The Colton Police Department has announced a DUI and Driver’s License checkpoint set for Friday, August 30, 6 PM to 3 AM in the southern part of the city. This checkpoint follows a recent operation that saw seven drivers cited for driving without a license or with a suspended license.
During the August 9 checkpoint, held on
Community News
As wildfires become more frequent and intense due to climate change, Amazon is enhancing its disaster relief efforts in the communities where it operates.
The company has opened its first Disaster Relief Hub specifically for wildfire response, located at its fulfillment center in Southern California's San Bernardino Valley. This new hub will allow Amazon to quickly deploy essential relief supplies to communities across the U.S. affected by wildfires.
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“Prepositioning relief supplies is crucial for delivering aid quickly during fast-moving wildfire events,” said Alice Shobe, global director of Amazon Community Impact. “This hub’s strategic location near Amazon Air facilities and our ground transportation network ensures we can efficiently get relief items to disaster response organizations that are
N. Mt. Vernon Avenue, 307 vehicles passed through, with 138 of those screened for signs of impairment. While no drivers were arrested for DUI, seven individuals were cited for license-related violations. The department emphasized that the primary goal of these checkpoints is to enhance public safety by removing impaired drivers from the roads.
Colton Police Chief Anthony Vega underscored the department’s commitment to
equipped to distribute donations to impacted communities.”
According to the United Nations, extreme wildfires are projected to increase by 14% by 2030 due to climate change. Amazon’s dedicated facility allows the company to send supplies within 72 hours, significantly faster than if products had to be consolidated from multiple locations nationwide.
In partnership with organizations such as the American Red Cross, Good360, After The Fire, and All Hands All Hearts, Amazon has stocked the hub with more than 6,000 items tailored to the needs of households and individuals returning to their communities post-fire.
These items include wildfire mitigation tools like axes, goggles, masks, rakes, and soil sifters, as well as personal supplies such as fire-safe rubber boots, high-particulate
community safety. “We strive to keep our community safe through driver education and proactive enforcement,” said Vega. “We recognize the importance of incorporating problem-solving partnerships to help reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads; which will significantly improve traffic safety.”
These checkpoints are strategically placed based on data showing high incidents of
Traffic Collision, Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
PHOTO DENISE BERVER
Police Department’s
checkpoint is being held in the southern part of the city on August 30th, 2024.
PHOTO AMAZON Amazon employees inside the new Disaster Relief Hub.
Checkpoint
impaired driving-related crashes. While the objective is to deter impaired driving, officers will actively look for drivers showing signs of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the upcoming checkpoint.
The public is reminded that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol; prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and marijuana can also impair judgment and reaction times. Driving under the influence of marijuana, despite its legal status for recreational and medicinal use, remains illegal.
“During a wildfire event, fulfilling hard-tosource product needs within a tight timeline, in sufficient quantity, and cost-effectively presents a challenge for both local and international relief organizations,” said Abby Browning, chief
First-time DUI offenders can face fines and penalties averaging $13,500, along with the suspension of their driver’s license.
The checkpoint is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information, contact Public Information Officer Sergeant Michael Sandoval at msandoval@coltonca.gov.
of Private Sector and NGO Coordination at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. “Amazon’s commitment to mobilizing its global inventory, logistics infrastructure, and extensive network for distributing donated supplies helps community partners focus their resources and personnel on supporting on-the-ground response efforts
Eisenhower High Welcomes US Deputy Treasury Secretary Adeyemo and Congressman Aguilar for Inspiring visit
IECN Staff
Dwight D. Eisenhower High School has produced its fair share of notable alumni, from leaders to football Hall of Famers to major award winners. Wally Adeyemo, who, as the United States Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, stands as one of the school’s most distinguished graduates and returned to his alma mater for an inspirational assembly with students on August 27.
In a momentous event, the Rialto Unified School District and Eisenhower High School hosted both Adeyemo and 33rd District Congressman Pete Aguilar, who represents Rialto, for a special visit. Congressman Aguilar graciously brought Adeyemo back to his alma mater.
