Category: Inland Empire

The Colton Police Department recognized 26 members of its team during the 2024 Awards Ceremony held March 20, 2025 at the First Assembly of God Church. The department celebrated a range of accomplishments including acts of lifesaving, meritorious service, and dedication to duty across several divisions. Chief of Police Anthony Vega, who recognized each honoree during the ceremony, commended their dedication and performance. Colton Police Chief Anthony Vega speaks at the department’s 2024 Awards Ceremony on March 20 at the First Assembly of God Church. Awards presented included Professional Staff Member of the Year, Dispatcher of the Year, Officer of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year. Two individuals were also honored with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Awards for their work in DUI enforcement. Additional recognitions included Chief’s Commendations, Meritorious Awards, two life-saving event honors, and a Unit Citation presented to a patrol team for exceptional teamwork. Continue Reading

Strip mall dining used to carry a negative stigma. However, rising rents, a new generation of excellent chefs, and a general cultural shift toward the casual mean that some of the most creative and high-quality food can be found in a strip mall. These unassuming locations have become culinary destinations where talented chefs can focus on exceptional food without the overhead of prime real estate. Here are the top 10 strip mall dining establishments in Riverside that demonstrate this phenomenon. 1. The Rustik Fork Eatery, Mission Grove 1355 E. Alessandro Blvd. Suite 101, Riverside, CA 92508 The Rustik Fork Eatery brings upscale dining to Riverside’s Mission Grove neighborhood. This local gem offers a farm-to-table menu in a comfortable setting, making it a neighborhood favorite. Weekend brunch draws local crowds, while dinner service features carefully crafted dishes that elevate the neighborhood dining scene. Innovative and classic cocktails are available with a top-shelf selection. 2. Mamma Mia Restaurant, La Sierra 10971 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92505 Mamma Mia Restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine on Magnolia Avenue. Their pasta dishes, butterfly shrimp, and short rib have earned impressive customer ratings.

Riverside’s 4th Annual Downtown Tweed Ride will roll through the city center on Saturday, April 5, 2025, inviting cyclists to don vintage-inspired attire for a leisurely community ride. The free event begins at 11 a.m. outside the Historic Courthouse at 4050 Main St., where participants will gather before embarking on a short, 5-mile scenic route through downtown Riverside. The ride will conclude at Taco Station, where participants will celebrate with libations, tacos and a bit of good-natured tomfoolery. Participants will also receive a special discount on food purchases. Tweed rides originated in London in 2009 as the “Tweed Run,” when cyclists dressed in early 20th-century British cycling attire – featuring herringbone jackets, bow ties and classic bicycles – for a group ride. The concept quickly spread internationally, with cities like Portland, Oregon, and Washington, D.C., establishing their own versions. These rides are about slowing down, enjoying good company and celebrating creativity with a touch of old-fashioned style. While the event nods to vintage cycling traditions, organizers emphasize that tweed attire and vintage bicycles are entirely optional. The focus is on community connection and meandering through

A new coffee shop Downtown is donating a portion of its profits to local animal shelters and rescues. Stray Dogs Coffee, which opened just one month ago at 3225 Market St, combines artisan coffee with animal welfare activism. “Stray Dogs Coffee is our love letter to the town we now call home. It’s our way of sharing our passion for great coffee, our heritage, and most importantly, helping stray dogs find loving homes,” explains co-owner Tyler. The establishment’s name reflects the founders’ personal connection to the cause. Jess and Tyler, who own several dogs, have a particular soft spot for homeless pups and deliberately designed their business model to incorporate animal welfare. The couple hosts community events focused on finding homes for stray animals while serving house-roasted beans and creative signature drinks in a dog-friendly environment. Located at the corner of Market and Second Streets, the café offers specialty beverages, including its Greyhound Latte, which features Earl Grey-infused syrup, and Melona Matcha, which is made with house-made melon-flavored syrup. The menu also includes miniature cakes and Japanese cheesecakes baked by Jess’s mother. The shop welcomes

