Inland Empire Community News

The ROV’s roadshows feature stations that walk voters through every step of the process, from registration and ballot casting to updating personal information and tracking ballots; in English and Spanish. Full story to come at IECN.com. 🔗🗞️

🚨🗳️🗣️ The last day to register to vote or update registration to get a vote-by-mail ballot is May 18th! This afternoon IECN attended San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters’ Voter Education Roadshow at Colton’s Gonzales Community Center.

Today’s students are #TomorrowsLeaders! 🎓Showing up to school every day and maintaining your grades truly pays off! 👏 🎉Congratulations to Mariah O. from Colton HS for winning this year’s car donated by #RotoloChevrolet! Keep up the great work, #CJUSD students!

Tour the campus, meet faculty, ask questions & see how MVC can help turn uncertainty into a plan for transfer, career training or a fresh start. The day will include live music, performances, food, games & family-friendly activities. Register at mvc.edu/today.

Not sure where college fits into your future? @mvcollege is hosting a free Open House on Saturday, May 9, from 9 AM to 2 PM, giving future students & families a chance to explore pathways in health care, public safety, business, education, dental programs, human services & more.

🎶💃🎭 Rialto Unified School District’s 20th Annual RITZ Gala drew a packed audience to Wilmer Amina Carter High School Theater Hall on April 25, featuring 47 student performers across 18 acts in music, dance and visual arts. Read the full story at IECN.com. 🔗🗞️

Her recognition reflects Moreno Valley College’s broader commitment to building a campus culture where belonging, leadership and student success are shaped with students, not just for them. 🤝

🏆📚 Student leadership is helping define what inclusion looks like at @mvcollege. At the college’s 2026 Diversity Summit, Associated Students VP Monique Cruz was recognized for elevating student voices, strengthening representation in campus governance & showing up consistently.

🌱🛒 Redlands officials approved The Marketplace, a Whole Foods-anchored retail center planned for the northeast corner of Lugonia Ave & Tennessee St in Redlands. Construction is expected to begin late 2026 w/ completion anticipated in 2028. Full story at IECN.com

With the vote, San Bernardino chose prohibition over regulation, and operators are now being identified through third-party monitoring, notified to stop operating and face enforcement if they continue. Read the full story at IECN.com. 🔗

Councilwoman Treasure Ortiz & Councilman Fred Shorett were among the strongest voices for a ban, arguing the city does not have the staff or enforcement capacity to keep up w/ repeat problem properties, while opponents said a full prohibition punish responsible operators.

🚫🏘️📲 San Bernardino City Council voted 4-3 on April 15 to ban short-term rentals citywide, rejecting regulation and siding with residents who said Airbnb- and Vrbo-style properties have brought party houses, nuisance activity and safety concerns into residential neighborhoods.

🤖 2026 USEL Robotics District Championships 🏆 Over 150 schools from across the Inland Empire came together this weekend to compete in a hands-on robotics and coding competition. Students showcased innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. #CJUSD #STEAM #Robotics

🏛️🌳Colton City Council weighed whether to rename Cesar Chavez Park as fallout continues over allegations made last month by activist Dolores Huerta, who accused Chavez of sexually abusing young girls, including herself, over several decades. Full story at IECN.com

The property, purchased in 2025 by Esri founders Jack & Laura Dangermond through Town Square Development, remains fenced off during construction, though CVS parking is still available as crews continue tearing into one of downtown Redlands’ most recognizable commercial spaces.

🚧👷 How many of you have memories of late-night meals at the former Downtown Redlands Denny’s after a night out in the 2000s or 2010s? Exterior demo began last week at the corner of Redlands Blvd and Orange St, where the long-shuttered Redlands Mall property is now coming down.

City officials said Berry began the role in April and will help oversee daily operations, coordinate across departments and support key city priorities while maintaining continuity during the transition. Read the full story at IECN.com. 🔗

Berry, who has led the city’s electric utility for the past three years, brings more than two decades of experience in public utilities and municipal operations, including previous executive roles in Lompoc and with Imperial Irrigation District.

🆕🏛️ The City of Colton has appointed Electric Utility Director Charles Berry as its next assistant city manager, reviving a leadership position that has been vacant for more than 15 years.