Category: Inland Empire

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, December 9, in afternoon sessions at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. (agenda). The agenda includes: Mayor Lock Dawson will recognize California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR) for their historic 2024 football season. (Item 5) Certifying the results of Ballot Measure L from the November 5, 2024 election where Riverside voters approved creating a new Inspector General position to investigate waste and misconduct in city government. (Item 7) Considering spending $250,000 of funds received from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for a roof repair project for the Blindness Supportive Services office on Beatty Drive. (Item 29) Launching a pre-approved plans program for accessory dwelling units, which modifies the permitting process and provides standardized designs as part of the City’s response to state housing requirements. (Item 30) Considering final reallocations of $7.2

The Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District (RCRCD) is making waves in the environmental education scene. They’ve just been named the 2024 Organization of the Year by three major California environmental education groups. This recognition comes from the Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education (AEOE), Ten Strands, and the California Environmental Literacy Initiative (CAELI). They’re impressed with RCRCD’s creative programs and educational projects. The state honor follows a national win for RCRCD District Manager Shelli Lamb, who recently received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Conservation Districts. Diana Ruiz, the recently retired Public Affairs Manager who spearheaded many of the celebrated programs, says, “We’re thrilled to receive this recognition from California’s leading Environmental Education organizations.” RCRCD’s award-winning projects include the LandUse Learning Center demonstration garden, the Fresh and Local food and farm guide, and Riverside’s Mayor’s Monarch Challenge. The district has given new life to a 100-year-old USDA research facility in Riverside, turning it into a Resource Conservation Center. It now houses a nursery for growing native plants and a 3-acre demonstration garden showcasing sustainable practices for Southern California’s main land uses. Estrella Risinger

Kayla McCarty, a Ramona High School’s Fine Arts program senior, was recently named a 2025 National Winner with Distinction for Musical Theater by the YoungArts Program. She is one of only 13 national honorees. This accomplishment highlights both Ramona’s Fine Arts Magnet’s success and Kayla’s commitment to excellence. Kayla will participate in the National YoungArts Week and Gala in January 2025 in Miami, Florida, as part of her award. During YoungArts Week, she’ll connect with other top young artists across ten disciplines, receiving masterclasses, collaborative opportunities, and invaluable mentorship from internationally recognized arts leaders. Alumni of the YoungArts Foundation include Viola Davis, Timothée Chalamet, and Josh Groban, placing Kayla among an elite group of emerging artists. Kayla’s success extends far beyond this award. As a standout student in Ramona High’s Fine Arts program, she has been instrumental in elevating the program’s reputation. Ramona Theater Arts instructor Jessica McCarty says, “Kayla is an exemplary student and performer who showcases the high quality of Ramona’s Performing Arts. Acting, dancing, and singing bring her a profound sense of joy that she shares with audiences. Her achievements have confirmed

Tom Donahue and his wife are 20-year residents of Riverside. They moved to Riverside for a job opportunity with the Marriott at the Convention Center, where Tom served as the General Manager. He quickly became involved with the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, the Raincross Group, and the Downtown Area Neighborhood Alliance (DANA). In 2013, Tom left the Marriott and joined the Family Service Association to run the Senior Meal program, which serves meals to seniors in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Around this time, he also joined the Riverside Neighborhood Partnership. Tom assists his wife, Joan, who is the long-time President of the Riverside League of Women Voters, with events and her League’s social media. He is also a member of the General Plan Advisory Committee Riverside for 2050.  What does Riverside mean to you? Riverside is a big city with a small-town sensibility, great unique neighborhoods, open space, and parks, and it has a strong commitment to giving back to the community through our non-profit community and various volunteer organizations. What is your Mt. Rubidoux summit count (estimated)? Lol, I’m ashamed to admit

We all have the person who “has everything” on our Holiday shopping lists. Gifts of Membership help local institutions, allow opportunities for social and civic engagement, and won’t get stuffed in the back of the closet to be forgotten. Here is a list of some local institutions and businesses that offer membership opportunities. Riverside Art Museum and the Cheech RAM membership allows admission to both the RAM and the Cheech museums, as well as perks, privileges, and invitations to member-only events. Riverside Philharmonic Membership includes admission to the member and a friend to all of the Philharmonic events as well as access to special events and meetings. Fox Foundation The Fox Foundation supports The Fox Theatre, and membership includes access to events at the Fox and special members-only perks. Mission Inn Foundation Membership at the Foundation starts at only $60 per year, and perks at higher levels include private tours and invitations to meetings and special events. Old Riverside Foundation This isn’t a club for senior citizens. The Old Riverside Foundation advocates for the preservation and restoration of our city’s historic buildings. Membership helps identify and fund prospective projects and gives access to meetings and events. Some membership tiers include admission