President and also Frisbie Middle School Principal. RUSD Acting Superintendent Dr. Edward D’Souza gave a passionate speech welcoming the officials while sharing a few recent successes at Eisenhower High and in the District. Finally, Fausat RahmanDavies, RUSD Lead Nutrition Services Agent, gave the leaders a warm Nigerian welcome, highlighting her shared Nigerian heritage with Adeyemo.
starting your final year of this journey. Now you are going to have some choices to make in life. My message to each one of you is that you have already done so many hard things in your life. If you take that grit and determination that’s allowed you to accomplish those hard things now, you can do anything in the future. And I’m looking forward to coming back here and watching one of you give a presentation up here.”
SMBMI and City of Highland Unveils New Multi-Purpose Fire Training Structure
Community News
The City of Highland, in partnership with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and Cal Fire which provides contract fire services to the city, has completed the construction of a new multi-purpose fire training facility.
The city received a generous $260,000 grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to build the facility.
Its main goal is to enhance the training for regional emergency services agencies and improve their ability to collaborate seamlessly during operations and rescues.
The unveiling and demonstration of the new facility took place on August 22 in Highland. The event showcased the newly constructed multistory structure made from connex containers, which are structurally similar to modern modular home designs.
The demonstration featured a firefighter exercise aimed at illustrating the life-saving benefits of the enhanced training.
facility. They collaborated with the city and Cal Fire to establish this training facility, which will enable more coordinated responses to structure fires, minimize damage to homes, and support post-fire damage assessment, investigation and recovery efforts.
"This training facility is a game changer for the city of Highland," said Highland Mayor Penny Lilburn. "Regionally we will see this well put to use and this can also be for education of our youth to experience and see themselves in these public safety roles."
Joseph Maarango, the San Manuel Tribal Council Culture Seat Member, highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership, emphasizing, "Our communities have worked closely to ensure the safety and well-being of this valley as we've grown larger and more interconnected. Agreements such as San Manuel Fire providing ladder truck services to Highland, and the grant partnership we celebrate today, are rooted in the government-to-government partnership we’ve enjoyed with Highland over the years."
The new fire training facility stands as a testament to the power of community partnerships and will significantly enhance the incident response capabilities of the city and the region as a whole. Amazon
At the request of Congressman Aguilar, a quick meet and greet with Eisenhower High School student leaders and local elected officials took place before the assembly. Attendees included Edgar Montes, RUSD Board of Education Vice President, Evelyn P. Dominguez, RUSD Board of Education Clerk, Tobin Brinker, Rialto Education Association President, Chris Cordasco, California School Employees Association Rialto Chapter #203 President, Gloria Macias-Harrison, San Bernardino Community College Board of Trustee, Emeritus, Eddie Tejeda, Mayor of the City of Redlands, and a teacher at RUSD’s Dr. John Milor High School, and Alex Vara, Redland School Board
The two government leaders toured the campus and held an assembly for the senior class, captivating and inspiring the students. The Eagles' marching band welcomed Adeyemo to the school’s Performing Arts Center, where the assembly took place. The event was a surprise for senior students, who wondered about the purpose of the gathering in the day leading up to it. As Adeyemo and Congressman Aguilar took the stage, excitement rippled through the audience. Students quickly grasped the significance of the occasion, recognizing the honor of having two influential leaders visit their school.
Adeyemo was thrilled to return and inspire the current Eagles to work hard and keep dreaming big.
“You are not just future leaders, you are leaders today,” Adeyemo said as he addressed the senior class on stage. “You have the ability to influence the decisions that people like me and your congressman make. I’m just happy to be here because I know what it was like to be at this point in your senior year, and you are
Eisenhower High School Principal Kristal HenriquezPulido (who also attended Ike with Adeyemo at the same time) and Rialto Unified School District’s Community Agent of Strategic Engagement Joseph Williams led an engaging Q&A session, where seniors asked thoughtful questions on topics such as the affordability of higher education, the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, and housing. Both officials offered insightful and encouraging responses.
