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CalMatters: One of the biggest obstacles to building new CA housing has now vanished

This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. By Ben Christopher, CalMatters A decade-spanning political battle between housing developers and defenders of California’s preeminent environmental law likely came to an end this afternoon with only a smattering of “no” votes. The forces of housing won.

Jornalero de Pomona liberado de custodia de ICE enfrenta prohibición de trabajar. Abogados y defensores de inmigracion lo califican como punitivo

Originalmente publicado por KVCR en ingles Un jornalero arrestado durante una redada migratoria en abril afuera de una ferretería en Pomona fue liberado, pero ahora enfrenta condiciones que defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes califican como punitivas. También están exigiendo la liberación de otros dos trabajadores que siguen detenidos.

KVCR wins Emmy Award for “The Warehouse Empire” documentary

Correction: KVCR only won one Emmy Award for The Warehouse Empire docuseries. The other emmy was for Inland Edition, a show that covers civic engagement issues in the Inland Empire. KVCR Public Media, the Inland Empire’s PBS station (Channel 24) and NPR affiliate (91.9 FM), has earned an

Community groups mobilize as immigration arrests spread throughout Southern California

Federal immigration raids expand across Southern California, including Pomona, Riverside, and Coachella Valley. Community groups and lawmakers raise concerns over arrests and detention conditions. Know your rights and find trusted legal resources here.

CALMATTERS: From save our state to sanctuary, California’s immigration views have shifted dramatically

By Ben Christopher and Mikhail Zinshteyn, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. In 1994, a 26-year-old Alex Padilla, sporting a newly minted engineering degree from MIT, was back at home living with his parents in the San Fernando Valley when that fall’s

Thousands take to Inland Empire streets for ‘No Kings’ protests

Originally published through KVCR Public Media. Founder Anthony Victoria is a general news reporter and public radio producer. Thousands poured into streets across Inland Empire cities Saturday as part of nationwide “No Kings” protests against the Trump administration’s immigration raids, military deployments in Southern California and cuts to health

Inland Empire immigrants rights advocates prep for ICE raids

The region — where one in five residents are immigrants — is home to a large ICE detention facility, a U.S. Marine Corps base and vital warehouse and agriculture sectors.

Beaumont warehouse project to move forward after legal settlement

A warehouse developer and environmentalists reach a settlement in Beaumont, requiring emissions cuts to address Sierra Club concerns.

CALMATTERS: These gas appliances — one of the largest sources of LA’s smog — could be phased out

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. New household water heaters and heating systems powered by natural gas would be phased out in the Los Angeles basin under two controversial rules that air quality regulators will vote on Friday.  Manufacturers would

Torres-Martinez former chairman, now tribe advisor, sounds alarm on Salton Sea’s uncertain future

The Salton Sea, once a hotspot destination for tourists, now presents environmental and cultural risks to indigenous communities.  Today, minimal freshwater inflow has resulted in high concentrations of toxins for several decades. Pesticides running from nearby farms and unregulated sewage from the New River near Mexicali continue to contaminate the

March JPA votes no on rebranded development, residents and environmental groups rejoice

The March Joint Powers Commission rejected the March Innovation Hub in a unanimous decision Monday night, preserving more than 800 acres of rolling, chaparral hills near the Grove Community Church in Riverside.  Inside a standing-room only civic center, hundreds crowded Riverside’s administrative chamber to engage the board in debate

PAVEMENT POLITICS: The clock runs out on the March JPA as residents push back

The Lewis Group of Companies rebranded their West Campus proposal to bring high-tech jobs to the Inland Empire as a dissolving agency prepares to vote on the contentious project, but critics say it’s just another front in the fight over land, life and the future of Riverside

KVCR: AQMD dice que casi 500 operadores recibieron avisos de infracción por incumplir con la regla de bodegas

Originalmente transmitido y publicado por KVCR Public Media. Anthony Victoria, fundador de Frontline Observer, es beneficiario de la Iniciativa de Noticias Locales de California y reporta para KVCR News Desde 2023, el Distrito de Gestión de la Calidad del Aire de la Costa Sur (AQMD, por sus siglas en inglés)

Call These Numbers If You See ICE Activity, From L.A. and Riverside to the Central Valley

In case of an emergency, you can report ICE activity and enforcement actions to spread awareness by calling your local rapid response network. Bookmark these numbers today. We also provided this article in en español.