Most of the time, I tend to avoid big malls. That’s even more so during the hot holiday shopping season. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, most malls’ limited appeal becomes even harder for me to discern. I’m not big on American-style consumerism, so shopping as entertainment for anything other than food and kitchen supplies never made it to the top of my to-do list. I’m an impatient walker: I start to curse under my breath when forced to slow my pace behind clots of shoppers in crowded mall pavilions. And the food? Blech! Mall food courts tend to celebrate the kind of culinary homogeneity that I dislike the most about American food culture. You can find the same Annie’s Pretzels, Cinnabon, and Panda Express at every mall in the country. Some may find that sameness comforting; call me a snob, but I find it deadly. So, I was surprised that I found myself champing at the bit to get to the Tyler Galleria last week – I normally wouldn’t be caught dead within a mile of a Macy’s so close to Black Friday. But I had

For the 18th year, Norco recalled the surprise attack of Dec. 7, 1941. RELATED: Pearl Harbor remembrance: A look at how World War II impacted California With music and words, residents and veterans staged another Pearl Harbor Commemorative Ceremony. Organized by the Lake Norconian Club Foundation, the Saturday, Dec. 7, event was at George A. Ingalls Veterans Memorial Plaza in Norco. The solemn event paid tribute to veterans and their families while honoring those killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Related links Pearl Harbor remembrance: A look at how World War II impacted California Pearl Harbor ceremony takes place in Norco Pearl Harbor survivors return to honor those who perished Historical photos of Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941 Scheduled speakers included Capt. Joseph C. Burgon, commanding officer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona Division in Norco. The event also featured the All-Forces National Cemetery Honor Guard, the Olivas Sisters, the Dark Pipers and the Paul Revere Naval Cadets. “Pearl Harbor was a promise made and a symbol that we must never forget those who stood in harm’s way and defended

Hey there, you clingy creative! Last week, we explored the scratchy side by playing around with that corporate cutie pie, Velcro. Did you compose a crackling symphony of rhythmic rips and satisfying clicks, or perhaps choreograph a Velcro-inspired dance that explored the dynamics of connection and separation? Maybe you even embarked on a Velcro ASMR journey, discovering the oddly satisfying sounds of this ubiquitous fastener. In any event, I’m glad you stuck around for our next creative nudge. This week, we’re back in the kitchen, scouring drawers for a constant companion: a spoon. That’s right, we’re going to spoon-feed ourselves a mother-loving dose of creative inspiration with this week’s creative nudge. From the delicate teaspoons used at high tea to the sturdy soup spoons that ladle out hearty meals, spoons come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Their smooth curves, reflective surfaces, and gentle weight offer a unique tactile experience. Their ability to create rhythmic sounds when tapped or scraped adds an auditory dimension to our creative play. This essential tool, voted most popular cutlery from a survey I had a chatbot make

Dennis Yates was remembered Thursday for all his quirks, foibles, humor and heart, the qualities that made him such an indelible figure around Chino. Yates, who died Sept. 7 at age 79, served on the City Council for 24 years, the last 12 as mayor. He also announced youth track meets and football games. “He was the voice of Chino, from council meetings to sports events to holiday parades to Pop Warner,” said Karen Comstock, a councilmember and retired police chief. Comstock was among a string of speakers at the Chaffey College Chino Community Center, where about a hundred of us had gathered to recall a wonderful character. “Dennis was larger than life,” Curtis Burton, a councilmember, said. “He had a booming voice. He was a big guy. When he walked into a room, everybody knew it.” With his impish grin, Dennis Yates’ personality shines through in this image from a slide show playing before his memorial service Thursday. The former Chino mayor, who served on the City Council for 24 years, died Sept. 7 at age 79. (Photo by David Allen, Inland Valley Daily

Former Los Angeles Dodgers hurler Dennis Powell pitched the importance of reading to 190 school children in Rialto at the final LA Reads Storytime of the year. The event Thursday, Dec. 5, at Ruth Grimes Elementary School in the Colton Joint Unified School District, brought together the former pitcher, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Think Together, a community-based nonprofit, to inspire young people to read. Former Dodgers pitcher Dennis Powell reads to students at Ruth Grimes Elementary School in Rialto on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. All of the approximately 190 transitional-kindergarten through sixth-grade students in attendance received a Dodgers hat, a T-shirt and a book. The program was sponsored by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Think Together, a community-based nonprofit. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) First-grader Hope Vellagran shows her excitement as former Dodgers pitcher Dennis Powell prepares to read to students at Ruth Grimes Elementary School in Rialto on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. All of the approximately 190 transitional-kindergarten through sixth-grade students in attendance received a Dodgers hat, a T-shirt and a book. The program was sponsored by the