For Adeyemo, the visit was a “nostalgic return to familiar grounds.” With a warm smile, he greeted students and staff, reflecting on his journey from Eisenhower High School to his current role in Washington, D.C. Adeyemo encouraged students to dream big. Today Adeyemo plays a critical role in shaping national economic policies.
Full story at IECN.com.
The facility will play a crucial role in training firefighters from all agencies to respond more effectively to structure fires, especially with the increasing number of multistory structures being built to accommodate the city's growing population.
In addition to providing ladder truck services to the city, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians recognized the need for a multistory training
San Bernardino Police Department Holding DUI Checkpoint on August 29
Community News
On Thursday, August 29, 2024, the San Bernardino Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes.
The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Sgt. Jeff Harvey said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”
San Bernardino Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-thecounter drugs may interfere with driving.
While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well a suspended license.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
32 Arrested and 28 Cited at City of San Bernardino DUI Checkpoint
Community News
Zero drivers were arrested for Driving Under the Influence and 60 citations were issued at a DUI Checkpoint on August 16, 2024.
The DUI checkpoint was held at the 1700 block of W. 5th Street from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Also, 31 drivers were arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license. 806 vehicles were contacted during the checkpoint and 7 vehicles were impounded.
One driver were arrested for an active arrest warrant.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related collisions. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off roads.
Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Fatal Traffic Collision, Vehicle vs. Pedestrian
Community News
On Saturday, August 17th, 2024, at approximately 08:11 p.m., the Rialto Police Department received several 9-1-1 calls reporting that a vehicle struck a pedestrian in the area of Foothill Blvd., and Willow Ave., in the City of Rialto. Officers responded to the scene and located a gravely injured and unresponsive male lying in the roadway.
Paramedics from the Rialto Fire Department arrived shortly after. The victim, identified as Jose Sanchez-Esparza, was transported to a local trauma center where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Rialto Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team is conducting the investigation. Through vehicle debris evidence, witness statements, and video surveillance, investigators have concluded that Sanchez-Esparza was crossing northbound from the south sidewalk of Foothill Blvd. within the designated crosswalk.
The involved vehicle was traveling southbound Willow Ave., before making a left (eastbound) turn onto Foothill Blvd., where Sanchez-Esparza was struck by the vehicle’s front left quarter panel.
After the collision, the driver of the vehicle remained on-scene and was cooperative with investigators throughout the investigation.
Neither excessive speed nor drugs/alcohol appear to be a factor in this collision. No arrests have been made in regards to the collision at this time, however, the investigation report will be forwarded to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office for review upon completion.
The Rialto Police Department requests that anyone who may have information about this incident contact Traffic Sergeant Dan Smith at (909) 644-6025. Witnesses can also anonymously report information through WeTip at (800) 7827463, reference case #932408793.
Joshua Kaiser Sentenced to Life for Intentionally Setting Two People on Fire in Johnson Valley
Community News
On Monday, June 19, 2023, in the early morning hours around 1:04 a.m., deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call for service at HiDesert Medical Center in Joshua Tree. Medical personnel at the hospital called law enforcement to report that a male and female were in the emergency room being treated for severe burns. The male patient had severe, full-circumference burns covering nearly eighty percent of his body. The female patient had burns covering most of the left side of her body.
Hospital staff became alarmed when the female victim reported that she and the male victim were intentionally set on fire by a male assailant. The female victim told medical staff that the assailant threw gasoline on them and lit them both on fire as they sat in a pickup truck.
The attending ER physician indicated in his assessment that the male victim “had a high probability of imminent or lifethreatening deterioration which required [his] direct attention, intervention and personal management.” The physician ordered the male victim intubated to secure a viable airway due to “burns in the oropharynx.” The male victim spent the next three weeks under intensive care, including thirteen days in an induced coma. He remains under medical treatment for his severe scarring and increased susceptibility to infection.
While still at Hi-Desert Medical Center, Deputies from San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department contacted the female victim as she was treated in the emergency room who explained that she and the male burn victim were intentionally set on fire by her ex-boyfriend – and father of her two children – Joshua Adam Kaiser.
