Adeath investigation is underway following the fatal stabbing of a homeless man living in an encampment at Perris Hill Park on Sunday, November 3rd. The San Bernardino Police Department received a call for assistance at approximately 5:20 p.m. from the San Bernardino County Fire Department, reporting a stabbing incident within the
park. Upon arrival, officers located the male victim, who had suffered suspected stab wounds as well as injuries from dog bites.
Emergency responders swiftly transported the individual to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead despite efforts to save his life. The exact cause of death is pending a coroner’s autopsy. Homicide detectives have been assigned to investigate the incident, and San Bernardino
Animal Services took custody of the dogs involved in the altercation.
Though city officials had scheduled a clearance of the park for October 31st, the effort was ultimately canceled that morning. City of San Bernardino Public Information Officer Jeff Krauss confirmed on Tuesday, November 5th, that no new clearance efforts are currently scheduled, stating, “Not this week.”
Perris Hill Park cont. on next pg.
Community News
San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD) San Bernardino High School (SBHS) crowned the 2024–2025 Mr. and Miss Cardinal City and Court on Sept. 21.
“As a proud alum of San Bernardino High School, I know firsthand the deep-rooted
pride and tradition that our flagship school represents for our entire District and our community at large,” said Superintendent Mauricio Arellano. “The Mr. and Miss Cardinal City pageant embodies that spirit by instilling a strong sense of community, leadership and service in our students. It’s a powerful reminder of the incredible potential within our students when they embrace their school’s legacy and rise to become leaders in their community.”
More than just a pageant, the event provides invaluable life skills to participants, helping them hone public speaking, poise under pressure and leadership abilities. The experience also encourages teamwork, goal setting and self-discipline – qualities that will serve all participants well in future endeavors both academically and professionally.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
A homeless man walking from the Perris Hill Park Senior Center to his camp at Perris Hill Park at 11 AM on November 5th, 2024.
PHOTO SBCUSD
Newly crowned Miss Cardinal City Jasmine Estrada (left) and Mr. Cardinal City Robert Sanchez (right).
Perris Hill Park (cont.)
This investigation arrives at a time when San Bernardino is grappling with how best to allocate $23.8 million toward its new Homeless Navigation Center, a forthcoming 200-bed facility intended to address the escalating homelessness crisis.
However, recent city outreach efforts aimed at relocating individuals from Perris Hill Park into structured shelter services have encountered significant obstacles. During a council meeting on October 24, Acting City Manager Rochelle Clayton reported that, despite a court injunction lifted on October 2 allowing the city to clear encampments, unhoused individuals at the park refused services.
Clayton disclosed that during outreach on October 22, conducted by Hope the Mission, every single camper at Perris Hill Park declined services. “They do not want any restrictions or rules,” Clayton said, reflecting on the responses gathered. As a result, Clayton proposed a phased approach for the Homeless Navigation Center’s opening, suggesting an initial launch of 50 or 100 beds rather than the planned 200. “We don’t want to staff a facility for hundreds of beds that may go unused,” she added, emphasizing the city’s need for a flexible response to uncertain demand.
As investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, the San Bernardino Police Department is urging anyone with information to contact Detective D. Martinez at (909) 388-5619 or Sergeant E. Campos at (909) 384-5613.
Student Voices Study at CJUSD Highlights Inconsistent Support and Social Exclusion for English Learners
By Manny Sandoval
The Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) held its Community Cabinet event on October 23, bringing together district leaders, students, and community members in a compelling showcase of student perspectives and the district’s vision for equity in education.
The event, focused on transparency and inclusivity, highlighted the findings from a series of student voice interviews, exposing challenges, aspirations, and crucial insights from the district’s diverse student body. CJUSD Superintendent Dr. Frank Miranda underscored the district’s commitment to equity, achievement, and wellness in addressing students' evolving needs.