Buzon del Barrio: Deportation fears, school board debates and air quality rollbacks: What’s impacting the Inland Empire

It's Friday, January 31. This is the Buzon del Barrio newsletter, our recap of news throughout the month and other resources and information that is helpful to the community. In latest news: Across Southern California, ICE's operations have caused widespread alarm and panic among immigrant communities.

Community groups express disappointment over CARB’s withdrawal of clean truck and air rules

KVCR News: California rolls back truck, clean air rules. Advocacy groups say they'll continue to fight0:00/76.3773331× Anticipating President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) abandoned environmental regulations that would have required cleaner locomotives and phased out diesel trucks, leaving community groups

Rialto City Council rejects motion to draft ordinance addressing vacancies

The Rialto City Council on Tuesday voted down a motion to draft an ordinance intended to streamline the process of filling vacant council seats.  The motion to draft the ordinance failed by a narrow 3-2 margin, with Mayor Pro Tem Ed Scott and Councilmembers Andy Carrizales and Edward Montoya Jr.

CalMatters: California abandons diesel truck ban and other clean-air rules before Trump is sworn in

Because Trump is unlikely to approve them, California has no choice but to abandon its groundbreaking rules for zero-emission trucks and cleaner locomotives.

LA County Public Health official issues safety tips amid regional health emergency declared over fires

A Local Health Emergency has been declared in Los Angeles County as multiple fires and strong winds degrade air quality and displace residents.  Public Health officials have issued an order banning the use of power air blowers, including leaf blowers, to prevent ash and particulates from worsening air quality. Dr.

Big Bear cabins, rooms available for LA wildfire evacuees

More than 1,000 homes in Big Bear Valley are being offered to Los Angeles residents displaced by regional wildfires, through a temporary housing program organized by Airbnb. The initiative, in partnership with the nonprofit 211 LA, provides free or discounted stays funded by Airbnb and its home-sharing hosts. Big

Rialto nombra a Edward Montoya Jr. para un puesto vacante en el consejo. Algunos residentes temen que el proceso esté "orquestado"

Read and listen to this story on KVCR and in print through the Inland Empire Community News. Después de tres horas pasados entrevistando a 15 candidatos, el Concejo Municipal de Rialto votó la noche del martes 6 de enero para nombrar a Edward Montoya Jr., un ex médico del Ejército

Wildfires and Power Outages: How Southern California Communities Are Responding

Destructive wildfires are burning across Southern California, claiming lives and devastating communities. In Altadena near the Pasadena foothills, five people have died, while Pacific Palisades is grappling with extensive damage to homes and land. The Frontline Observer stands in solidarity with Los Angeles County communities, sharing vital resources and journalism

SoCal Amazon workers strike: voices from the picket line

Amazon workers at facilities across the U.S. are striking as they call for better wages and working conditions. Pickets being coordinated by the Teamsters union are expected to continue through Christmas. In San Bernardino, employees at Amazon’s KSBD air hub—the company’s largest West Coast facility—joined

Rialto City Council votes to interview candidates to fill vacant council seat amid community pushback

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the Rialto City Council voted 3-1 to interview candidates to fill Mayor Joe Baca Sr.’s vacant council seat after the Nov. 5 election results.  Mayor Pro Tem Andy Carrizales and Councilmembers Ed Scott and Karla Perez voted yes. Mayor Baca voted no.  Baca was elected

What you need to know about the Bloomington Business Park Specific Plan

San Bernardino County is asking for public feedback on a revised environmental study for the Bloomington Business Park Specific Plan, a 213-acre warehouse development that has drawn community and legal scrutiny. Here’s what you need to know about the project and its current status: What is the Bloomington Business