An investigation involving multiple detectives and deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; arson investigators from the San Bernardino County Fire Department; and specialists from the Sheriff Department’s Arson / Bomb Detail began. The follow-
ing is a summary of the finding of the investigation:
In the afternoon of June 18, 2023, the male victim went to a residence in the unincorporated community of Johnson Valley within San Bernardino County. The residence is a rural, five-acre parcel west of State Highway 247. The property has one main fixed residence and a slew of inhabited trailers, RVs, and outbuildings. There is currently no electricity at the property. The residents in the main house and various outbuildings rely on a series of gas-powered generators for electricity.
The male victim went to the property at the request of his friend, who was going to be away from the property for several months, and he asked for help with property cleanup. The male victim borrowed a truck and headed out to the property. He was unaware that the Defendant Kaiser, the Defendant’s mother, and several others were living on the property. The male victim did not personally know anyone at the property, but he recognized Kaiser from a previous encounter. He helped Kaiser months earlier with his motorcycle when it ran out of gas.
Late in the afternoon, Kaiser and his mother told the male victim they were leaving to get gas because the generator powering the main house was empty. During the hours they were gone, the male victims’ wireless phone ran out of battery power. With no way to charge it, he decided to leave. In what would prove to be a series of ill-fated misfortunes, the truck he borrowed would not start. Soon it was dark, and he was stranded at the property.
As nighttime fell, the female victim walked out of the main house towards the male victim. She told him that she and Kaiser had been arguing earlier in the day, and she needed a ride away from the property. Male victim told her that he could not get the truck started.
Kaiser and his mother finally returned to the residence, Kaiser carrying a gas can and a bag of dog food.
Full story at IECN.com.
County News
San Bernardino County Clerical Error Disqualifies Five City Council Candidates from November Ballot, Legal Challenges Possible
By Manny Sandoval
The Registrar of Voters (ROV) says it is collaborating with city and town clerks to address a clerical error that initially led five city council candidates to believe they had qualified for the Nov. 5 ballot when they had not.
The issue arose on Friday, Aug. 16, after the candidate filing period had closed. The ROV discovered the error, which impacted the evaluation of nomination petition signatures for city candidates. ROV staff reevaluated all petitions and identified eight candidates who were affected in total.
The error impacted candidates from the cities of Highland, Ri-
Oriental
Talto, Hesperia, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Twentynine Palms, and the Town of Apple Valley.
Following the reevaluation, it was determined that five of the eight candidates did not meet the required number of valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. The ROV promptly informed the relevant city clerks of these disqualifications. The disqualified candidates may pursue legal challenges to secure ballot access. Any legal action must be resolved by Aug. 29, after which no changes can be made to the ballot.
Three of the affected candidates were allowed additional time to gather signatures due to an extension of the candidate filing period, which runs
through 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21. The deadline was extended in races where incumbents chose not to file for re-election.
The ROV addressed the situation by conducting follow-up audits to confirm the findings. Moving forward, the agency will incorporate additional audits into its candidate filing and petition signature review processes to prevent similar issues.
The ROV says it remains committed to conducting elections in a fair, transparent, and accurate manner while maintaining strong partnerships with city clerks. The agency continues to provide support to local clerks and candidates as the election process progresses.
Fruit Fly Quarantine Lifted in Redlands Area, Among Other Regions
hanks to the cooperation and diligence of residents and local agricultural officials, CDFA, working in coordination with the USDA, the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner, and the San Bernardino County Agricultural Commissioner, has declared an end to the Oriental fruit fly quarantine in the Redlands-area following eradication of the invasive species.
The lifting of this quarantine signals the successful completion of a nearly year-long collaborative effort to eradicate four unique invasive fruit fly species (Tau, Queensland, Mediterranean and Oriental) from seven quarantine areas across seven California counties — San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Clara, Sacramento and Contra Costa.
“This was an unprecedented situation for California to experience this many active invasive fruit fly quarantines at one time,” said Victoria Hornbaker, director of CDFA’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division. “The response to these destructive invasive
species was an enormous effort, and thanks to the cooperation of residents, affected farmers, and our government partners at the local and federal levels, we’re incredibly proud to have successfully lifted all active invasive fruit fly quarantines in the state of California.”