LA Metro will be suspending service on its A Line light-rail in eastern Los Angeles County between four stations this weekend, so crews can begin linking up the line to a new 9.1-mile extension that will reach north Pomona. The transit agency will temporarily suspend A Line service between Monrovia and APU/Citrus College stations for construction work, as part of the agency’s collaboration with the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority, which is nearly finished building a light-rail extension between Glendora and Pomona in the foothills of San Gabriel Valley. The following Metro A Line stations will be closed during the weekend: Duarte/City of Hope, Irwindale, Azusa Downtown and APU/Citrus College. Metro will provide replacement shuttle bus service — known as a “bus bridge” —  to and from these stations during the closures. The temporary closure between Monrovia and APU/Citrus College Stations starts at 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, and ends at 3 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 9. In addition, on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 2 a.m. to noon only, Metro will extend its bus bridge from the line’s Sierra Madre Villa Station in East

Restaurants and other food vendors ordered to close and allowed to reopen by San Bernardino County health inspectors from Nov. 28 to Dec. 5. Boba Fiend Tea House, 10590 Baseline Road, Suite B, Rancho Cucamonga Closed: Dec. 3 Reason: None provided Titi’s Drips, 14084 Amargosa Road, Suite 260, Victorville Closed: Dec. 3 Reason: None provided Updates since last week’s list: Sabaidee at Haven City Market, 8443 Haven Ave., Suite 171, Rancho Cucamonga, which was ordered closed Nov. 20 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen Dec. 2. Related Articles Local News | San Bernardino County restaurants shut down by health inspectors, Nov. 20-28 Local News | San Bernardino County restaurants shut down by health inspectors, Nov. 14-21 Local News | San Bernardino County restaurants shut down by health inspectors, Nov. 5-14 Local News | San Bernardino County restaurants shut down by health inspectors, Oct. 31-Nov. 7 Local News | San Bernardino County restaurants shut down by health inspectors, Oct. 24-31 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

In a nondescript classroom, seven men gather to share how they left behind violent pasts and are finding a future they never thought possible. They come from different cities, but their stories are similar, filled with what they call regrettable choices and consequences. They all have the same goal: Change. Frank, whose last name is being withheld due to safety concerns, said he didn’t know if change was possible after his recent release from prison. But then he was admitted to the Peacemaker Fellowship in Pomona, a city-sponsored program that works with nonprofits and other agencies to offer former felons life skills and coaching. “They helped me see … that we can function too,” he said. “Just because we are ex-cons, just because we are gang members, just because we have killed someone, it doesn’t mean anything; we can change too.” In a community that has long been plagued by street violence, the fellowship is the city’s latest effort to quell shootings and reduce homicides. Over a 10-year period ending in 2022, the city averaged 55 shootings each year, with an average 11 homicides per 100,000

Eyan Turk: Cross Country Champ! Eyan Turk is making an early case for a seat at the table with the elite athletes in Riverside’s past. Eyan just completed his second state championship cross-country run, finishing three miles in 14 minutes and 32.5 seconds, the best time at the meet among all divisions. Turk is a senior at Woodcrest Christian and University of Kentucky commit poised to having an exceptional college career. Lexington is a long way from home but Riversiders bring home with them wherever they go. Eyan talks a little about Riverside as he prepares for his big move to the Bluegrass State. “Growing up in Riverside has been an amazing experience. Before entering high school, I would always do the yearly Mission Inn Run, Turkey Trot, and Citrus Runs here in Riverside, and these experiences helped nurture my love of running.” Eyan also gives some advice to young runners and some insight into his success. “People have asked me if I have any advice: Taking care of your body and mind is key. I control my diet, especially 2-3 days before a race. I get weekly

