“Some heroes don’t wear capes… they wear turnout gear and carry hoses.” This luncheon is our opportunity to say thank youto the brave men and women who protect our Inland Empire communities.
Join us for the Inland Empire Firefighter Appreciation Luncheon, hosted by USGBC California’s Inland Empire Regional Leadership, as we honor firefighters who made an extraordinary difference during the recent San Bernardino wildfires.
The program will feature honoree recognitions, keynote remarks, a panel of REGIONAL MAYORS, networking opportunities, and a chance to express appreciation for the firefighters who risk their lives to protect ours.
This meaningful celebration will be held at the Frontier Project, a stunning, sustainability-focused venue that reflects our commitment to resilience and community stewardship.
The State of the City Address is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at the Riverside Convention Center. The Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce is excited for this in-person event featuring Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson. While general seating is free and open to the public, an RSVP is encouraged. The address will also be streamed virtually on RiversideTV and social media, making it accessible to more local residents and businesses.
The address combines a review of the prior year’s accomplishments with an outline of major issues facing the city in the coming year. Mayor Lock Dawson will also present the honoree of the Innovation Award, which is given to a group or individual who epitomizes the spirit that helps make Riverside the City of Arts and Innovation.
*Please note, the program will be conducted in English.
Patricia Lock Dawson was elected the 18th Mayor of Riverside in November 2020, following nine years of service on the Riverside Unified School District Board of Trustees. Her election makes history as she is the first University of California, Riverside alumnus to hold Riverside’s mayoral position and the second woman elected Mayor in Riverside’s 150-year history. Read more
The Chamber is committed to helping local companies grow their business by taking the lead in programs and efforts that help create a strong local economy and make our community a great place to do business. The Chamber provides numerous opportunities for members to increase their contact base and have fun doing it through various meetings, networking events and committees. In addition, the Chamber makes hundreds of referrals to member companies every month.
As the leading advocate for business in the greater Riverside area, the Chamber also works to create and sustain a favorable business environment in which all businesses can grow and prosper. Read more
On January 13, the Riverside City Council voted 4–3 to reject the proposed University Terrace Homes project, turning down a large-scale housing initiative aimed at addressing homelessness in the city.
The plan would have used state Homekey+ funding to convert the 114-room Quality Inn at 1590 University Avenue into 114 studio homes—94 permanent supportive housing units for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, along with 20 affordable housing units.
Voting in favor were Councilmembers Clarissa Cervantes, Jim Perry, and Mayor Pro Tem Steve Hemenway, who argued that Riverside cannot afford to pass on a rare, ready-to-go housing opportunity of this scale.
The project carried a $29.7 million total price tag, including a $20.137 million state grant and approximately $9.5 million in already-allocated local housing funds. With the vote, that funding is now effectively left unused—despite a homelessness crisis that continues to grow more urgent across the city.
As Riverside residents grapple with rising housing insecurity, the decision raises tough questions about how—and how quickly—the city is willing to act when substantial outside funding is on the table.
“Mastering the Art of Etiquette” – A Live Workshop for Personal & Professional Presence
Los Angeles, CA (July 28, 2025) – Poise. Confidence. Presence. These are the essentials behind success—and on Saturday, August 23, 2025, etiquette coach and professional presence strategist Christine Joy Ferrera will lead a transformative 2-hour workshop titled “Mastering the Art of Etiquette” in the heart of Los Angeles.
Hosted by The Polished Message™, this in-person experience is designed for professionals, emerging leaders, and anyone ready to sharpen their image, elevate their communication, and lead with polished authenticity.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Location: Christ the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church
How to cultivate clarity and credibility in every interaction
How to shape perception through presence, not performance
How to create lasting impressions marked by poise and polish
The 3 pillars of The Polished Message™ Method: Communication, Image & Style, and Comprehensive Etiquette
Attendees will leave with 9 immediately executable techniques to support refined behavior in personal and professional settings.