The USDA made critical investments in the response with personnel and funding, and that commitment underscores the importance of ongoing investment in pest exclusion activities.
It’s important to remember that the threat of new fruit fly introductions remains. Left unchecked, they can endanger the state’s natural environment, agriculture, and economy. Agricultural officials urge residents to follow simple precautions and stay vigilant for signs of invasive species. To help prevent any future introductions, residents should:
Cooperate with agricultural officials and allow them access to your garden to place traps, inspect plants, conduct necessary treatments or remove potentially infested produce.
Buy fruit trees and vegetable plants from licensed California nurseries. Purchasing agricultural goods from uncertified sources can spread invasive pests. Source your plants locally and responsibly. To find a licensed nursery near you, visit CDFA’s Directory of Licensed Nurseries.
Inspect your garden for signs of invasive fruit flies or maggots and report any findings to CDFA at 1-800491-1899 or your local county agricultural commissioner’s office.
When entering the United States from another country, avoid bringing agricultural products — including fruits or vegetables. Help us protect our agricultural and natural resources and California’s unique biodiversity from invasive fruit flies — please Don’t Pack a Pest (www.dontpackapest.com) when traveling or mailing/receiving packages.
To learn more about invasive species and how to protect the county’s fruits and vegetables, visit CAFruitFly.com, rivcoawm.org or awm.sbcounty.gov.
Desert Water Agency Successfully Votes to Affiliate with Teamsters Local 1932
By Teamsters Local 1932
Teamsters Local 1932 is thrilled to announce that the employees of Desert Water Agency have voted in favor of joining the growing Teamster family, marking a significant victory for workers' rights and solidarity within our community.
As more and more workers in this industry organize to become Teamsters, they will significantly increase their message on how important these jobs are in maintaining safe water supplies while working in blistering heat.
"Our mission has always been to empower workers and ensure they have a strong voice in the workplace, and today, the employees of Desert Water
Agency have shown what can be achieved when we stand together. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to advocate for the wages and working conditions they deserve. This is just the beginning of a brighter future for these dedicated workers and their families," said Randy Korgan, Secretary-Treasurer, Teamsters Local 1932.
After a determined and collaborative effort, the dedicated workers of Desert Water Agency have chosen to join Teamsters Local 1932, adding 82 new members to our rank and file.
This successful unionization is a testament to the strength and unity of these employees, who stood together to ensure their voices are heard.
Teamsters Local 1932 is proud to welcome these new members into our union family.
We are committed to continuing our work with Desert Water Agency employees, ensuring that their needs are met, and their rights are protected as we move forward together.
This victory is more than just a win for the workers of Desert Water Agency—it's a win for the entire community, showing that when workers stand united, they can achieve extraordinary outcomes.
Teamsters Local 1932 represents more than 15,000 workers across the Inland Empire.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
IECN Publisher Emeritus Gloria Macias Harrison prepping to drop off her ballot to the County’s Registrar of Voters in November 2022.
Community News
PHOTO TEAMSTERS
Employees of the Desert Water Agency celebrating becoming members of Teamsters Local 1932 in August 2024.
Free Community Events
Redlands Camera Club to Host Labor Day Camera Gear Workshop
IECN Staff
The Redlands Camera Club is inviting photography enthusiasts to a special Labor Day event, offering a hands-on learning experience focused on camera gear and equipment. The workshop, led by award-winning video journalist and educator Dr. Cheryl Diermyer, will take place on Sept. 2 at the First Presbyterian Church in Redlands.
Participants are encouraged to bring their cameras, tripods, and other photography gear for an interactive session designed to answer technical questions and provide insights on various equipment. Small groups will discuss topics such as camera settings, tripods, lighting techniques, and the use of filters and flash units.
"Whether you're wondering how to make the most of your polarizing filter or when to use your camera's manual flash setting, this workshop will provide practical solutions," Diermyer said. "It's about building confidence with your equipment
and learning from one another."
In addition to the hands-on collaboration, attendees will participate in an activity to help shape future Redlands Camera Club programs, ensuring the club continues to cater to the needs and interests of its members.