Over the past four years, donations to California Baptist University have increased, culminating in more than $102 million in gifts and gift commitments during that time. This remarkable growth is fueling scholarships, academic programs, and campus projects that are shaping the future of Lancer Nation.  In the fiscal year ending June 2024, gifts and pledges were nearly $19.5 million – more than double what was given three years earlier. Donors generously contributed to schools, colleges, programs, athletics and other needs across the university.  “The impact these gifts will have on CBU and the students will continue for generations,” said Paul Eldridge, vice president for University Advancement. “The generosity of our donors opens up countless ways for future students to achieve their educational goals, live their purpose, and fulfill their God-given calling.” During this time, CBU received several transformational gifts, including the most significant gift commitment in university history — $28.5 million — from real estate developer Dale E. Fowler and his wife, Sarah Ann. CBU’s 5,050-seat Fowler Events Center was named in their honor. CBU’s five-year $40 Million Endowment Challenge, launched in 2021, ended this

By Greg Archer | Contributing Columnist Grace and good intentions have been a winning combination for Riverside Community Health Foundation in its mission to help people impacted by cancer. A recent grant from the Inland Empire Community Foundation is now providing another opportunity to expand those efforts. Dr. Shené Bowie-Hussey is the president and CEO of the Riverside Community Health Foundation. (Courtesy of Riverside Community Health Foundation) Grant funding will go toward servicing The Pink Ribbon Place, which was adopted by RCHF in 2006. The Pink Ribbon Place serves individuals and families impacted by cancer in the city of Riverside and surrounding areas through services and resources at no cost. “PRP started as a community-led organization,” said Dr. Shené Bowie-Hussey, president and CEO of RCHF. “There was a group of women in the Inland Empire who, said, ‘Let’s get together and provide resources for those who are dealing with cancer.’” It started off specifically for breast cancer. Then, around 2013, the people leading the organization at the time asked RCHF to assist with the structure and the operations. “We became the fiscal manager or leading

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has revealed that Baldwin Park’s former city attorney and Commerce’s former city manager secretly pleaded guilty a year ago to charges related to their participation in a cannabis bribery scheme that has resulted in the arrests of nearly a half-dozen Southern California public officials so far. The two men’s involvement was detailed in prior plea agreements, but the charges against them were not unsealed until Thursday, Dec. 5. Both Baldwin Park’s Robert Tafoya and Commerce’s Edgar Cisneros quietly resigned from their positions in 2022 and 2023, respectively, and have agreed to cooperate in the ongoing investigation. As part of the deal, Tafoya also pleaded guilty to evading payment of approximately $650,000 in federal taxes. The plea deals with Tafoya and Cisneros follow similar arrangements made with former Baldwin Park city councilman Ricardo Pacheco and former San Bernardino County Planning Commissioner Gabriel Chavez. The FBI originally nabbed Pacheco during an unrelated sting operation during which Pacheco accepted a bribe from a police officer — working undercover for the FBI — in exchange for voting in support of a union contract. Since then

Old Riverside Foundation President Dave Stolte will be doling out a double dose of the wonderful Weber House on Sunday, December 8. First, at 1 PM, the Riverside Historical Society meeting will take place in the Brockton Avenue basement of the Riverside Medical Clinic. Dave will be going over some of what he submitted in the RHS Journal story on the ORF headquarters, The Peter J. Weber House. He promises to go off script and share some of the other things going on at the House and share updates on his research for his upcoming book on Peter Weber. “The Weber House, a local landmark, is compelling to me on multiple levels. First, for its artistry, it is in an uncommon Medieval Spanish style and is highly decorated. It was designed by architect Peter J. Weber, who worked as lead designer for G. Stanley Wilson on hundreds of buildings over a thirty-seven-year period, including the Mission Inn’s final expansions. Secondly, the Weber House was built on a shoestring budget during the Great Depression, and Weber relied on salvaged materials to make it happen. Third, it

On the eve of a showdown over the potential closure of trouble-plagued Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, Los Angeles County’s chief probation officer has told county leaders he plans to retire by Dec. 31, but sources familiar with the matter say his exit has not been finalized. Probation Chief Guillermo Viera Rosa is scheduled to meet with the Board of Supervisors at its Tuesday, Dec. 10, meeting to determine whether he will remain with the county. The board’s agenda lists two closed-door matters related to Viera Rosa: a performance evaluation and an item considering his possible replacement. Both the Probation Department and the county’s Chief Executive Office declined to comment on Viera Rosa’s resignation letter. His decision to step down comes less than one week before the potential closure of the largest juvenile hall under Viera Rosa’s supervision and amid uncertainty about what will happen with the 300 youth in custody at that facility if it can not come back into compliance with state regulations by a Dec. 12 deadline. Supervisors react Two county supervisors differed on the future of Viera Rosa’s employment. In a statement