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New reports link warehouse boom to economic and environmental disparities in Southern California

Two new reports released today by non-profit research group Economic Roundtable show that climate change, pollution and wages are worsened by Southern California’s warehouse boom. One report—Exhausting Our Air: Environmental and Human Costs of Diesel Trucks—shows significant costs are associated with the increase in online retailers and

Contentious ‘The District’ project officially approved by Jurupa Valley City Council

After nearly five hours of intense debate between residents, city leaders and developers, the Jurupa Valley City Council voted 3-1 in favor of 'The District at Jurupa Valley Specific Plan' (The District) on Thursday, Sept. 6. Councilmember Armando Carmona took issue with the project and voted against the yes votes

EPA’s Martha Aceves Guzman meets with residents, environmental justice groups to discuss goods movement impact on Inland Empire communities

On Wednesday August 30, senior leaders from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) convened with San Bernardino residents and community organizers to address concerns regarding the impact of goods movement and pollution.   The event, hosted at San Bernardino Valley College, featured presentations from the People’s Collective for Environmental Justice (PC4EJ)

Opening up ‘Pandora’s box’: Mixed-use development plan in Jurupa Valley’s Rubidoux community stirring debate about economic progress

The District at Jurupa Valley promises revitalization for Rubidoux. But is it enough? Are environmental justice advocates compromising their values for economic prosperity?

Momentum builds for a 'Just Transition' away from immigrant detention

A coalition has successfully secured $5 million to help local governments facilitate a fair and “just” transition away from immigrant detention in California. The Dignity Not Detention (DND) network – formed by organizations like the ACLU, Freedom for Immigrants, Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity and the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice

First ever SoCal tropical storm expected to bring heavy flooding, winds to Inland Empire

Southern California is on flood watch as Category 4 Hurricane Hilary makes its way to Baja California and through the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for potential flash flooding in the Inland Empire, which may see mudslides and heavy flooding due to burn areas. Mountain and

Despite fate of longtime Ontario location, Amy’s Farm continues to look for new place to call home

ONTARIO, CA — In the back of an overgrown greenhouse lined with empty white shelves, a handwritten poem peeks out from behind a thick veil of vines. The small snippet from the Nancy Wood book War Cry on a Prayer Feather reads: “I wish the quiet heart. / An exile from my

Fontana denies warehouse projects under revised General Plan. Fontana residents still believe city’s actions part of “repetitive pattern”

Residents and environmental justice groups say city leaders are failing to “keep promises to the community.” Mayor Acquanetta Warren disagrees

Rialto residents aim to overturn City Council’s Pepper Avenue Specific Plan warehouse amendment with ballot measure

According to state law, 10% of registered voters in the city must sign a petition for it to be placed on an election ballot in 2024. Petition organizers say their aim is 6,000 signatures

Teamsters build on Palmdale strike momentum with picket at Mira Loma Amazon facility

Following a strike by Amazon delivery drivers and dispatchers in Palmdale, as a response to what they argue constitutes unfair labor practices by the global retailer, Teamsters Local 396 staged a six-hour picket outside of the ONT1 Amazon Sort Center in Riverside County. On Sunday, union members and allies encircled

EDITORIAL: Empowering communities for a stronger, informed future through Media Literacy

Originally published as part of Listening Post Collective's News and Insights feature. Read full post here. Around a decade ago, my journey into the world of news began when I interned for a local sports editor and helped create a journalism club at San Bernardino Valley College, where I was

Ending CDCR-ICE Punishment System A Priority for California’s Immigrant Rights Advocates

Three days after a discrimination lawsuit was filed on April 27 against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) for its collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the state Assembly passed legislation that could challenge the CDCR-ICE “double punishment” system. The Harmonizing Our Measures for Equality (HOME) Act,

CREATE-IE event examines importance of 'Just Transition' for the Inland Empire

Stakeholders come together to discuss challenges, opportunities and solutions for the region’s zero-emission future

Facing evictions, residents join community groups in denouncing San Bernardino Airport’s development plans

Since the announcement of the Airport Gateway Specific Plan, residents and organizers have been voicing need for the Inland Valley Development Agency (IVDA) and the cities of Highland and San Bernardino to address the potential consequences of warehouse development on nearby tenants.

Warehouse project to bring hundreds of trucks, pollution daily near Pepper Avenue and 210 Freeway in Rialto

Mayor Robertson to Howard Industrial Partners: How do you even want to do something in a community when nobody wants your project?