About Christine Joy Ferrera:
A seasoned etiquette coach and the creator of The Polished Message Method™, Christine Ferrera blends experiential learning with practical, real-life etiquette coaching. She serves as an instructor at the Inland Empire Institute of Business and Technology (IEI), and leads a Microsoft-sponsored online course, “Personal and Professional Lifestyle.”
Her impactful work has been embraced by the Boy Scouts of America, Cal State Fullerton, Girl Scouts of America, Teen Miss Fontana Pageant, the Urban League, and more. In 2022–23, she was honored as the Ambassador of the Year by the Fontana Chamber of Commerce.
Christine Ferrera’s Message:
“Etiquette is not about being rigid or rehearsed—it’s about showing up prepared, polished, and purposeful in how you communicate and carry yourself.”
🎟️ Reserve Your Seat:
Space is limited. Advance registration is required.
Elevating etiquette education and professional presence through strategic media engagement.
Los Angeles, CA – [July 28, 2025] — The Polished Message™, the premier etiquette and professional presence coaching brand founded by Christine Ferrera, is excited to announce its selection of SPMG Media as its official public relations agency of choice.
With a 12‑year track record of guiding professionals, pageant contestants, young adults, and graduates toward confident communication, Christine Ferrera—founder of The Polished Message Method™—has redefined real‑world etiquette education. Her signature offerings, including “Mastering the Art of Being Poised,” “Delivering Polished Messages,” and “How to Make Your Image Glow,” are rooted in three core pillars: communication, image & style, and comprehensive etiquette.
SPMG Media, led by Gina Johnson Smith Stelly, was selected for its strategic approach to branding, editorial outreach, and public visibility—qualities that perfectly complement The Polished Message’s mission of empowering individuals to lead with poise, clarity, and impact.
“Etiquette isn’t just about manners,” Christine Ferrera says. “It’s a way of life. With SPMG Media’s expertise, we’re now poised to reach wider audiences—from corporate professionals to young leaders—and foster transformation through elevated presence.”
🔹 What This Partnership Delivers:
Media Strategy & Story Development — position The Polished Message as a leading voice in professional development, communication coaching, and etiquette education.
Press Kit & Thought Leadership Assets — including founder bios, case stories, and branded visuals.
Targeted Media Outreach — strategic pitching to mainstream outlets, multicultural media, and industry verticals (corporate, education, women’s empowerment).
Digital and Social Amplification — coordinated email marketing, media alerts, and sponsored content rollout.
Speaking & Consulting Features — raising Christine Ferrera’s profile as a keynote speaker, workshop leader, and expert commentator.
Christine Ferrera brings both authenticity and clarity to her work—having begun her etiquette journey at age seven and launching professional coaching nearly twelve years ago . With SPMG Media as her PR partner, The Polished Message now stands ready to expand its reach across corporate trainings, conferences, pageant coaching, and beyond.
About The Polished Message™
The Polished Message™ is an etiquette and presence coaching brand founded by Christine Ferrera, specializing in transforming communication, image, and style into strategies for personal and professional success. Christine’s approach blends timeless professionalism with warmth and real‑world application .
About SPMG Media
SPMG Media (SPMG Media: online marketing & PR) is a California‑based marketing and public relations firm specializing in elevating brands through compelling storytelling, media placement, and strategic campaign activation. Led by Gina Johnson Smith Stelly, the team combines creativity, faith-based values, and impact‑driven outcomes.
Media Contact:
Gina Johnson Smith Stelly
SPMG Media
Email: SPMGMedia@gmail.com
Phone: 909.942.0388
For more information about The Polished Message™, visit thepolishedmessage.com or follow Christine Ferrera on LinkedIn and Instagram.
INLAND EMPIRE (SPMG) — If you’re looking for a fun, active, and totally free way to keep the kids engaged this summer, the Empire Strykers have you covered.
Southern California’s largest free youth soccer camp is back and bigger than ever. The Inland Empire’s own professional arena soccer team will host five full days of soccer training, teamwork, and family fun — all at no cost to participants.
The free camp is open to kids ages 5 to 17 and will be held at the following locations:
Organizers expect this year’s camp to be the biggest in the program’s history, with nearly 2,000 youth set to participate.