The district’s commitment to student success extends beyond academics. CJUSD’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Foundation, established just a year ago, has already made a tangible difference by distributing over $40,000 in scholarships to financially strained college students. This year, the foundation aims to raise $200,000 to further support students’ journeys toward higher education. The foundation’s mission, as outlined on the CJUSD website, is to "empower the next generation of leaders in our community by ensuring they have access to quality education and the opportunities they deserve."
complex educational experiences of CJUSD students, including the following key findings:
Newcomers: Many multilingual newcomers expressed that language barriers, public speaking challenges, and adjustment difficulties posed significant obstacles. However, students also displayed resilience, sharing how teacher support, peer connections, and extracurricular activities were critical to their adaptation. Issues of favoritism and social exclusion were raised, highlighting the need for a more inclusive environment.
Cardinal City (cont.)
The Mr. and Miss Cardinal City pageant was conceived and founded by Bilingual School Outreach Worker Jaime Rios, who hopes to foster confidence and inspire positive values in the young men and women of SBHS through the promotion of civic engagement and personal development.
Throughout the competition, contestants dedicate significant time to rehearsals and mock interviews. They volunteer their free time to read to young children and help those experiencing homelessness.
Even before the young men and women take the stage for the on-stage portions of the competition, they have all proven their dedication to SBHS and the broader San Bernardino community.
It is with pride that SBCUSD announces the Cardinal City Court and Recognitions:
Mr. and Miss Cardinal City and Court
Mr. Cardinal City 2024–2025: Robert Sanchez
Mr. Cardinal City 2024–2025 First Runner Up: Christofer Ramirez-Zuniga
Mr. Cardinal City 2024–2025 Second Runner Up: Charles Angelo Madrid
Mr. Cardinal City 2024–2025 Ambassador: Luis Montiel Verduzco
Miss Cardinal City 2024–2025: Jasmine Estrada
Miss Cardinal City 2024–2025 First Runner Up: Briana Arroliga
Miss Cardinal City 2024–2025 Second Runner Up: Krystal Castellanos
Miss Cardinal City 2024–2025 Ambassador: Emily Marquez
Special Pageant Awards
Mr. Cardinal Director’s Award: Luis Montiel Verduzco
Miss Cardinal Director’s Award: Emily Marquez
Mr. Photogenic: David GomezDe La Rosa
Miss Photogenic: Krystal Castellanos
Mr. Congeniality: Robert Sanchez
Miss Congeniality: Briana Arroliga
Mr. Cardinal People's Choice: Robert Sanchez
Miss Cardinal People's Choice: Krystal Castellanos
Mr. Cardinal Contestant with the Highest GPA: Christofer Ramirez-Zuniga (4.71 weighted G.P.A.)
Miss Cardinal Contestant with the Highest GPA: Jasmine Estrada (4.33 weighted G.P.A.)
Mr. Cardinal Contestant Best in Interview: Christofer Ramirez-Zuniga
Miss Cardinal Contestant Best in Interview: Krystal Castellanos
Mr. and Miss Cardinal City are eligible for college scholarships when they graduate from SBHS.
To donate to the Cardinal City Pageant scholarship fund, contact Student Services at (909) 384-1471 or visit https://www.mightycause.com/S BCSA and designate “Cardinal City Pageant” when you complete the donation form.
“We are doing a lot of work in terms of equity, achievement, and wellness,” said Dr. Miranda. “We are working to ensure our students get the best education possible in our district, and we are doing this together.”
Dr. Miranda’s remarks acknowledged the challenges of providing a high-caliber education to a vast population, referencing the Inland region’s significant student body. "There are about 1 million students in the Inland regions alone out of 5.9 million statewide," he said, recognizing the CJUSD's share in this educational responsibility.
With ambitious goals set for the 2024-25 academic year — a 10% increase in English and math test scores, a 95% graduation rate, and a 95% attendance rate — Dr. Miranda emphasized that CJUSD’s commitment to these targets represents more than mere numbers. “Some people do not believe this is achievable, but I believe in our district, our staff, our teachers, our students, and our parents,” he stated with resolve.