Amazon air hub employees push for union after years of organizing efforts

Amazon workers at KSBD, the company’s largest West Coast air facility, launched a union drive to join the 1.3 million-member Teamsters Union after years of grassroots organizing. The move follows recent worker-led actions at KSBD, including strikes and walkouts, to address unsafe conditions and unfair labor practices.  KSBD

Perris approves large warehouse project near Big League Dreams baseball complex despite community pushback

The Perris City Council voted 3-2 to approve the Mapes and Trumble Facility Project on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Mayor Michael Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Rita Rogers and Councilmember David Starr Rabb voted yes. Councilmembers Malcolm Corona and Marisela Nava voted no. The project consists of a 350,000 square foot

CARB approves controversial changes to its fuel standards amid criticism from environmental groups and some industry

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted on November 8 to implement changes to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) aimed at reducing transportation emissions, despite objections from pollution-burdened communities, some oil companies and Republican lawmakers.  Approved in 2009, the LCFS program is one of nine early action measures in

Grupos Inmigrantes preparan para la Presidencia de Donald Trump. Dicen que los democratas les fallaron

Originally published in English for KVCR Grupos de derechos de inmigrantes basados en el Inland Empire dicen que se están preparando para defender a las personas indocumentadas si el presidente electo Donald Trump cumple con sus planes de deportaciones masivas, que ha prometido iniciar poco después de su toma de

Eco-Tianguis event in San Bernardino showcases what an alternative economy might look like

The second annual Eco-Tianguis took place last Sunday at the Garcia Center for the Arts, bringing together artists, small businesses and community organizations for an eco-friendly swap meet.  Organized by the People’s Collective for Environmental Justice (PC4EJ), the event began last year as a response to the closure of

Pomona promulga nuevas leyes sobre la venta ambulante y la seguridad en las banquetas

Originally published in English for KVCR El concejo municipal de Pomona aprobó un conjunto de leyes el lunes dirigidas a la venta ambulante no autorizada y la seguridad en las banquetas en los corredores de tráfico más concurridos de la ciudad. Las "ordenanzas urgentes" entraron inmediatamente después de

Pitzer College y el Robert Redford Conservancy empoderan a las comunidades con el sitio web SoCal Earth

El sitio de web, SoCalEarth.org, ayudara al público con informacion y datos sobre el cambio climático y la planificación comunitaria.

Pitzer College and Redford Conservancy empower communities with data driven website, SoCal Earth

On Tuesday, Oct. 10, Pitzer College and the Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability held a press event following the launch of SoCalEarth.org, a website designed to help the public, policymakers and researchers make more informed decisions about climate change and community planning.  The website provides users with

Líderes educativos de California enfatizan la necesidad de superar barreras económicas en la Cumbre de ‘Share Your Vision’

Las tasas de graduación de secundaria en California están incrementando y el acceso a la universidad está mejorando.  Sin embargo, los líderes educativos estatales compartieron durante la conferencia, A Shared Vision, que tomó lugar el martes pasado en Riverside que hay la urgente necesidad de abordar las barreras económicas que

El aviso de calidad del agua en dos áreas de Jurupa Valley ha sido levantado

Originally published through KVCR in English El Distrito de Servicios Comunitarios de Jurupa (JCSD, por sus siglas en inglés) levantó su aviso de advertencia sobre el agua potable para dos áreas de la ciudad, después de que nuevos resultados de pruebas confirmaran hoy que la agua es segura. Más temprano

Jurupa Valley advierte a los residentes que no tomen agua del grifo tras detectar E. coli.

Originally published through KVCR in English El Distrito de Servicios Comunitarios de Jurupa (JCSD) advierte que los residentes que no beban agua del grifo después de que se detectara la bacteria E. coli en muestras recientes de agua. La advertencia fue emitida hoy tras una prueba rutinaria realizada el miércoles

Los legisladores estatales se enfrentan a oposición de grupos mientras se apresuran a aprobar ley de almacenes

Read the news story in English by visiting KVCR News Los legisladores de California están intentando aprobar rápidamente una ley para mejorar las normas de construcción de almacenes antes de que acabe la sesión legislativa de este año. Grupos de justicia ambiental están criticando la ley y oponiéndose a ella.