On a recent visit to Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery, I noted the headstone for Beldon D. Burt and wife. The headstone at the Riverside cemetery mentioned Burt was the city’s first treasurer, but other than birth and death years, the headstone didn’t even mention Burt’s wife’s name. This made me curious. Who was the unnamed wife? A little research identified Irene Burt as the wife of B.D. Burt, as he was known. Irene Burt was born in 1829 in Colesville, New York, to Samuel and Eliza Badger. Samuel died in 1833 at just 31 years old, leaving Eliza with four children, including Irene, who was just a toddler. Eliza remarried and had at least three more children, but by 1850 her second husband had also died. Not much else is known about Irene’s childhood. She was not living with her mother when the 1850 census was taken. Irene would have been 20 or 21 years old and was probably working outside the home. Meanwhile, also living in New York at that time was her future husband. B.D. and Irene married in 1852 and the 1855

Courtesy PhotoGregory Elder, a Redlands resident, is professor emeritus of history and humanities at Moreno Valley College and a Roman Catholic priest. (Courtesy Photo) Of all the mythical beasts conjured up by the creative minds of history, few are as well known as the unicorn. With the body of a horse and a large horn in the middle of an elegant head, the unicorn is a favorite in mythology. And while they do not actually exist, almost everyone knows what they are. The unicorn first appears in the art of ancient Mesopotamia some time after 3000 B.C., possibly having been borrowed from the Indus River civilization nearby. An ancient Greek writer named Ctesias wrote a natural history text on the civilizations of India, in which he says the unicorn is “fleet of foot, having a horn a cubit and a half in length, and coloured white, red and black.” The better known Roman writer Pliny the Elder speaks  of a beast called the “monokeros,” or “one horned,” saying that it “has the head of the stag, the feet of the elephant, and the tail of

University life can be stressful. That’s why students and staff at the University of La Verne welcome a new initiative that uses music and sounds to enhance relaxation. Somer Waters plays a vibrating wave instrument near University of La Verne students and employees as they relax during the Healing with Sound and Breath event at the Ludwick Center Sacred Space on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The event included soothing music and sounds to create a calming experience as a form of therapy. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) Skye Ray plays the bowls Tuesday, March 25, 2025, during the Healing with Sound and Breath event at the University of La Verne’s Ludwick Center Sacred Space. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) Skye Ray lightly strikes a gong Tuesday, March 25, 2025, during the Healing with Sound and Breath event at the University of La Verne’s Ludwick Center Sacred Space. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) University of La Verne students and staff prepare for the Healing with Sound and Breath event at the University of La Verne’s Ludwick Center

The city of Fontana is purchasing a vacant warehouse with the goal of converting it into temporary housing for homeless residents. At its meeting Tuesday, March 25, the Fontana City Council voted unanimously to purchase a warehouse at 11109 Jasmine St. to convert it into a regional navigation center. The total cost, including escrow costs, acquisition fees and related expenses, will be up to $12 million, according to a report prepared by city staff for the council. The center is expected to house up to 200 residents once completed, according to city spokesperson Monique Carter. But no contract has been approved by the council yet, and details could still change. The warehouse purchase was part of the council’s consent agenda, which is meant to group together routine and non-controversial items into a single vote. Sign up for The Localist, our daily email newsletter with handpicked stories relevant to where you live. Subscribe here. Navigation centers were developed in San Francisco, which opened its first in March 2015. They’re intended to offer services to residents while quickly getting them off the street and into safe and secure shelter

Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson announced Wednesday that the city has reached what she called “functional zero” for youth homelessness, a milestone that represents a turning point in addressing homelessness in the community. According to city leaders, this technical designation means the available services and resources now match or exceed demand for individuals aged 18-24 experiencing homelessness. “For individuals who are 18 to 24 years old who find themselves unhoused, we have the services, housing and resource delivery system to make sure their needs are addressed immediately,” Lock Dawson said during a press conference at City Hall. The achievement comes as part of a focused strategy that recognizes the critical importance of early intervention. Youth homelessness often serves as an entry point to long-term housing instability, with significant implications for the broader homelessness crisis. “Transitional-aged youth have an 80% chance of becoming homeless and experiencing chronic problems in adulthood without intervention,” Lock Dawson said. “If we can get them now, provide them the hope and the resources they need to thrive as adults, we’ve effectively taken care of that problem.” From vehicle to housing: One youth’s journey Gabriel Castillo, who found permanent housing