A centerpiece of the event was the presentation of findings from student voice interviews, spearheaded by CJUSD’s newly appointed Equity Coordinator, Dr. Nyree Clark. Dr. Clark, a district veteran of 26 years, described the interviews as an opportunity to hear firsthand about the lived experiences of students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
"This is an opportunity for us to ask students what is happening and what they are experiencing," she shared. "I want you to listen to the findings as a student’s voice."
Conducted in May 2024, these interviews spanned across 409 students from Colton, Grand Terrace, Bloomington, and Fontana, including a mix of English learners, reclassified fluent English proficient (RFEP) students, dual-identified students, long-term English learners, and newcomers. Translation services were offered to ensure students could express themselves freely in their native languages, primarily Spanish, Arabic, and Punjabi.
These discussions provided an unprecedented window into the
Long-Term English Learners: Struggling with subjects like math and science, long-term English learners cited inconsistent support in learning English and expressed that social pressures and limited academic expectations impacted their motivation. The findings emphasize the need for culturally inclusive support and practical language applications to aid their development.
Dual-Identified Students: Balancing career goals with language acquisition, dual-identified students (those classified under multiple support categories) revealed mixed feelings about their future and academic progress. For this group, positive reinforcement and personalized guidance emerged as essential components of their educational experience.
Reclassified Fluent English Proficient Students: RFEP students grapple with academic pressure, language barriers, and social dynamics. However, they highlighted that they thrive with support, recognition, and positive teacher-student relationships. The findings point to a need for improved support systems to facilitate a more inclusive academic environment.
Full story at IECN.com.
KVCR/FNX Receives $1.5 Million Supporting FNX Native American Programming
By Community News
KVCR/FNX has been awarded a two-year, $1.5 million grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. This grant will enable FNX to purchase television and multimedia broadcasting rights of Native and Indigenous content, hire a producer and other staff to create more local native American content, and expand our current live stream capabilities with the development and launch of a dedicated FNX streaming App. FNX will launch a 24-hour streaming platform with more content including stories and films that highlight Native American creatives in the film industry.
San Manuel is Founding Partner with KVCR and the San Bernardino Community College District for FNX, First Nations Experience television channel, whose launch in 2011 opened doors for the first-of-its-kind media platform designed to promote Native American and Indigenous programming. FNX remains the only innovative national channel exclusively for Native storytellers, news, film makers, producers, entertainers, musicians, sports leaders, and all media.
"On behalf of KVCR/FNX, I want to thank the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for their generosity in awarding us a two-year $1.5 million grant,” said Connie Leyva, Executive Director of KVCR/FNX. “This investment will help FNX create
more local content, acquire Native American stories and documentaries and increase viewership not just in the region but across the country and world.”
FNX | First Nations Experience is the first and only national broadcast television network in the United States exclusively devoted to Native American and World Indigenous content. Through Nativeproduced and themed documentaries, dramatic series, nature, cooking, gardening, children's and arts programming, FNX strives to accurately illustrate the lives and cultures of Native people around the world.
“Creating a streaming platform for FNX advances our vision for Native American and Indigenous media creations to share our experiences with the world,” said Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. “We are proud to support an initiative that will bring opportunities for Native American creatives to make their mark on entertainment and education. We look forward to the stories and quality content that will be shared through this new streaming app.”
“San Manuel Band of Mission Indians have been a steward in this region, and we appreciate the partnership. The Tribe has supported the station for many years, and they have been our founding partner since 2011. I am deeply grateful for the partnership and commitment of
the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians in helping us fulfill our mission,” said Leyva.
Yucatec Maya producer/director Frank Blanquet, who worked on the concept videos that helped launch the FNX channel, voiced his excitement about the continued partnership with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians:
“We are an Indigenous led Broadcast Channel, driven by a small team of Native Creatives, and having the opportunity to grow that team with the help of San Manuel is tremendous. San Manuel was with us when we became the first National Native Broadcast network in the country, and for them to help us as we launch the national FNX digital app is remarkable. The app will be compatible with most devices and mediums where content is being consumed, and it will launch with exclusive content by U.S. based Native filmmakers, it’s really an exciting time.”