Dr. Diermyer, a former CBS News video journalist and Associate Director of Education Innovation, has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Associated Press National Video Journalist Award and the New Media Consortium Exhibiting Artist Best of Show Award.
The event is free and open to the public, with a social gathering starting at 6:30 p.m. The program will begin at 7 p.m., with an option to join virtually via Zoom. The meeting will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 105 South Fourth Street, Redlands.
For more information, visit redlandscameraclub.org.
San Bernardino Hosts Back-to-School Weekend Events at Inland Center Mall, Starting August 30
IECN Staff
The Inland Center Mall will host a series of free back-to-school events this weekend, featuring a Business and Education Expo, a Crafts With A Cop event, and a Backpack Drive. The events, sponsored by local organizations, aim to support students and families as the new school year begins.
The weekend kicks off with the Business and Education Expo on Friday, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Center Court. Organized by the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce, the expo will showcase local businesses promoting their products and services, as well as schools and educational institutions providing enrollment information and resources.
On Saturday, Aug. 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., families are invited to participate in
TBack To School Crafts With A Cop, where children can create a free Back to School Time Capsule. Sponsored by the San Bernardino Police Department, the event will take place in Center Court, offering kids the opportunity to fill a jar with school-themed goodies to commemorate the new school year.
The Backpack Drive, benefiting Arrowhead United Way, will run from Sept. 1 to Sept. 15. Community members are encouraged to donate backpacks for children in need. Donations can be made at the Security Information Booth in front of Macy's, or monetary donations can be submitted online.
All events will be held at Inland Center Mall, located at 500 Inland Center Drive, San Bernardino. For more information on the Backpack Drive, visit arrowheadunitedway.org.
Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley to Host Blessing of the Animals on October 4
IECN Staff
In celebration of St. Francis of Assisi Day, the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley will hold its annual Blessing of the Animals on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
The service will offer a moment of gratitude and remembrance for animals, with individual blessings to follow. Doors will open at 5:15 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to arrive promptly.
Led by Pastor Woody Hall, the outdoor ceremony will take place at the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley’s facility, located at 374 W. Orange Show Road.
All pets are welcome, provided they are leash-trained or kenneled and non-aggressive. The service will feature prayers, readings, and music, including blessings for families mourning pets that have
passed, as well as prayers for all living animals.
"We invite the community to join us in celebrating the love and loyalty that animals bring into our lives," said a spokesperson for the Humane Society. Participants are encouraged to bring photos and mementos of their pets, whether alive or deceased, to share in the event's remembrance.
For those unable to attend in person, messages can be emailed to jhenderson@hssbv.org or posted on the Humane Society’s Facebook page to be included on the Remembrance Board during the ceremony.
The event is free, and water will be provided for pets. For more information, contact the Humane Society at (909) 3861400 ext. 218.
Inland Empire Resource Conservation District Hosts Speak-Off for High School Students, Deadline September 27
IECN Staff
The Inland Empire Resource Conservation District (IERCD) is calling on high school students across the region to participate in this year’s annual Speak-Off, a speech competition aimed at addressing pressing natural resource issues. This year’s theme asks students to respond to the question: “What is the role of agriculture in meeting California’s climate goals?”
High school students in grades 9 through 12 who live within IERCD’s service area are eligible to enter the competition. Participants must submit a 3-5 minute recorded video addressing the prompt no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27. A panel of conservation experts will evaluate the submissions and select the top three contestants to move on to an in-person competition on Thursday, Oct. 16, where winners will be announced.
The first-place winner will receive
$1,000 and advance to a regional virtual contest on Oct. 30, with an additional $200 prize at stake. The regional winner will then move on to the state-level competition, which will be held on Dec. 12 at the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts’ Annual Conference in Sacramento. All travel expenses for the regional winner and a chaperone will be covered by IERCD. At the state contest, the top three students will earn additional cash prizes.
"This is a unique opportunity for students passionate about conservation and climate issues to showcase their ideas and solutions," said an IERCD spokesperson. "Not only will they gain a deeper understanding of California’s climate and agricultural goals, but they will also be competing for significant prizes."
