Category: Inland Empire

Healthy Heritage will present its second annual “Laughing for the Health of It” comedy show and mental health resource fair 4-8 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at the Ontario Improv. The clean comedy show will feature comedians Fritz Coleman, Richard Weiss, Sean Grant and Donna Maine, who is also the host. The event, open to those 18 and older, will also include food, resources from more than 20 vendors and opportunities to talk to mental health professionals, according to a news release. Donna Maine is a Los Angeles-based comedian whose sets revolve around middle-aged dating and the ironies of parenthood. Richard Weiss, a longtime recovered addict, has toured the country performing at comedy venues and has “recovery comedy” at 12-step conventions. Sean Grant has been recognized as the “funniest college kid in America” by “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” and FritzColeman, retired NBC weathercaster, has appeared on “The Tonight Show” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Tickets for “Laughing for the Health of It” are $25, available at bit.ly/HHImprovR23 or at the box office. The Ontario Improv is at 4555 Mills Circle. Healthy Heritage is a nonprofit organization with a

The Hemet-based Harmoneers Chorale will present its spring concert, “Raise the Curtain on Broadway and Patriotism,” 3 p.m. Sunday, May 21, at the First Presbyterian Church of Hemet, 515 E. Kimball Ave. The concert will open with “Steppin’ Out on Broadway,” followed by selections from “The Sound of Music,” “Mary Poppins,” “My Fair Lady” and other show tunes, according to a news release. The patriotic portion of the program will begin with “The Star-Spangled Banner” and will include “Keep the Home Fires Burning,” “Freedom” and “Song for the Unsung Hero,” among others, and will conclude with “This is the Dream.” At the concert, the chorale will present this year’s Teresa Baum Memorial Vocal Music Scholarships to two graduating seniors from Hemet and San Jacinto high schools. Tickets are $10, available at the door. The Harmoneers Chorale, founded in 1977 and directed by Mary Ellen Van Ostenbridge, presents two concerts each season, one in December and one in the spring. The group rehearses Monday mornings from mid-August to mid-December and mid-January to May at the First Presbyterian Church of Hemet.

The La Verne Symphony Orchestra will present its spring concert 3 p.m. Saturday, May 20, on the campus of the University of La Verne. The concert features music by Georges Bizet, Franz Schubert, Ralph Vaughan Williams, GeorgeGershwin and Henry Cowell. The orchestra will also play music by Sylvia Lee Mann, the La Verne Symphony’s new music director and conductor. Mann, who recently accepted the appointment to lead the orchestra, is an award-winning conductor, composer and violist and is conductor of Ontario’s Southland Symphony Orchestra and the Temecula Valley Junior Youth Symphony, according to a news release. She is on the faculty at Chaffey College and the University of La Verne, and she is pastor and minister of music at Bethel Congregational Church in Ontario. The concert will be in Morgan Auditorium in Founders Hall on the University of La Verne campus, 1950 Third St., La Verne. Admission is free, but a $10 donation is appreciated. There will be a reception following the concert.

In conjunction with the quarterly Ontario Art Walk, the Ontario Museum of History & Art will present Culture Fest 2023 at the museum, 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 20. The free event is a celebration through the arts of the cultural experiences that exist within Ontario’s diverse community and will include live performances, an interactive public art installation, artist vendors, food trucks, art-making activities and exhibitions. Culture Fest will focus on water, in celebration of the opening of the museum’s new permanent exhibition, “Built on Water: Ontario and Inland Southern California.” Five years in the making, the exhibit focuses on the history and future of water in the Ontario region and brings together the story of local water agencies, regional tribes, agriculture, water conservation and the establishment of the city of Ontario. Culture Fest will also feature public artist Luciana Abait’s large-scale immersive video projection installation, “The Glass Wall.” Originally featured in 2022 as a part of LUMINEX 2.0 in downtown Los Angeles, the artwork draws attention to water as a resource and the realities and metaphors involved in the struggle to control it, according to

By Maurya Simon | Contributing Columnist During National Poetry Month in April 2013, I taught poetry to students at Mt. Baldy School. It was a great experience, and, ultimately, their hard work and inspiration coalesced into a lovely chapbook that several students compiled as keepsakes for the class. Maurya Simon is a poet and UC Riverside emerita professor who lives on Mount Baldy. (Courtesy of Maurya Simon) This past April and in May, I’m back at the school working with some eager middle school students, as well as with the first-, second-, fifth- and sixth-graders. Each class is markedly different: The youngest students are as energized as hummingbirds. They’re still learning how to comport themselves in class, but their excellent teacher, “Mr. D.,” keeps them attentive, even if they’re ready to break out into giggling fits. Since Mr. D. ‘s reading them poems during regular classes, I’ve asked them to read and recite some favorite nursery rhymes: “Hickory Dickory Dock” and “Humpty Dumpty.” This activity’s been successful, although after I asked if they enjoyed reciting nursery rhymes, one boy vehemently shook his head “no,” while

