Category: Inland Empire

Arcadia firefighters hosted an annual event last week to help fund research for the treatment of — and hopefully eventual cures for — children afflicted with cancer For more than two decades, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation has organized the head-shaving fundraising drive that supports children battling cancer. According to the organization’s website, Thursday was the 23rd Foothills Event at Matt Denny’s restaurant. Members of the Arcadia Fire Department volunteered to shave their heads in solidarity with children undergoing cancer treatment.  “Our Arcadia firefighters have been involved with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation for over 15 years,” Arcadia Fire Chief Chen Suen told Arcadia Weekly. “We were excited to hear the event come back after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Suen noted the bravery of children battling cancer. “Each day, our firefighters put their lives on the line to save and help Arcadians and those who pass through our great city each day. Many call us heroes,” Suen said. “As brave as our firefighters are, our personal heroes are the kids who valiantly take on cancer every day. To partner with such an amazing organization such

Montclair has suspended virtual comment at its public meetings, following in the steps of other California cities, after a City Council meeting was Zoom-bombed by commenters who made racist and anti-Semitic remarks. At its meeting Monday, March 18, the City Council adopted a resolution bringing an end to a COVID-era policy allowing virtual comment. At a meeting two weeks prior, several speakers signed up to pressure the council to add a resolution supporting a cease fire in Gaza to an agenda for a future meeting. Speakers on either side of the issue at the March 4 meeting urged the council to either create a resolution calling for a cease fire or to step back from the issue altogether and focus on local matters. The council received 21 requests for public comment 10 of those from participants watching the meeting online. During virtual comment, all of the speakers began by supporting a cease-fire resolution but quickly devolved into graphic hate speech targeting Jewish people and others. After the meeting, the council asked city staff to return with a policy suspending virtual public comment, which is not

By Melissa Alonso | CNN A New York state judge on Monday denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit against several social media companies alleging the platforms contributed to the radicalization of a gunman who killed 10 people at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York in 2022, court documents show. “The Court has determined the complaint sufficiently pleads viable causes of action to go forward at this stage of the litigation,” said Erie County Supreme Court Justice Paula Feroleto. In her decision, the judge said that the plaintiffs may proceed with their lawsuit, which claims social media companies — like Meta, Alphabet, Reddit and 4chan — ”profit from the racist, antisemitic, and violent material displayed on their platforms to maximize user engagement,” including the time then 18-year-old Payton Gendron spent on their platforms viewing that material. Attorneys for the social media companies named in the lawsuit filed a motion to dismiss saying the companies are akin to message boards containing third-party content, court documents show. “However, plaintiffs contend the defendants’ platforms are more than just message boards,” the court document says.  “They allege they are sophisticated products designed to be addictive to young users

Some of Riverside’s most delightful people gathered Sunday to wish me well for my 60th birthday. Softening the blow of the odometer change, almost all of them were older than me. Even at 60, you can’t feel especially old if you’re practically the youngest person in the room. (Side note: In his 40s, my dad was always greeted as “young man” at our town’s hardware store by its cardigan-clad, cane-using owner, a near-contemporary of Methuselah. My dad beamed.) We were on the patio at Riverside’s utterly unique Weber House, the folk-art structure built in the 1930s by local architect Peter Weber. First there were the invited guests, most from the historical community, for a small party. They were followed by the general public, which amounted to, uh, a smaller party. Oh well. But it was nice of everyone to make time. Old Riverside Foundation, the nonprofit that uses the property as its headquarters and opens it for tours, hosted me and helped organize the event. So did Nancy L. Cox, my No. 1 fan in Riverside. Upon my arrival, a plastic fedora with a “press”

Q: Dad is 90 and now in the hospital. He is mentally sharp but has blood tests that suggest kidney failure may occur. The doctor talked with him about a “do not resuscitate” order, and then talked it out with family as well. Any guidance on this? What if dad cannot make the decision? W.C., Tustin Ron Sokol A: A do-not-resuscitate order is an important, but often very difficult, decision to make. We want to live, but if keeping us alive means taking steps that prolong our life even though we are left with no quality of life, then what? Hence, the doctor should explain carefully and clearly what is meant by “do not resuscitate,” and you should ask questions if any clarification is needed. Research indicates that common resuscitation methods can include chest compressions, breathing tubes to open the airway and electric shock to restart the heart. The DNR is a medical order written by the doctor that instructs health care providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if a patient’s breathing stops or if the patient’s heart stops beating. Years ago, the DNR was