The Riverside City Council voted Tuesday to cut the maximum number of cannabis business permits from 14 to seven, with only one permit allowed per ward. This marks a significant shift since the council first voted to allow retail operations in 2023. In a 4-2 vote, with council members from Wards 4 and 6 dissenting, the council approved new regulations, including a 1,000-foot buffer between cannabis stores and designated parks as sensitive use areas requiring a 600-foot separation from cannabis businesses. “I think a measured approach to this makes the most sense,” said Councilmember Robillard. “Having seven, one per ward, really makes sense.” The decision follows a 90-day pause on the cannabis permitting process that began in January when five of the 14 originally approved locations clustered in Ward 5, with two others nearby in Ward 6. Map shows the 14 originally approved cannabis dispensary locations, with five clustered in Ward 5. The City Council’s decision to limit permits to one per ward will significantly reduce this concentration. Deputy Police Chief Frank Assuma presented findings from the police department’s research on public health and safety impacts of cannabis businesses. The report cited inadequate state regulations and a

A collection of historic Mission Inn artifacts will go under the hammer Saturday, March 29 at 10 a.m. at Redlands Antique Auction, located at 1547 Park Avenue in Redlands, California. The auction features items that have been out of public view for decades, including bells from around the world, small ephemera, and several statues connected to Riverside’s architectural landmark. According to Roy Jameson, owner of Redlands Antique Auction, the collection has generated significant interest since being listed six weeks ago. He notes that many inquiries have been about items featuring the raincross symbol, though such pieces don’t appear to be a big part of the collection. Despite this, enthusiasm remains high among collectors and local history buffs. Interested bidders and curious onlookers can preview the items Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the auction house. Staff will be available to answer questions about the provenance and historical significance of specific pieces. The collection’s journey has been long. According to auction officials, the artifacts are believed to have left Riverside’s iconic hotel during Benjamin Swig’s ownership period, long before the current Mission

A 53-year-old woman accused of killing her wife, a Cal Fire captain, in her Ramona home last month pleaded not guilty Wednesday in El Cajon Superior Court. Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi was arrested by Mexican authorities more than a month after she was accused of stabbing and slashing Rebecca Marodi, 49, at least 34 times on Feb. 17. Rebecca Marodi had been with Cal Fire for more than 30 years and was a captain at a station in French Valley in Riverside County. Judge Peter Lynch ruled during the arraignment Wednesday that Yolanda Marodi would be held without the possibility of being released on bail, citing the “extreme violence” connected to the murder charge, the fact that the slaying was allegedly captured on video and that she had been previously convicted of manslaughter. Capt. Rebecca Marodi (Photo courtesy of Cal Fire) She faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. Yolanda Marodi appeared in court remotely from an off-site hospital bed with a breathing tube in her nose and her defense attorney standing by her side. The gallery was filled with the victim’s

Inland SoCal United Way hosted an inspiring award ceremony celebrating the achievements of community members who transformed their lives through United Way’s employment program. Held on March 7, 2025, in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the event recognized eight exceptional participants—Francisco “Javier” Banos, Jenna DeGraw, Eliza Gonzalez, Jack Lewzader, Arthur Ortiz, Michael Rangel, Carlos Solis, and Susan Gomez—who brought together their determination and United Way’s services to chart a new course in their lives after returning to the workforce from challenging times. “Reentering the workforce wasn’t just about getting a job—it was about reclaiming my life,” said Banos. “The support I received from United Way didn’t just open doors; it restored my sense of purpose. This recognition isn’t just mine—it belongs to every person who believes in second chances.” Banos currently works as a Peer Specialist at Starting Over, Inc., helping others on similar journeys. Other awardees are on career tracks such as social work, logistics, manufacturing, and store management. Inland SoCal United Way started offering workforce development services in 2018 after responding to thousands of calls from unemployed and underemployed job seekers in Riverside and San