Will Fernandez said it was real easy. He asked for a TAP card embedded with the LA Metro senior discount, since he was 62 years old and qualified. He provided his information, the attendant took his photo and he was presented with a temporary senior TAP card. “I am looking forward to using it,” said the Monrovia resident. “I won’t have to drive the freeways and I can get out of my car, and like I said, it is important to make a difference for the planet.” After investing heavily the last few years in ride-free passes for K-12 students and community college students as well as low-income riders, the county mega transit agency made a big push on Thursday, May 18 toward getting senior citizens to use mass transit. An “older adult transportation expo” brought about 400 people to the Pasadena Convention Center who learned about which train or bus went where, what is this thing called the “Regional Connector” rail line, the logistics of paying with a TAP card instead of cash, and applying for the senior discount. Whether one calls it social

Jurupa Valley seniors aren’t graduating until next week. But on Thursday, May 18, some donned their caps and gowns for an early “walk” — around the campuses where they used to go to school. RELATED: Graduation 2023 schedule: Dates, times for Riverside County high schools, universities Jurupa Unified School District students returned starting Thursday to their old elementary and middle schools. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) soon-to-be graduating senior Angel Estrada, 18, poses for a picture in front of mural at Sky Country Elementary School in Jurupa Valley following a Grad Walk at the school on Thursday, May 18, 2023. Approximately 40 graduating Jurupa Unified School District seniors, dressed in their gowns who went through the AVID program, visited a number of local elementary schools in the area to inspire young students to follow a path of success. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) Jurupa Valley High School seniors are greeted by students at Sky Country Elementary School in Jurupa Valley as they perform a grad walk Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) Jurupa Valley High School

He’s the cheerful cartoon pig in suit and tie who has been a mascot of the L.A. County Fair, off and on, since 1948. And at 75, Thummer‘s saga has as many twists as a pig’s corkscrew tail. Along the way he’s changed his name, his fashion sense and even his gender, and also disappeared for long stretches. But he’s now seemingly at home at the fair, which this year began May 5 and ends May 29. In advance of the opening, he was the star of many of the fair’s social media posts. A costumed version of Thummer made public appearances, including at a Pomona Art Walk, to invite people to the fair. “It is Thummer’s 75th birthday,” confirms Renee Hernandez, the fair’s communications director. “He’s outlived many things and many people here at the fair. He remains a mascot for us just like he’s been since 1948.” I figured the best way to piece the story together was to visit Cal Poly Pomona, where the fair donated the bulk of its archives in 2021. An archivist is nearly through cataloging and organizing them.

Over the years, I’ve written about a number of the various stage stations that lined the Southern Emigrant Trail throughout Riverside County. With the recent elevation of the Butterfield Trail to National Historic Trail status, it’s time for another. The Butterfield Line was run for only three years, bringing mail from the east coast to California from 1858 to 1861. Most accounts give descriptions of the route from east to west, because most people were coming in that direction then. Bearing that in mind, the last stop that would have been in the future Riverside County was Temescal. The location of the stage station is not exactly known, but it would be located generally on the east side of Temescal Canyon Road, somewhat south of Cajalco Road in the Corona area. A man named Joseph Henderson owned it for a while and may be the first of the stationmasters. What is known is that by 1860, a man named James Greenwade had it. For several years, the terms “Temescal” and “Greenwade’s” were virtually interchangeable for this location. James Monroe Greenwade was born in 1831 in

The city of Montclair has signed over the title of three single-family homes along Monte Vista Avenue to the Montclair Housing Authority and the Montclair Housing Corporation. On May 15, the city signed an agreement with the Housing Authority to add the homes to the city’s affordable housing program for low- to moderate-income families. The three units will be put up for rent within the next few months after the city has rehabilitated the properties, said Mikey Fuentes director of the economic development agency. Prospective tenants will be evaluated based on need, must apply through the city and provide documentation showing they fall into the low- to moderate-income range. The range is decided by a formula provided by the state, based on the average income an individual makes, according to Fuentes. “So for low to moderate income we do have a schedule that is prepared for us by our legal counsel,” said Fuentes. The homes will undergo rehabilitation over the next couple of months. This typically includes fresh paint, updated carpeting, and other adjustments made to bring the unit up to code. The funding for

