Local News | San Bernardino County restaurants shut down by health inspectors, Nov. 28-Dec. 5 Local News | San Bernardino County restaurants shut down by health inspectors, Nov. 20-28 Local News | San Bernardino County restaurants shut down by health

The Carlson Educational Studio, a new multipurpose facility at the Ontario Museum of History & Art in Ontario, is now in full operation through funding provided by the volunteer Museum Associates. Money raised by a Museum Associates’ fundraiser three years ago honoring local builder and philanthropist Randall Lewis was directed to significantly upgrade the room that has been limited in its uses in the past, according to a news release. The new room has a video screen, new tables and chairs, improved acoustics and a kitchen to support a variety of activities. Students and adults on the many tours to the Ontario Museum of History & Art now have a comfortable place to do artwork as well as hear presentations and learn about the facility’s historic and artistic elements. The Ontario Museum of History & Art, at 225 S. Euclid Ave., is open noon-4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For information about the museum, go to ontariomuseum.org. For information about the Museum Associates, go to oma1996.com.

By Greg Archer | Contributing Columnist Operation SafeHouse, a Riverside-based nonprofit providing emergency shelter for runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth, will turn 35 in the coming year. Julie Hale, the organization’s fund development director, is eager for residents to know more about the work they do as 2025 gets underway. “We’ve been proudly serving Riverside County and we have our co-founders Amy S. Harrison and Susan Stark to thank for that,” Hale said. “They keep us going. We were basically established by people from Riverside County Department of Mental Health and Probation and other areas that really wanted to see a program like SafeHouse.” Across more than three decades, the organization made significant strides in assisting at-risk youth between ages 11 and 17. “About 95.5% were safe exits,” Hale said of the progress made. “That means these kids went home or we found another safe and stable environment for them to go to. We removed them from the streets, from being homeless.” Recently Operation SafeHouse received grants from Inland Empire Community Foundation through the Fred Stebler and Eva V. Stebler Foundation Fund and the Riverside

As 2024 draws to a close, we’re looking back at the stories that captured Riverside’s attention this year. From record-setting natural wonders to community shakeups, these five articles stood out as the most-read and most-discussed on The Raincross Gazette. 5.  Pedals Bike Shop to Close After Thirteen Years in Mag Center In a bittersweet farewell, Pedals Bike Shop announced its closure after more than a decade in the Mag Center. The shop’s loyal customers shared heartfelt memories, underscoring its role as a beloved part of Riverside’s cycling community. 4.  Mission Grove Housing Project Gets Green Light from City Council The Mission Grove Housing Project dominated headlines this summer, as City Council approval ended years of debate. While supporters touted its potential to address Riverside’s housing shortage, critics raised concerns about its impact on traffic and community character. 3.  Election Results November’s election brought change to Riverside, with voters weighing in on pivotal issues and local leadership. From hotly contested City Council races to ballot measures, our election results coverage was a must-read for Riversiders eager to stay informed. 2.  Food Truck Alley Offers Riversiders Alternative Dining

Volunteers from 37th annual West Coast Jalsa Salana convention gathered at God’s Pantry, a Pomona-based food bank, to prepare meals for those in need. Volunteers from the Jalsa Cares initiative, part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, work in an assembly line to pack crates of groceries for the needy at God’s Pantry in Pomona on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) Jalsa Cares initiative representative Amjad Khan speaks to God’s Pantry members in Pomona on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) Volunteers from the Jalsa Cares initiative, part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, form an assembly line to pack crates of groceries for the needy at God’s Pantry in Pomona on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) Volunteer Rehan Ahmad, 7, of the Jalsa Cares initiative, grabs cookies for boxes of groceries made for the needy at God’s Pantry in Pomona on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) Jalsa Cares representative Amjad Khan, right, gives God’s Pantry Director Augusto Dolce a donation for its work in Pomona on Thursday

The newly refreshed Las Flores Park in La Verne now has a more accessible space for children and others who want to enjoy the outdoors. Henry Evans and Logan Escobar play Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, on the refurbished playground at Las Flores Park in La Verne. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) The improved playground at Las Flores Park in La Verne is seen Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) The renovated playground at Las Flores Park in La Verne, seen Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, offers more accessible space and equipment. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) The renovated Las Flores Park in La Verne is seen Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) Henry Evans, Ivy Evans and Logan Escobar play Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, on the renovated playground at Las Flores Park in La Verne. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) Show Caption 1 of 5 Henry Evans and Logan Escobar play Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, on the refurbished playground at Las Flores Park in La Verne. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) Expand The renovation

The Inland Empire has a new blood donation center. The American Red Cross’ first such facility in the Inland region is now open. A Tuesday, Dec. 17, ribbon-cutting event heralded the arrival of the Riverside Blood Donation Center at the agency’s renovated Humanitarian Services chapter office in the city. American Red Cross Team Supervisor Manny Silva holds a pint of donated blood in the organization’s new Riverside Blood Donation Center on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024. The office is open four days a week but hopes to add more days once donations increase. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) American Red Cross Team Supervisor Manny Silva is seen Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, in a screening room at the organization’s new Riverside Blood Donation Center. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) The American Red Cross’ Riverside Blood Donation Center is seen Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2024. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) American Red Cross Team Supervisor Manny Silva displays a pint of donated blood Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, in the organization’s new Riverside Blood Donation Center. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland

On April 17, 1964, the Regents of the University of California approved a project to place a landmark bell tower on the campus of UC Riverside. The project had been in the works for a while, and was finally coming to fruition. The desire to have a large architectural statement on a UC campus was not new. In fact, many comments can be found attesting to the fact that the origins of UCR’s bell tower lie in the Sather Memorial Tower on the campus of UC Berkeley. In Riverside’s case, Philip Boyd (the first mayor of Palm Springs, namesake of the Boyd Deep Canyon Research Center, and former UC regent) and his wife Dorothy, funded the project as a gift to the university. It was hoped the tower would act as an “identifying architectural feature and unifying symbol … and serve as a rallying center in student affairs” according to the Riverside Daily Press. The University of California Board of Regents’ approval started a new phase of the project — choosing an architectural firm to design the edifice.  Several firms were invited to submit proposals