The FNX production team made up of Sahar Khadjenoury (Navajo), Mariana Lapizco (Yaqui) and Frank Blanquet (Yucatec Maya) recently received a prestigious Regional Emmy® Award at the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Pacific Southwest Gala.
For more information about the First Nations Experience (FNX) and its programming, please visit fnx.org.
Two Teenagers Killed in Traffic Collision Community News
On Saturday, November 2, 2024, at around 5:40 a.m., the City of Riverside’s Public Safety Communications Center received calls of a traffic collision that just occurred on Wood Road, north of Van Buren Boulevard, with a vehicle on fire. Riverside Police Officers responded, along with Paramedic/Firefighters with the Riverside Fire Department and discovered one of the involved vehicles on fire. After the fire was extinguished, two people were located inside deceased.
The Riverside Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) responded and assumed the traffic collision investigation. They are being assisted by the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a gray Lexus sedan was traveling north on Wood Road at a high rate of speed when the driver ran a red light at Van Buren Boulevard. A blue Scion was traveling west on Van Buren Boulevard on a green light and collided with the Lexus in the
intersection. After the impact, the Lexus continued northbound, striking a cement light pole, a wooden electrical pole, and a tree before coming to a stop and igniting in flames.
The adult male driver and sole occupant of the Scion remained at the scene and has been cooperating with investigators. He was not injured.
The Lexus had three occupants. The 17-yearold male driver and an 18-year-old female passenger were pronounced dead at the scene. A 17-year-old male passenger sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The identities of the two deceased teens will be released by the Coroner’s Office pending notification of family members.
Alcohol and drugs are suspected factors that contributed to this collision, as well as vehicle speed.
Anyone with additional information related to this collision is urged to contact Traffic Detective Amanda Beeman at (951) 826-8723 or ABeeman@RiversideCA.gov.
San Bernardino Valley Mourns the Loss of Vice President and Board Member, Dr. June Hayes
By SBVMWD
It is with deep sorrow we announce the sudden passing of Dr. June Hayes, Vice President and valued board member for San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District. Her dedication and leadership were instrumental to the mission of San Bernardino Valley, and her presence will be truly missed by those who knew and worked with her.
Elected to the Board of Directors in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, Dr. Hayes represented Division I, covering areas of Rialto and Fontana, including the Fontana Water Company, Marigold Mutual Water Company, Rialto Water Services, and West Valley Water District. Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping San Bernardino Valley’s future and strengthening its role as a leader in watershed resilience.
“The passing of Dr. June Hayes is a tremendous loss, not only for San Bernardino Valley, but the region as a whole,” said Paul Kielhold, Board President of San Bernardino Valley. “She embraced the responsibility of serving our communities by promoting collaboration and exhibiting a deep curiosity for innovative solutions.”
Dr. Hayes further exemplified her commitment to future generations through her involvement in various committees, including the Climate Resiliency Standing Committee, ACWA/JPIA, and Headwaters Re-
siliency Partnership Standing Committee. Additionally, she served as Chair of the Board of Directors’ Resource/ Engineering Workshops. Her career extended beyond water management to mental health advocacy and clinical psychology, where she served as a clinic manager within the San Bernardino County Mental Health System and later specialized in Workers’ Compensation and support for neglected youth in private practice. As a veteran and finalist for the Veteran of the Year award by Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez-Reyes in 2019, Dr. Hayes’ dedication to others was evident in every aspect of her life.
“Dr. Hayes was not only a dedicated leader within the water sector, but also a compassionate and generous person who cared deeply about the people within her community,” said Heather Dyer, CEO/ General Manager of San Bernardino Valley. “She made a meaningful difference in countless lives, and her positive spirit and selflessness will be remembered by all who truly knew her.”
Dr. Hayes’ enduring contributions to San Bernardino Valley, the broader water sector, and mental health will leave a lasting legacy. A memorial service to honor Dr. Hayes will be held on Friday, November 8, at 10 a.m. at San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District Office, located at 380 East Vanderbilt Way, San Bernardino, CA 92408.