It was an uplifting afternoon at the Colton VFW on March 18, as Rep. Pete Aguilar hosted a commemoration ceremony for Inland Empire Vietnam War veterans, bestowing upon them a symbol of national gratitude. As part of the national Vietnam Veterans Commemoration, 27 veterans were presented with the Vietnam Veterans Lapel Pin, a token provided by the Department of Defense, in a heartfelt gesture acknowledging their sacrifices. “Today, I’m here at the Colton VFW, and we honored 27 veterans and gave them each a commemorative pin that was passed and authorized by Congress as a way to acknowledge and appreciate the work of our service members,” stated Rep. Aguilar. He emphasized the significance of the event, adding, “So many of them were sent to Vietnam and had horrific experiences, so we’re making sure we honor them around the country and I’m so grateful that we’re able to do so here in Colton.” Among the veterans was Chon Calderilla of Colton, a Vietnam Veteran who served as a jet engine mechanic from 1960 to 1964. “They sent me over to Africa and I lost my hearing;

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Three Inland Empire school superintendents have won state awards — and one of them netted a similar national honor last year. Jurupa Unified School District Superintendent Trenton Hansen has been named a 2024 Superintendent to Watch by the California School Public Relations Association. He also won a similar national award in 2023. (Courtesy of Jurupa Unified School District) The California School Public Relations Association Superintendent to Watch honors went to: Trenton Hansen, who leads the Jurupa Unified School District. Sam Buenrostro, superintendent of the Corona-Norco Unified School District Kelly May-Vollmar, schools chief of the Desert Sands Unified School District The award recognizes top officials’ support of transparent and effective communication and outstanding leadership, a Jurupa schools news release states. The awards go to school district leaders with fewer than five years of experience as a superintendent. Related Articles Local News | If schools won’t ban kids’ cellphones, some lawmakers say, they will Local News | How conservatives could regain control of Temecula’s school board Local News | School layoffs OK’d again across the Inland Empire Local News | Young Romoland-area chefs whip up healthy dishes

The San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital Foundation has received a $5 million donation from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. The contribution will help San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital create a women’s health program and improve its obstetrics, gynecology, breast health and women’s wellness programs, a news release states. Members of the Morongo Tribal Council present a $5 million check to the San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital Foundation at a Thursday, March 14, 2024, ceremony. (Courtesy of Morongo Band of Mission Indians) San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital Dr. Karan Singh speaks at a Thursday, March 14, 2024, ceremony at which the Morongo Band of Mission Indians announced a $5 million donation to help establish a women’s health program at the Banning hospital. (Courtesy of Morongo Band of Mission Indians) Morongo Tribal Council Member Mary Ann Andreas discusses the tribe’s $5 million donation to the San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital Foundation at a Thursday, March 14, 2024, ceremony. (Courtesy of Morongo Band of Mission Indians) Show Caption of Expand The gift is the second largest donation received by the foundation. Morongo’s $5.6 million contribution to the foundation in 2022 remains the

IAMA Theatre Company and Boston Court Pasadena have joined forces on a new play about the complicated, ridiculous, awe-inspiring trajectory of life. Boston Court artistic director Jessica Kubzansky directs the world premiere of “The Body’s Midnight” by Tira Palmquist. What does it mean to discover America? Anne (IAMA ensemble member Keliher Walsh) and David (Jonathan Nichols-Navarro) are determined to find out, as they embark on the perfect American road trip. They have a map, an impressive list of sights to see, and an itinerary that should get them to St. Paul, home of daughter Katie and son-in-law Wolf (IAMA members Sonal Shah and Ryan W. Garcia), just in time for the birth of their first grandchild. But their perfect plan is derailed by a troubling diagnosis and the beautiful impermanence of the world around them. As Anne and David veer off of their intended path, they are forced to grapple with the unavoidably messy and breathtaking journey of their lives. “How do you make a memory palace of your whole life?” asks Palmquist. “This play is about how weird and beautiful and surprising the world

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Seasonal vernal pools have returned to the Santa Rosa Plateau. Rob Hicks, reserve interpreter for the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve near Murrieta, said the wetland feature appears after winter rains and lasts until April or May. “They were once widespread throughout California,” he said, but most of that land has been developed, and only 5% to 10% of vernal pools remain. Hikers head back to the trail head as storm clouds roll over the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve near Murrieta on Friday, March 15, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG) Hikers take photos at the vernal pools at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve near Murrieta on Friday, March 15, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG) The vernal pools at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve near Murrieta are seen Friday, March 15, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG) A hiker gets caught in heavy rain and hail after an afternoon hike on the trails at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve near Murrieta on Friday, March 15, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG) Hikers enjoy the vernal pools

Corona residents can catch glimpses of their town from decades ago in the 1953 “The War of the Worlds” movie at an upcoming screening. The showing is sponsored by the Corona Historic Preservation Society and will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at the Starlight Dos Lagos Luxury Theatres. The film, which chronicles an attack by Martians on a small California city, includes shots of downtown Corona  in the opening scenes as a UFO passes through the night sky, a society news release states. Filming took place in January 1952, and the film was released in spring and summer 1953, the release states. The movie stars Gene Barry and Ann Robinson. Related Articles Local News | 3 Inland Empire superintendents win state awards Local News | Morongo tribe donates $5 million to San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital Foundation Local News | Santa Rosa Plateau’s vernal pools — and rare shrimp — are back Local News | Hop to it: See where to find Easter egg hunts across the Inland Empire Local News | Special Games include all athletes in Temecula Society members will get free