A VA Loma Linda Healthcare System manager frequently used racial slurs, required workers to buy him food and drive him to and from work, and then punished those who refused his demands with bad assignments, according to a 2021 federal investigation that recommended he be fired. However, instead of being terminated for creating a hostile work environment, the manager — identified by multiple sources as grounds department supervisor Martin Robles — was inexplicably promoted. “There were numerous instances where inappropriate language and racial slurs were used which appears to be a common practice,” a Veterans Administration investigative board said in a heavily redacted 61-page report obtained by the Southern California News Group. “Inappropriate and discriminatory hiring practices were found, which have contributed to the lack of trust, poor morale, and fractured culture.” The Administrative Investigation Board recommended Robles be removed from employment because of “overwhelming evidence to support that the supervisor was intimidating, exhibited bullying behavior, threatening behavior, and contributed to a hostile work environment,” said a source familiar with the probe. The AIB investigation, which began on Dec. 9, 2020, and concluded the week

The Riverside City Council began this week’s meeting differently — by taking a ride on a miniature train. Councilmembers took a tour Tuesday, May 16, of Hunter Hobby Park, which is known for miniature steam locomotive rides along tracks that wind through the park.  Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson and Councilmembers Chuck Conder, Erin Edwards and Steve Hemenway were among those who enjoyed a ride. Engineer Bob Roberts, of the Riverside Live Steamers, drives a miniature steam-powered locomotive into the station at Hunter Hobby Park in Riverside on Tuesday, May. 16, 2023. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) Engineer Bob Roberts, of the Riverside Live Steamers, drives a miniature steam-powered locomotive into the station at Hunter Hobby Park in Riverside on Tuesday, May. 16, 2023. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) A miniature steam-powered locomotive takes riders through Hunter Hobby Park in Riverside on Tuesday, May. 16, 2023. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) Engineer Bob Roberts, with the Riverside Live Steamers, drives a miniature steam-powered locomotive at Hunter Hobby Park in Riverside on Tuesday, May. 16, 2023. (Photo by

The city of Montclair has signed over the title of three single-family homes along Monte Vista Avenue to the Montclair Housing Authority and the Montclair Housing Corporation. On May 15, the city signed an agreement with the Housing Authority to add the homes to the city’s affordable housing program for low- to moderate-income families. The three units will be put up for rent within the next few months after the city has rehabilitated the properties, said Mikey Fuentes director of the economic development agency. Prospective tenants will be evaluated based on need, must apply through the city and provide documentation showing they fall into the low- to moderate-income range. The range is decided by a formula provided by the state, based on the average income an individual makes, according to Fuentes. “So for low to moderate income we do have a schedule that is prepared for us by our legal counsel,” said Fuentes. The homes will undergo rehabilitation over the next couple of months. This typically includes fresh paint, updated carpeting, and other adjustments made to bring the unit up to code. The funding for

Moreno Valley city officials have taken the next step to revitalize the city’s mall. City councilmembers unanimously voted Tuesday night, May 16, to approve the planning commission’s recommendation that the proposed project move ahead. It would convert the mall, which often has nearly empty parking lots, to a site that adds apartments, hotels and a retail center. The vote was 4-0, as Councilmember Ed Delgado was not present. Located off the 60 Freeway, the Moreno Valley Mall was built in 1992. The two-level shopping center is run by IGP Business Group, a parent company of Moreno Valley Mall Holding. An empty lot adjacent to the parking structure at the Moreno Valley Mall is seen Tuesday, May 10, 2022. An overhaul of the mall site was approved Tuesday, May 16, 2023, by the Moreno Valley City Council. (File photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG) An aerial view of an empty lot next to the parking structure at the Moreno Valley Mall is seen Tuesday, May 10, 2022. An overhaul of the mall site was approved Tuesday, May 16, 2023, by the Moreno Valley City Council. (File

A Temecula mother has complained that her 15-year-old daughter was made to read a sexually explicit play in drama class and is calling for a policy to prevent such instances in the future. Tracy Nolasco said her daughter, a Temecula Valley High School sophomore, had to read “Angels in America,” a Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tony Kushner. The play, set in New York City in 1985, explores the AIDS epidemic as well as religion, race, politics, and homosexuality. Nolasco on Tuesday night, May 16, told the Temecula Valley school board that the drama describes sexual activity, sexual violence and uses profanity and was inappropriate for minors, according to a video of the meeting. She added that the play also depicts unprotected sex and the taking of pills that cause hallucinations. Her daughter’s class also includes freshmen, Nolasco said. Temecula Valley Unified School District spokesperson James Evans said in a Wednesday, May 17, email that he learned of the allegation Tuesday night. “We take concerns like this seriously and are currently doing our due diligence regarding these allegations,” Evans wrote. “Human Resources is