California Energy Commission’s Patty Monahan meets with residents, local groups to discuss zero-emission transition

California Energy Commissioner Patty Monahan joined community groups in the Inland Empire on Wednesday, June 7 for a tour to learn more about the economic and health challenges associated with the warehousing and logistics industry. She heard from locals about their aspirations for a zero-emissions future and the hopes they

IE groups visit Amazon HQ in Seattle to call on company to #DeliverChange

A joint report shows Amazon makes billions of package deliveries annually. If the company fails to commit to zero-emissions, authors argue, it could impact the health and lives of their workers Coinciding with the release of the new “Cost of Convenience” joint report by the Clean Mobility Collective (CMC) and

Residents and Advocates Demand a Warehouse Moratorium for a “Region in Crisis”

Photos by Sadie Scott If you stand at the cul-de-sac end of Otilla Street in Bloomington, you will see large tan-colored suburban-style homes adorned with solar panels, and you likely can’t miss the large Amazon warehouse that looms in the background. Only a few hundred feet and a black

‘Art of Breathing’ show sheds light on environmental justice through creativity

SAN BERNARDINO - On May 19 and 20 – to commemorate Asthma Awareness Month and touch on the contentious topic of warehouse growth and urban sprawl – Creative Grounds teamed up with the People’s Collective for Environmental Justice (PC4EJ) and the Sierra Club My Generation campaign to host an evening of

California zero emission train and truck rules ‘decades in the making’

Last week was monumental for environmental justice communities, as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted both the In-Use Locomotive and Advanced Clean Fleets rules after a day and a half of public comments and dialogue at the CalEPA building. CARB’s yes vote on the regulations came after many

Tale of two bills: Proposed warehouse legislation sparking challenges, opposition from freight communities and business groups

As residents of Riverside and San Bernardino counties question the benefits of the warehouse boom, California Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes (D-Colton) and Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland) are both proposing bills to regulate their construction. AB1000, otherwise known as the Good Neighbor Policy, is the bill proposed by

Los condados de San Bernardino y Riverside reciben malas calificaciones en el informe "Estado del aire" 2023 de la Asociación Americana del Pulmón

Los condados de San Bernardino y Riverside recibieron distinciones poco honrosas en el 24º informe anual sobre el "Estado del Aire" que la Asociación Americana del Pulmón publicó el 19 de abril. Ocuparon los puestos uno y dos del país en la peor categoría de contaminación por ozono. "Vemos que

San Bernardino and Riverside Counties Earn Failing Grades in the American Lung Association’s 2023 “State of the Air” Report

The counties of San Bernardino and Riverside earned dubious distinctions in the 24th annual “State of the Air” report the American Lung Association published on April 19. They came in number one and two nationwide in the worst ozone pollution category. “We see that there are over 177 unhealthy air

Community voices concerned over SCAQMD's new railyard indirect source rule

Local residents, environmental advocacy groups and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) met at San Bernardino Valley College on Saturday March 25 to discuss a proposed Indirect Source Rule (ISR) to regulate emissions at future rail yard sites. Proposed Rule (PR) 2306, as the rail yard indirect source

Anti-union campaign at Amazon ONT 8 aims to silence and interrogate Amazon workers, says United 4 Change leader

The Moreno Valley Amazon Fulfillment Center, ONT8, has come under fire for alleged worker harassment following four Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges filed by the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) as workers try to unionize. According to four dockets submitted to the National Labor Review Board (NLRB) by worker group Amazon

‘Life Logistics’ art exhibit at The Cheech explores themes of environmental justice and community organizing

A new exhibit Life Logistics, featuring the work of dozens of Inland Empire (IE) artists and curators, is available for viewing at the The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art in downtown Riverside. Museum goers are treated to detailed illustrations, photographs and woodworks that serve as visual testaments to themes

Sierra Club My Generation leader and Highland resident Angie Balderas awarded ‘Leadership in Environmental Justice Award' by SCAQMD

Angie Balderas, who serves as Inland region community organizer for Sierra Club’s My Generation campaign and as co-chair of the San Bernardino/Muscoy AB 617 Community Steering Committee, was awarded the Dr. William A. Burke Award for Leadership in Environmental Justice by the South Coast Air Quality Management District

San Bernardino Amazon worker target of union busting efforts, says IE Amazon Workers United

UPDATED on Friday Jan. 6 at 6:01 p.m. Sara Fee – a known leader with the Inland Empire Amazon Workers United – returned to work on Friday, only days after being put on temporary paid suspension by Amazon. On Tuesday Jan. 3, the Inland Empire Amazon Workers United (IE AWU)