For more details and to submit video entries, visit the IERCD website.
Joslyn Senior Center Announces Exciting Fall Classes and Events for Seniors
he Joslyn Senior Center is kicking off a range of health and wellness activities this fall, offering classes and events that promote healthy aging and community engagement for seniors.
The first event, Yoga Express for Healthy Aging, begins on Sept. 12 and will run for five weeks on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
The classes, designed for seniors 55 and older, will focus on improving balance, strength, joint stability, and flexibility. The sessions will be held at the Joslyn Senior Center, located at 21 Grant St. The fee is $55 for five classes or $15 per class for drop-ins. All experience lev-
els are welcome. Registration is required, and those interested can call (909) 798-7550 or visit the City of Redlands website to sign up.
In the afternoon of Sept. 12, the center will host its Aloha Afternoon Delight Dance, the first in a new series of free, themed dance events for seniors. From 2 to 3:30 p.m., seniors are invited to enjoy live entertainment by The Marvels Band, with tropical refreshments and snacks provided.
Attendees are encouraged to wear Hawaiian attire to embrace the festive spirit. The event is open to seniors 55 and older, and registration is required.
For those seeking a relaxing experience, the Joslyn Senior Center will also offer the Choose Happy Vibes
Meditation class, a vibrational sound meditation often referred to as a "sound bath." The class, which uses the soothing sounds of singing bowls to reduce stress and promote healing, will meet monthly on the third Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Dates for the sessions are Sept. 19, Oct. 17, and Nov. 21. The class fee is $25, and it is open to participants 18 and older. Registration is required.
The Joslyn Senior Center is located at 21 Grant St. in Redlands. For more information or to register for any of the classes or events, call (909) 798-7550 or visit the City of Redlands website.
IECN Staff
California’s SB 1221 Could Slash Energy Costs, Combat Climate Crisis if Passed
By Manny Sandoval
California lawmakers are preparing to vote on SB 1221, a bill that aims to boost clean energy infrastructure and lower energy costs, a move that could significantly impact residents across the state, including the Inland Empire. Authored by Sen. Dave Min, the legislation would accelerate efforts to decarbonize buildings and reduce emissions, helping California meet its carbon neutrality goal by 2045.
The bill proposes neighborhood-scale decarbonization
pilots, targeting disadvantaged communities to transi
tion entire city blocks from gas to clean electricity. This initiative is expected to reduce the need for gas infrastructure investments while enhancing energy efficiency through cleaner appliances such as heat pumps, ultimately lowering energy costs for both participating and non-participating households.
California’s building sector is responsible for 25% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, and the state ranks as the second-largest consumer of fossil gas in
the nation. Gas-powered appliances contribute significantly to air pollution, emitting toxic nitrogen oxides and worsening air quality during increasingly frequent heat waves. SB 1221 aims to address these health and environmental concerns by offering zero-emission cooling systems, such as heat pumps, at no cost to residents, an effort crucial for combating extreme heat events projected to rise in the coming years.
The bill is expected to bring additional benefits, including job creation. A recent report indicates that transitioning California’s buildings to clean electricity could generate over 100,000 full-time construction jobs, as well as boost the manufacturing of necessary equipment.
Jose Torres, California Director of the Building Decarbonization Coalition, highlighted the importance of the bill, noting that it would protect vulnerable communities from extreme heat while lowering energy bills. "SB 1221 is a game changer, particularly for low-income areas that have historically faced environmental and economic hardships," he said.
Voters statewide support the idea of transitioning entire neighborhoods to clean electricity, with many expressing concerns about the cost of maintaining aging gas pipelines. The bill, if passed, could help California reclaim its status as a climate leader, while also addressing growing concerns about energy affordability.
The Inland Empire, a region known for its heatwaves and growing population, stands to benefit significantly from the legislation’s provisions, as it grapples with both high energy demands and environmental challenges.
As California continues to lead the nation in climate policy, SB 1221 could be a crucial step in reducing pollution and making energy more affordable for all residents.