Mario and Amber Ostler opened Muse Market at the Canyon Crest Town Center last December. Muse Market sells Riverside-themed and/or created merchandise in a boutique setting. Whether you’re looking to shop local, for the perfect way to show love for your city, or for an “Oh my gosh! Where did you get this?” at the gift exchange. Muse Market is a great place to shop. They had been selling their products in other locations but always had an eye out for a retail slot in Canyon Crest. The ability to expand their selection to goods made by friends and neighbors and having a permanent prime corner spot in the Town Center is very appealing. From Hailey Bell’s Raincross stickers to miniature pottery by Good Things Pottery’s Randee Kirkemo, the Ostlers are proud to run a business that supports local artisans. Muse Market offers local Handmade jewelry, clothing, confections, and soap. Muse is a classic brick-and-mortar, ‘buying stuff made here from people who live here’ retail boutique. We live in an economic environment where that model is increasingly novel. With that novelty comes a sense of

The food promises to be tasty at the 12th Annual Riverside Tamale Festival. But organizers hope guests will also ponder the cause behind the celebration. Riverside Tamale Festival vendors are seen Saturday, April 29, 2023. This year’s event at White Park in downtown Riverside will be Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG) The event will raise money for the nonprofit Spanish Town Heritage Foundation’s mission to preserve the historic Trujillo Adobe. The adobe is one of Riverside’s oldest historical landmarks and has been named one of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It also is nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. The Tamale Festival is set for 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at White Park in downtown Riverside. The theme is Celebración de la Familia. The celebration will include food, a beer garden, a kids zone, entertainment, art and history while raising money for the adobe’s preservation. Stater Bros. Markets will be the presenting sponsor. The foundation hopes to raise $50,000 from the festival, a news release states. Now owned

Tomato plants aren’t just found at the local nursery. They’re on sale again this spring at Cal Poly Pomona, where the campus’ Tomatozania event has returned. The sale, which began Saturday, March 15, features more than 100 tomato plant varieties at the Cal Poly Pomona Farm Store. Cal Poly Pomona student Bryan Aguilar, a 24-year-old from Brawley, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, holds one of his favorite tomatoes, a Black Beauty Tomato plant, that he helped grow. It’s part of the university’s tomato plant sale at the Farm Store. Approximately 140 kinds of tomatoes are available. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) Tomato plants, seen Wednesday, March 19, 2025, are on sale during Tomatozania at the Cal Poly Pomona Farm Store. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) A Brandywine Red Heirloom, seen Wednesday, March 19, 2025, is among the approximately 140 kinds of tomato plants on sale at Cal Poly Pomona’s Tomatozania event. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) A Phil’s One Tomato, seen Wednesday, March 19, 2025, is among the tomato plants available at Tomatozania at the Cal

A 53-year-old El Monte man was arrested this week on charges of fraud and elder abuse after he scammed a 73-year-old Redlands man out of $25,000 and returned the following day to collect an additional $35,000. On Monday, March 17, the victim was contacted on the phone by a man claiming to be an FBI agent. The victim was told to provide $25,000 cash to a courier, or he would be arrested for having child pornography on his computer. The victim was instructed to withdraw the money from his bank, place it in an envelope and wait at his residence for the courier to pick up the cash. The victim complied with the instructions and the money was collected. The next day the victim was again contacted by phone and told the FBI had warrants for his arrest and he needed to provide another $35,000. After the second call, the victim notified Redlands Police. RPD detectives and members of the department’s Community Engagement Team worked with the victim and were able to intercept the suspect prior to the transaction. Quan Lin, 53, of El Monte

The music department at Cal Poly Pomona is presenting “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” a Tony Award-winning musical comedy that celebrates the joys and challenges of adolescence through a spelling competition, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 21 and 22. Performances are in the Recital Hall, Building 24, Room 191, on the Cal Poly Pomona campus, 3801 W. Temple Ave., Pomona. Under the direction of Professor Kendra Vuk, the Musical Theater Workshop has been preparing for this production since the fall semester, bringing together a cast and crew composed entirely of students, according to a news release. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” by Rachel Sheinkin with music and lyrics by William Finn,” follows six quirky competitors in a middle school spelling bee as they navigate the pressure of competition, self-discovery and the unpredictable nature of growing up. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $10 for students with ID and for seniors 55 and older, available at bit.ly/cppmusictix.