Frontline News Recap - Dec. 21, 2022

Thank you for reading The Frontline Observer. Here are some important news stories you can’t miss. AQMD passes air quality management plan The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) adopted their Air Quality Management Plan on Dec.2. Officials say the plan is the strongest regional clean air

Airport plan aims to build on San Bernardino’s logistics growth. Residents are concerned it will come at their expense

UPDATE (Dec.21 at 7:39 p.m.): A previous version of this story reported that it was unclear if a housing relocation plan had been created by the Inland Valley Development Agency (IVDA). We have updated the story to reflect that such a plan does exist and can be

In the midst of changing landscape, Bloomington residents plan to fight back

Editor's Note: This story was updated on Thursday Jan. 5, 2023 to include more details about the Bloomington cabalgatas (horseback rides). Every year during Black Friday, online shoppers rush to seize on “once in a lifetime” deals for clothing, sporting goods and electronics as they reminisce in the afterglow of

Statewide academic workers’ strike comes to UC Riverside

Academic employees at UCR represented by UAW 5810, UAW 2865 and the newly-established SRU-UAW, started striking on Monday, November 14 RIVERSIDE – The strike responsible for partially shuttering campus activities throughout the University of California system this week also hit UC Riverside. Academic employees at UCR represented by UAW 5810, UAW

Pomona warehouse tax measure so far falling short of required two-thirds vote

POMONA, CA - As of Wed. Nov. 9, Measure PS, a proposed special parcel tax that aims to address warehouse proliferation in Pomona, has about 53% of the electoral vote. However, the measure is so far falling short of the required two-thirds majority (or 66% of the vote) it needs

Vote on controversial Bloomington Business Park Specific Plan scheduled for Nov. 15

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors public hearing on the controversial Bloomington Business Park Specific Plan is scheduled for Nov. 15. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. inside the County Government Center in downtown San Bernardino. As was the case during the Planning Commission meeting

El voto sobre el plan controversial de bodegas en Bloomington tendrá lugar el 15 de noviembre

La reunión pública de la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de San Bernardino sobre el controversial Plan Específico del Parque Empresarial de Bloomington está planeada para el 15 de noviembre. La reunión empezará a las 10 de la mañana en el Centro de Gobierno del Condado, en el centro de

Reunión estatal sobre la regulación de camiones eléctricos es hoy

Una "Caravana por el Aire Limpio" pide a la agencia que considere una regla fuerte. Los grupos transportistas piensan que la regla es "aspiracional" La periodista y editora comunitaria Yvette Vargas contribuyó a esta historia. En este momento, los residentes que viven cerca de centros de transporte de mercancías están

State air resources board hearing for proposed electric truck fleet rule set for Thursday

A “Caravan for Clean Air” calls on the agency to consider a strong ‘Advanced Clean Fleet’ rule. Trucking groups call the rule “aspirational” Community journalist and editor Yvette Vargas contributed to this story. Right now, residents living near some of the state’s most polluted freight hubs are traveling to

COMMENTARY: ‘You can depend on my solidarity’: My experiences as an Inland Empire warehouse worker

The following first person narrative is being shared by a warehouse worker concerned about potential retaliation. To protect his identity, the author has decided to write under a pen name There's a lot of controversy around the logistics industry’s active role in polluting the environment, creating harsh conditions for

Amazon Air workers to strike in San Bernardino on October 14

Frontline Observer Staff Report Amazon Air workers in San Bernardino are planning to strike this Friday October 14 in response to the company’s inaction to meet employee demands for better wages and working conditions. The announced strike at Amazon’s KBSD facility is coming a few days after Amazon

Commentary: Covid-19 hurt our most essential workers. My research will show you how

Growing up in the Inland Empire my whole life makes me no stranger to the nation’s worst air pollution. Sadly, the health and social issues related to poor air quality have only grown. I’ve come to understand that the coronavirus pandemic only helped to highlight environmental racism and

Editorial: This Clean Air Week, leaders must pledge to move toward zero-emissions

This week, many cities and counties across California are celebrating ‘Clean Air Day’ by holding events and taking pledges to advocate for healthier air. Transportation and waste management agencies are also helping the cause by hosting educational community events to discuss themes around environmental justice and sustainability. We should acknowledge

Transportation projects must prioritize public health over industry wealth, residents and advocates say