There’s a grave of a man in San Antonio Canyon above Upland shrouded with as much mystery today as when he died about 147 years ago. The gravestone – not erected until he had been dead about 75 years – says he was Jacob Shinner, born in 1827 and died in 1877. But there’s no certainty that it’s his real name or birthdate. The earliest newspaper articles about his death – from 1927 – say his name could have been spelled as Shiner or Schneider or Skinner, his first name might have been Joseph, and he may have been from upstate New York. Or maybe something different. For related news, see: Why Mt. Baldy can be deceptive, deadly for novice and skilled hikers alike The story of the grave, just off Mt. Baldy Road south of Mt. Baldy Village, has for years attracted all sorts of rumors and exaggerations. The marker and tombstone there today date from 1952 when his remains were moved from its original burial spot due to road construction. Shinner (let’s call him that, for the sake of consistency) was a gold

Cities across the Inland Empire are celebrating the arrival of spring and the Easter with festivals, egg hunts and more. Here’s a roundup of events in Riverside, San Bernardino and eastern Los Angeles counties. Riverside County Jurupa Valley: The Spring Fling featuring egg hunts for children under age 12, face-painting, games, art and more will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 23 at Shadow Rock Park, 6598 20th St. Information: www.jarpd.org or 951-361-2090 Lake Elsinore: The Bunny Trunk Hop will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Historic Main Street. Families stroll along the steet, lined with cars decorated for spring, while children college Easter eggs and treats. Photos with the Easter Bunny, crafts and more will be offered. Information: www.lake-elsinore.org Menifee: The Spring Fest featuring egg hunts for children under age 12, games, food and more will be 9 a.m. to noon March 23 at Underwood Park, 28251 Rouse Road. Children will be grouped by age for the egg hunts. Information: cityofmenifee.us/specialevents or 951-723-3880 Moreno Valley: The Springtastic Festival and Egg Hunt will be 9 a.m. to noon at Sunnymead Park, 12655 Perris

On the last day of my 50s, I took a chance. I wrote here that I would be at Lucky’s Coffee in Upland on Wednesday morning, a day before my 60th birthday, if anyone wanted to stop by to wish me well. To be safe, I had my morning newspapers with me to read. That’s based on bitter experience — the sort anyone gains in six decades. In my case, I had done a book signing in Montclair at Barnes & Noble to which one person came. One! (Thank you, John Fatini of Chino.) I only made it through those two hours with any dignity intact because I’d had the foresight to bring a novel. Life is a continuing lesson in humility. So when I arrived at Lucky’s, I was prepared for anything. Ditto with today, March 17, by the way. As a reminder for my Riverside-area readers, you’re invited to my birthday party from 3:30-5 p.m. at the utterly unique Weber House, 1510 University Ave. in Riverside, behind the Courtyard by Marriott hotel. Back to Upland. After getting my usual — an iced almond-milk latte

For 35 years, Gil Estrada has bore witness to the perils of Mt. San Antonio, the 10,064-foot peak known by most as Mt. Baldy that  divides Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. The danger, according to Estrada, plays out mostly during the peak winter months, when heavy snow and ice in the San Gabriel Mountains make tackling Mt. Baldy more of a mountaineering expedition than a leisurely hike. The dangerous conditions can spell disaster for novice hikers who become lost, injured or die on the mountain, keeping search-and-rescue teams busy throughout the season. “I can almost mark my calendar; beginning every January there’s going to be at least one death. I’ve seen a lot of this. You become accustomed to it,” said Estrada, 62, who has worked ski patrol for decades and serves as chairman of the San Antonio Ski Hut. “You fall, you start sliding, and you hit a tree or you hit a rock, and it can be over quite quickly.” The vicinity surrounding the Ski Hut is where most hikers get lost, injured or die, Estrada said. Owned by the Sierra Club

There’s a pivotal election in November. No, not that one. Besides the White House, three of five seats on the Temecula Valley Unified School District board will be on the Nov. 5 ballot, setting up a monthslong fight that could see faith-rooted conservatives retake their board majority or lose to a coalition that’s vowed to make local government meetings “boring again.” Two of the seats up for grabs belong to Allison Barclay and Steven Schwartz, who have consistently resisted the conservatives’ agenda. That means conservatives could not only win a majority, but oust their biggest critics at the same time. A fourth seat also might be on the ballot, if board President Joseph Komrosky is recalled in June and the board’s other members — Barclay, Schwartz, and conservative Jen Wiersma — are unable to agree on a replacement. Responsible for overseeing a public school district with 33 schools and 28,000 students, the board worked in relative obscurity for years as the district’s stellar reputation became a major draw for families moving to Temecula. In 2022, an organized effort by local Christian conservatives saw Danny Gonzalez