Last of three parts It pays to be seeking a job as a cop these days in Southern California. Throughout the region, law enforcement agencies — desperate to fill vacancies in sworn personnel spurred by an exodus of experienced officers and a lag in recruiting new ones — are dangling all kinds of incentives at job applicants. Signing bonuses seem to be the most common enticement for both new recruits and so-called lateral transfers, experienced officers who are willing to move from one agency to another. In Inglewood, for example, the city is offering a $40,000 bonus for lateral transfers, $30,000 for police academy graduates, $15,000 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree and $10,000 for military veterans. Long Beach, Riverside, Pomona, El Monte are among several other agencies offering signing bonuses. And after some hesitation, the Los Angeles Police Department just recently jumped on the bandwagon as well. The LAPD also says some well-qualified recruits may be eligible for a rent stipend of up to $1,000 a month for up to two years. Other incentives are being offered as well for those who want to

It’s graduation time again. From high schools to universities, graduates are donning caps and gowns for joyous commencement ceremonies. This list includes graduations for traditional high schools, community colleges and universities across Riverside County. Related Articles Local News | Attention USC grads: even superheroes fail, but they keep going Local News | California Baptist University begins 2023 graduation ceremonies May 23: Hillcrest High School, 6 p.m., Norte Vista High School, K.R. Zack Earp Stadium, 6585 Crest Ave. in Riverside May 25: La Sierra High School, 6 p.m., Norte Vista High School, K.R. Zack Earp Stadium, 6585 Crest Ave. in Riverside May 24: Norte Vista High School, 6 p.m., Norte Vista High School, K.R. Zack Earp Stadium, 6585 Crest Ave. in Riverside June 1: Banning High School, 6:30 p.m., Banning High School, Bronco Stadium, 100 W. Westward Ave. in Banning June 8: Beaumont High School, 6 p.m., Beaumont High School Athletic Stadium, 39139 Cherry Valley Blvd. in Beaumont May 31: Centennial High School, 8 p.m., Toyota Arena, 4000 Ontario Center Parkway in Ontario May 31: Corona High School, 6:30 p.m., Corona High School Stadium, 1150 W.

It’s graduation time again. From high schools to universities, graduates are donning caps and gowns for joyous commencement ceremonies. This list includes graduations for traditional high schools, community colleges and universities across the Inland Valley area. June 8: Bonita High School , 7 p.m., Bonita High School, Glenn Davis Stadium, 3102 D St. in La VerneJune 6: San Dimas High School , 7 p.m., San Dimas Football Stadium, 800 W. Covina Blvd. in San Dimas May 25: Alta Loma High School, 6:30 p.m., Alta Loma High School, Uhalley Stadium, 8880 Base Line Road in Rancho Cucamonga May 25: Chaffey High School, 6:30 p.m., Chaffey High School, Graber Field Stadium, 1245 N. Euclid Ave. in Ontario May 25: Colony High School , 6:30 p.m., Colony High School, Titan Stadium, 3850 E. Riverside Drive in Ontario May 24: Etiwanda High School, 6:30 p.m., Etiwanda High School, campus stadium, 13500 Victoria St. in Rancho Cucamonga May 25: Los Osos High School, 6:30 p.m., Los Osos High School, Grizzly Stadium, 6001 Milliken Ave. in Rancho Cucamonga May 24: Montclair High School, 6:30 p.m., Montclair High School, Ben Baker Stadium

Archway Equities, a Beverly Hills investment firm, paid $150 million for The Paseos at Montclair North, a 385-unit apartment complex in Montclair. The seller was identified as 4914 Olive Street Properties LLC, which lists real estate developer Geoff Palmer of Beverly Hills as its primary manager-owner, according to PropertyShark. Archway said the Paseos deal, which closed May 12, was its first multifamily acquisition in California. Much of its portfolio stretches across the South’s Sunbelt. SEE MORE: Corona Lakeside Logistics Center sells for $325 million “Somewhere along the way, cap rates between the Sunbelt and coastal markets inverted, and select pockets of Southern California should now provide more attractive risk-adjusted returns in the current environment,” said Sean Moghavem, Archway president. The firm hailed the multifamily transaction as the largest in Southern California in 2023, so far, citing CoStar data. “With a lot of institutional capital sitting on the sidelines, there are very few firms that would be able to close on a transaction of this size,” said Sankeerth Pulusani, managing director at Archway. “Consequently, we believe that we were able to acquire the best asset in