Riverside residents briefly celebrate as controversial warehouse project is shelved

Community outcry results in a pause for West Campus Upper Plateau Project, but concerns remain about future warehouse development

Buzon del Barrio - Civic Media Newsletter for August 9, 2024

Explainer: The Indirect Source Rule for railyards

What's happening later this week? On Friday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) will consider adopting a rule that aims to reduce pollution from trains, trucks and other equipment at rail yards. This rule is known as the Indirect Source Rule for railyards.   A similar rule

Explicador: la fuente indirecta de Railyards (ISR)

Qué deberíamos saber antes de la audiencia el viernes 2 de agosto ¿Qué está pasando más adelante esta semana? El viernes, el Distrito de Gestión de Calidad del Aire de la Costa Sur (AQMD) considerará adoptar una regla que tiene como objetivo reducir la contaminación de trenes, camiones y otros

Buzon del Barrio: News straight to your inbox!

‘Vaqueros’ on horseback rally in Bloomington to support evicted family impacted by warehousing

Dozens of horseback riders gathered in Bloomington on July 13 for a community ‘cabalgata’ or horse parade to support renter Felipe Ortiz and his family. A 213-acre warehouse project has forced the Ortiz family out of their home. The event’s entry fees and food sales were used to support

Demanda de grupos pro inmigrantes del Inland Empire prohíbe que agentes del ICE utilicen táctica controversial

Un juez estadounidense ha determinado que los agentes de inmigración deben dejar de utilizar la táctica de ‘tocar puertas’ para detener y encarcelar a inmigrantes indocumentados.

Inland Empire immigrant rights group part of lawsuit that bars ICE agents from using ‘knock-and-talk’ arrest tactic

A US court judge has ruled immigration enforcement officers must stop using a door-knocking tactic to arrest and detain undocumented immigrants.

‘Bloomington Speaks’ community sculpture encouraging residents to use shipping boxes to create art, stories

Bloomington residents and Inland Empire-based artists are collaborating to create a community sculpture made from shipping boxes. The ‘Bloomington Speaks’ community sculpture project invites residents to decorate a box with photos and artistic messages that highlight their experiences with the area’s warehouse growth. Fernanda Durazo, a Bloomington resident and

Riverside County judge says Moreno Valley’s general plan is environmentally flawed

The city has 60 days to appeal the decision

Championing environmental justice: Andrea Vidaurre of PC4EJ receives prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize, sheds light on the Inland Empire's movement

On Monday, Andrea Vidaurre with the People’s Collective for Environmental Justice (PC4EJ) was honored as North America’s Goldman Environmental Prize award winner. The Goldman Environmental Prize honors the achievements and leadership of grassroots environmental activists from around the world. Vidaurre took some time Thursday to speak to The

San Bernardino City Council votes to censure Kimberly Calvin

Calvin was the subject of an investigation that alleges she leaked confidential information about candidates for city manager

Pomona College student protestors remain “resolute” in divestment efforts following arrests

Pomona College has come under fire after a pro-Palestinian demonstration turned chaotic. Nineteen student protesters were arrested outside of the college’s administration office for trespassing on Friday, April 5. Students gathered in protest at Alexander Hall on Pomona’s campus targeting the apartheid in Israel and the institution'

Pavement Politics: How developers influence politics in California's Inland Empire

Part 1: One real estate developer shapes the future of Bloomington

How Amazon Workers Got a Raise Before a Union

In 2021, workers at this Amazon air cargo hub started to win improvements at work by relying on each other.

CSU faculty on verge of striking for better wages, benefits

Originally aired and published on KVCR News on October 26 and 27, 2023. Cal State University faculty are considering going on strike. Faculty and staff who are members of the California Faculty Association (CFA) are seeking a 12 percent pay raise, along with parental leave and workplace demands.  But CSU

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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