PHOTO RIVERSIDE PD
The collission occured near the crossing of Wood Rd. & Van Buren Blvd.
Fontana Unified Middle School Student Honored by Assemblymember Reyes for Dedication to Justice, Equity
Community News
Southridge Tech Middle School seventh-grader Cyrus Moss has been honored as a 2024 “30 Under 30” recipient by 50th Congressional District Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes in recognition of his leadership in the successful effort to rename Fontana Unified’s Randall Pepper Elementary School to O’Day Short Elementary, commemorating the family who broke Fontana’s color barrier in 1945.
Moss’ courage and dedication to justice were celebrated during Reyes’ annual “30 Under 30” celebration on Oct. 30. The recognition honors 30 residents under the age of 30 from California’s 50th District, which includes Fontana, for their dedication, innovation, and service.
“I feel good about being recognized by Assemblywoman Reyes, and also a little nervous,” Moss said before the event. “I’d like to thank everyone who helped me to honor the O’Day Short family legacy, including my teachers, the Fontana Unified Board of Education, everyone who signed my petition – especially my mom and younger brother, who supported and assisted me
so I could achieve my dream.”
As a Dolores Huerta International Academy (DHIA) fifth-grader, Moss first heard the tragic story of the O’Day Short family during a Black History Month presentation. All four members of the African-American family: father O’Day, wife Helen, and children Carol Ann and Barry Short died after their house burst into flames on Dec. 16, 1945. Randall Pepper Elementary was then built on the same site in 1950.
The story profoundly affected Moss and he began to research the Short Family deeper as part of his DHIA International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme exhibition project in sixth grade. He began a petition drive to rename Randall Pepper Elementary to O’Day Short Elementary and first presented it with 132 community signatures to the Fontana Unified School District Board of Education in March.
Unable to immediately act on the matter, FUSD’s Board voted unanimously to rename the school O’Day Short Elementary at its Sept. 4 meeting. The change will officially take effect for the 2025-26 school year.
After the vote, an emotional release was felt throughout the room, with audience members giving a standing ovation and Moss shedding tears alongside his family in the front row.
“Cyrus’ compassion, leadership, and drive to foster equity and inclusion make him an inspiration to his peers and the broader community,” said Taneka Moss, Cyrus’ mother. “His courage is a testament to the profound change one person can create.”
In his first year as a middle schooler, Moss is developing into a campus leader and was recently named to the Southridge Tech Honor Roll. An aspiring actor, Moss looks forward to joining Southridge Tech’s drama department after appearing as Jiminy Cricket in a DHIA production of “Pinocchio” and Anansi in “Anansi’s Carnival Adventure.”
“Cyrus Moss exemplifies the compassion, leadership, and commitment to justice we strive to cultivate in all our students,” Superintendent Miki R. Inbody said. “He has been an inspiration for all of us, and there is no one more deserving of this recognition.”
CSUSB’s College of Natural Sciences Participates in NASA’s Innovative Mars Initiative
Community News
Cal State San Bernardino’s College of Natural Sciences is participating in NASA’s latest citizen science initiative, Cloudspotting on Mars: Shapes. This innovative project invites the public to participate in analyzing images of the Martian atmosphere to identify unique cloud formations. By classifying these cloud types, participants will help researchers better understand the availability of water vapor, wind patterns, and the factors influencing Mars’s daily weather patterns.
The project will have a substantial impact on the CSUSB community, the broader California State University system, and the local region by providing an accessible platform for students and community members to engage in high-impact research.
This collaboration offers a unique opportunity for participants to gain hands-on experience, analyze real-world data, and be part of a global community of Mars enthusiasts and researchers. Such involvement underscores CSUSB’s commitment to inclusive research opportunities, promoting student engagement, skill development
and retention through experiential learning.
