Inland Empire

An aerial view of two yellow and black bulldozers as they roam near the shore of a light blue lake

Environment

The Salton Sea is California’s most imperiled lake. Can a new conservancy turn back the tide?

A new conservancy will oversee work to improve vegetation, water quality and natural habitat in the Salton Sea. Will nearly half a billion dollars in projects be enough?

By

Deborah Brennan

• March 12, 2025

A group of wrecked cars is seen sinking into the mud of a neighborhood street after a mudslide. A street sign is almost knocked down in the mud, and debris is all over the road. In the background, people in military uniforms are seen next to a white truck in front of a house in the neighborhood.

California Wildfires

‘Bandit’ tow companies target LA wildfire victims

As LA-area wildfires burned, some companies fraudulently towed vehicles to the Inland Empire and charged thousands of dollars for their return, consumers said.

By

Deborah Brennan

• March 5, 2025

A group of young students wearing sweaters and backpacks walk along the sidewalk as it rains on a college campus. The students walk in a line holding umbrellas to protect themselves from the rainfall.

Education

‘Break this cycle’: UC Riverside hopes early exposure to college boosts Inland Empire grad rates

The Inland Empire is falling behind in educating students for well-paid, professional jobs, limiting the economic prospects of the region’s youngest inhabitants. In an effort to raise that ceiling, educators are trying to get tweens to envision their potential for a college degree.

By

Deborah Brennan

• February 26, 2025

A person seated in a formal meeting room is captured through a blurred foreground. The individual wears glasses, a suit, and a tie, seated on a red chair with a nameplate visible on the desk. The neutral-toned walls and wooden furniture add to the professional atmosphere.

Justice

California mulls new domestic violence protections for when an abuser exits prison

Domestic violence survivors sometimes lack protections when a convicted abuser is released from prison. A proposal by a San Bernardino Democrat aims to close the gap.

By

Deborah Brennan

• February 12, 2025

A plane with red and yellow stripes graphics on its tail is parked on the tarmac of an airport building. The scene is set against a backdrop of distant mountains and industrial buildings under clouds and blue sky.

Economy

Palm Springs airport gets OK for a multibillion-dollar upgrade

Regional airports like Palm Springs International Airlines are trying to expand international offerings after traffic declines during the pandemic.

By

Deborah Brennan

• February 5, 2025

The Salton Sea at Bombay Beach on Feb. 4, 2023. Photo by Ariana Drehsler for CalMatters

Environment

Massive Salton Sea lithium project gets judge’s go-ahead, ending advocates’ lawsuit

Social and environmental groups sued last year saying the $1.8 billion Hell's Kitchen project could cause water and air problems not disclosed in its environmental impact report. A judge disagreed.

By

Deborah Brennan

• January 29, 2025

The University of California Riverside campus in Riverside on June 9, 2022. Raquel Natalicchio for CalMatters

Education

Culture war clashes cost schools billions, UC Riverside and UCLA researchers report

Culture war issues such as racial discrimination, LGBTQ rights and partisan politics have been lightning rods for controversy at public school board meetings in the Inland Empire in recent years. In 2023, parents, students and teachers sued Temecula Valley Unified School District over its policies to ban teaching of critical race theory and require teachers to inform parents if students […]

By

Deborah Brennan

• January 23, 2025

Two lawmakers, one wearing a blue suit and the other wearing a white and black dress, stand with their arms crossed in front of them, stand during a press conference at the state Capitol in Sacramento.

Education

New California bill would block trans females from playing in girls’ sports

A new bill would remove the right of California's female transgender athletes in to participate in high school sports teams that match their gender identity.

By

Deborah Brennan

• January 15, 2025

Politics

Inland Empire lawmakers tackle gas prices, taxes, crime

New bills proposed by Inland Empire lawmakers would void new fuel standards, remove taxes from tips and bolster investigations of missing or killed Indigenous people.

By

Deborah Brennan

• January 8, 2025

Close-up of several hands working on a colorful puzzle on a brightly patterned carpet. One hand, with neatly manicured nails, reaches for a puzzle piece, while another figure, partially visible, observes or assists. The carpet features vibrant red, blue, green, and yellow sections with printed text and designs. The atmosphere suggests collaborative play or learning.

California Divide

Inland Empire child care workers do vital job but rarely earn good wages

Child care's expense is linked to a lack of supply, which is linked to a lack of workers, which is linked to low pay and poor benefits in the industry, panelists said.

By

Deborah Brennan

• December 18, 2024