Historically, road and freeway projects have hurt communities of color in the Inland Empire. Environmental justice advocates want to change the course of that history

Amazon workers in Moreno Valley to hold union drive

Amazon Labor Union leader Chris Smalls joined the United for Change ONT8 group on September 9 to announce union effort Riverside, CA – A group of Amazon workers at the ONT8 fulfillment center in Moreno Valley announced during a press conference last Friday that they will be attempting to join the

La alerta de ola de calor en el Inland Empire y Coachella Valley se extiende hasta el Jueves

Modificado el 5 de septiembre de 2022 a las 12:01 p.m. Se espera que las condiciones de calor excesivo para el Inland Empire y la mayor parte del sur de California continúen hasta el Jueves, anunció hoy el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (NWS). Desde la semana pasada, las ciudades

Heatwave warning across Inland Empire, Coachella Valley extended until Thursday

Updated on September 5, 2022 at 11:55 a.m. Riverside, CA -- Excessive hot conditions for the Inland Empire and most of Southern California are expected to continue into Thursday, the National Weather Service (NWS) announced Today. In the last week, Inland cities and areas in the Eastern Coachella

Beginning in 2035, all new cars sold in California will be zero-emission due to new rule

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted a rule on Thursday that will require automakers in the state to sell only new zero-emission or plug-in passenger vehicles beginning in 2035. It will codify Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order from 2020. Known as Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II), the

Los trabajadores de Amazon Air organizan huelga para exigir un incremento de salarios y condiciones de trabajo más seguras

La petición de Inland Empire Amazon Workers United exige un aumento de 5 dólares en el salario por hora y unas condiciones de trabajo más saludables San Bernardino - Los trabajadores del Centro Regional Aéreo de Amazon organizaron un paro laboral el lunes pasado para exigir aumentos de sueldo y

Amazon Air workers organize walk out to demand increased wages, safer working conditions

A petition submitted to management by the Inland Empire Amazon Workers United’s calls for a $5 increase in hourly pay and for safer working conditions inside the facility San Bernardino – Amazon Air Regional Hub workers organized a walk out earlier this afternoon to demand increases in pay and improved

Colton City Council votes to extend warehouse moratorium for 1 year

By a unanimous 7-0 decision, Colton’s City Council voted on Tuesday May 3 to extend a moratorium on warehouse development for an additional year. The temporary pause will now expire on May 3, 2023, or until the council adopts an ordinance addressing issues and adverse impacts raised by warehouses

BNSF dice que el lado oeste de San Bernardino da la bienvenida a su expansión. Algunos vecinos dicen lo contrario

San Bernardino — La Comisión de Planificación de la Ciudad votó el martes pasado 5–2 para seguir adelante con el proyecto de extensión de la vía férrea propuesto por Burlington Northern Santa Fe. A pesar de las afirmaciones de la compañía ferroviaria de que el vecindario del lado oeste de

BNSF says San Bernardino’s west side welcomes their expansion. Some neighbors say otherwise

San Bernardino — The City Planning Commission last Tuesday night voted 5–2 to move forward with Burlington Northern Santa Fe’s proposed railway track extension project. Despite the rail company’s assertions that the west side neighborhood supports the project, residents and environmental justice groups want city officials to reconsider

Mobile home residents allege dangerous living conditions, claim harassment

Frontline Observer Staff Report A group of San Bernardino mobile home residents say they are experiencing unhealthful living conditions, unlawful fees and harassment by the mobile home park’s property management company. The group, located at Santiago Mt. View Mobile Home Estates, also alleges that some residents ultimately face unlawful

The real ‘renaissance’

Ongoing pollution and health disparities has San Bernardino thinking of a future beyond warehouses Frontline Observer Staff Report The San Bernardino City Council later this evening will consider a warehouse moratorium that intends to put a temporary pause on the construction of new warehouses within the city’s boundaries. The

‘A Sink for Racist Capitalism’

Frontline Observer recently sat down with Dr. Ellen Reese and Dr. Jake Alimahomed-Wilson, authors of The Cost of Free Shipping: Amazon in the Global Economy. Reese is Professor of Sociology and Chair of Labor Studies at the University of California, Riverside and Alimahomed-Wilson is Associate Professor of Sociology at the

Is Southern California ready to rein in the warehouse boom?

Warehouse growth is causing increased smog days and respiratory issues in low-income communities of color. Environmental Justice advocates say enough is enough On the outskirts of Riverside and San Bernardino sits a small community that is facing a dramatic transition into a logistics hub for the e-commerce industry - the