“Science is collaborative, science is impactful, and science is fun! At CSUSB, we are committed to fostering a culture of scientific curiosity and exploration,” said Sastry G. Pantula, dean for the College of Natural Sciences. “Cloudspotting on Mars: Shapes aligns perfectly with our mission to provide students with experiential learning opportunities that inspire innovation. Through this project, our students and community members can contribute to NASA's mission, enhancing their data analysis skills while making a difference in space research.”
Matteo Crismani, assistant professor of physics and astronomy, echoed Pantula’s sentiment and shared the benefits the initative provides students.
“I believe this is a project that CNS students should be aware of because it provides a no-cost, direct way to contribute to NASA science,” said Crismani. “It helps students experience scientific research in a meaningful way, which is crucial for those who might not have had exposure to research opportunities before.”
In 2014, NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and
Volatile EvolutioN) spacecraft entered orbit around Mars, beginning its ongoing exploration of the red planet’s upper atmosphere. The mission has produced a wealth of data about how Mars’ atmosphere responds to the sun and solar wind, as well as how these interactions can explain the loss of the Martian atmosphere to space. Today, MAVEN continues to make exciting new discoveries about Mars.
The significance of this project goes beyond cloud identification. By collecting data on various cloud types, citizen scientists contribute to the study of Martian climate dynamics and seasonal variations. This research is critical for expanding our knowledge of present-day atmospheric conditions on Mars — insights that are essential for understanding the historical climate of Mars and its evolution. Cloudspotting on Mars: Shapes launched on Oct. 29 and is open to the public, with no sign-up deadline. Interested participants can contribute to the project at any time by visiting the Zoonverse website and searching for the project by name.
For more information, contact Matteo Crismani at matteo.crismani@csusb.edu.
PHOTO FUSD
Southridge Tech Middle School seventh-grader Cyrus Moss, right, celebrates being named one a “30 Under 30” recipient in the 50th Congressional District by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes, center. Moss was recognized for spearheading the movement to rename Fontana Unified’s Randall Pepper Elementary School to O’Day Short Elementary.
Fontana Unified Superintendent Miki R. Inbody, left, and Board of Education President Marcelino “Mars” Serna, right, celebrate Southridge Tech Middle School seventh-grader Cyrus Moss, center, at the 50th Congressional District “30 Under 30” ceremony on Oct. 30.
Community News
The Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley (HSSBV), in partnership with 24PetWatch, will provide 150 free microchips to pets on Saturday, November 23rd during their holiday event, Winter Wonderland Walk & Santa Paws Pet Photos presented by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The event will be hosted on site at 374 W Orange Show Road, San Bernardino beginning at 8:00 am.
The free microchips will be available from 8 am – 10:30 am while supplies last, limit two per household. The microchips are available for both cats and dogs. Clients can line up at the clinic doors for their opportunity to receive the free microchips. While parking will be available in the regular HSSBV parking lot, please be advised there will also be overflow parking in marked spaces across the street at Bowlero.
This event will include photos with Santa; a large vendor village to kick off holiday shopping; Winter Wonderland walking trail; amazing raffles; letters to Santa writing station; Pooch Play Area presented by Dances with Dogs Training Center; paw print ornaments; annual HSSBV pet supply sale; and more! Enter your pet in our Pet Contests for only $5 per pet, per entry! Categories for the pet contest include Best Dressed Female, Best Dressed Male, Most Holiday Spirit and Best Trick. There will also be food and drink vendors throughout the event. Please visit https://hssbv.org/Upcoming-Events for full event details and timeline.
Pets who attend Santa Paws must be nonaggressive and the appropriate temperament to deal with a crowd. All pets must be current on vaccines and on a short, non-retractable leash.
If you would like to make a donation towards this event and/or create your own fundraising page in support of your walk through Winter Wonderland, please visit https://hssbv.org/Upcoming-Events.
This event is sponsored by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Earhart Photography, Pacific Premier Bank, All Pro, Bowlero and 24PetWatch.
In an emergency, time is critical. So is expertise.
Advanced Cardiac Care
When alarming symptoms arise, you want the best care possible. And when it comes to your heart, and the ones closest to you, that means getting to a hospital with specialized cardiac services including advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities. At St. Bernardine Medical Center, we’ve been named a High Performing Hospital for Heart Attack and Heart Failure by the U.S. News & World Report, with Healthgrades recognizing us as a Five-Star Recipient for the Treatment of Heart Failure. Get to know more about our advanced cardiac care before an emergency strikes at dignityhealth.org/inlandempire/hearts
PHOTO HSSBV
Iconic Inland Empire Radio Announcer Jeff Pope with his pup at a HSSBV community clinic last year.
City of Riverside Reaches Agreement with Riverside Transit Agency to Operate, Staff and Maintain Electric, Autonomous Ohmio Shuttles During Trial Period
Community News
The electric, autonomous Ohmio shuttles are one step closer to hitting the streets in Riverside after the City Council approved an agreement that calls for the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) to operate, staff and maintain three of the vehicles during a two-year trial period.
The partnership creates an opportunity for this two-year pilot to be the first deployment of all-electric, autonomous shuttles by a public transit agency in the United States as soon as January 2025. Because RTA sees the opportunity for Ohmio shuttles to add value to its existing bus service, it’s zero emissions objective and provide oneof-a-kind training and experience, the agency will contribute $500,000 to the effort, reducing the City’s cost.
RTA’s contribution, along with $1 million from the South Coast Air Quality Management District, drops the City’s initial cost of $2.5 million to $1 million. That will be recouped because Riverside is the point of sale, meaning sales taxes from each vehicle will accrue in Riverside. Projections call for the City’s investment to be repaid in four years.
“Ohmio is an innovative company at the forefront of this exciting transportation technology,” Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said. “This agreement with RTA means we will have a trusted local partner putting these vehicles on the street, helping the agency fill gaps in transit usage and contributing financially to the success of the effort.”
The Ohmio shuttles are designed to operate on low-speed roads. The maximum speed is 31 miles per hour (mph), but they typically operate at about 15 mph. The actual speed in Riverside will be determined by factors such as traffic and route location. Options for the first year of deployment include the Airport area, Downtown, and UC Riverside.
Ohmio relocated its international headquarters from New Zealand to a facility near the Riverside Airport to create a home base for the company in the United States. Riverside embraced the company because it fits with the ongoing development of Riverside’s clean tech and advanced manufacturing sectors and matches well with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which has its Southern California headquarters in Riverside.
“This agreement is a win for everyone,” Mayor Pro Tem Jim Perry said. “RTA gets a new tool in its transit toolbox, Ohmio gets to show off its vehicles on United States soil, and the City remains a leader in innovation while defraying a chunk of the initial costs.” The City has been working with Ohmio for about 18 months to create a two-year pilot program, and the City Council approved an initial agreement about a year ago. Once routes have been approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and DMV, the first three shuttles will move people around the city, at no cost to the public, emitting no emissions and improving air quality by taking cars off the road.
I know choosing a Medicare health plan can be challenging. Let me help make it simple.
Now’s the time to find out if you could be getting more out of your plan. I can help you:
• Understand the basics of Medicare
• Learn the benefits of a Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan and how it can help you thrive
• Find a doctor (all our available doctors accept our Medicare health plan members)
• Learn about the new 2025 plan benefits and enhancements
• Add extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing to your plan
• Learn how to enroll and how I can help you enroll*
Kaiser Permanente Medicare specialist Call me at Carolina
Join me at a live neighborhood webinar or in-person seminar to learn more. Call me to RSVP or visit my website at
mykpagent.org/CarolinaM
909-674-2572 Please recycle. 945996849 July 2024
*You must meet all Medicare health plan enrollment requirements. Kaiser Permanente is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Kaiser Permanente depends on contract renewal. You must reside in the Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan service area in which you enroll. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings call 1-800-921-2900 (TTY 711). Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., 393 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91188-8514
Y0043_N00038903_M
PHOTO OHMIO
This unique transportation opportunity is expected to begin in January 2025.