“We’ve never done anything quite on this scale,” said Jeff Burum, managing partner of the Empire Strykers. “But that’s what makes it so exciting. We’re investing in the future of our youth — and our community.”
Each registered camper will receive:
A free soccer ball A camp t-shirt And a free ticket to the Strykers’ 2025–2026 season home opener
Campers will get hands-on training in shooting, dribbling, and goalkeeping, all in a fun, encouraging environment. Fifteen current Empire Strykers players will be on the field coaching throughout the week — including special guest coaches like Mexican soccer legend and Olympian Marco Fabián, and freestyle soccer sensation Jack Downer, a two-time Superball Panna World Champion.
“This camp is about more than just soccer,” Burum added. “It’s about giving every child a chance to feel inspired, stay active, and focus on something positive.”
Since its launch in 2013, the Strykers’ free youth camp has become a beloved community tradition, making the game more accessible to kids across the Inland Empire — regardless of income.
To learn more about the Empire Strykers and their work on and off the field, visit TheEmpireStrykers.com.
The13th edition of the Ontario Open celebrates a growing arts community in the Inland Empire and greater Southern California region
The Ontario Museum of History & Art, in collaboration with the Ontario Museum Associates and The Arts Area, proudly presents the 13th Biennial Ontario Open Art Exhibition. This juried exhibition showcases over 150 artists from Southern California and offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse voices and visions of contemporary artists from the region.
“This exhibition has become a staple event with the artist community in the region. We received the highest number of submissions for the Open in its thirteenth-year tenure at the Museum, which is a reflection of the vibrant and ever-growing arts community in the Inland Empire and broader Southern California,” said Samantha Herrera, Curator of Exhibits. “We wanted to showcase as many artists as possible with this year’s Open exhibition. Out of the 150 artists in the exhibition, we are delighted to have over 130 artists who will be featuring their artwork for the first time in the Museum.”
Among the first-time artists include, Christen Austin, whose painting Living Water merges figurative and portrait narratives to explore Black culture in America. Austin celebrates the beauty and resilience of Black identity through a surrealistic lens, affirming its rightful place in all spaces. Another first-time artist, Ahrong Ferreira, presents a powerful watercolor and pencil work of art entitled, The Night in November that evokes deep emotions tied to memory. Ferreira’s work draws from nature, inviting viewers to connect with her personal reflections on the world around her.
Visitors will also see a number of returning artists, including Richard May, who presents his mixed media piece Sax Formations. May captures the energy and motion of live jazz musicians, using vibrant cool shades of blues and greens to depict the musician, with warm tones of yellow highlighting the saxophone in action.
The exhibition celebrates a wide range of mediums, including ceramics, photography, digital art, and painting, among others, ensuring that visitors will experience a rich and varied display of contemporary artistic expressions.
The City of Ontario’s Museum of History & Art is grateful to the Ontario Museum Associates and The Arts Area for their support of the exhibition. Guest jurors select nine artworks for the following awards: first, second, and third place, four honorable mentions, the City Council Liaison Award, and the Steve Thomas Photography/Conservation Award.
With an impressive lineup of talented artists and an exceptional array of creative works, the 13th Biennial Ontario Open Art Exhibition is a must-see event for artists and the community. The winners of the juried show will be announced at a special reception on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM, hosted by the Ontario Museum Associates and The Arts Area.
The Sanctity Hotel and Durango Cocina & Rooftop Bar has opened in Rancho Cucamonga, California, as part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection.
The 68-room hotel has retreat style accommodations and premium amenities, including a gym, sauna and Thriv Studio—offering advanced wellness therapies—as well as rooftop dining, according to Globiwest Hospitality, which will operate the hotel.
“Bringing Sanctity Hotel and Durango Cocina to life has been a dream come true. Every detail tells a story, inviting guests to experience something truly unique to the area,” said Sachin Bhakta, vp of development at Globiwest Hospitality, in a statement. “Rancho Cucamonga is an incredible community, and we wanted to create a space that feels like a true retreat—where guests can unwind, experience exceptional hospitality, and enjoy amazing food and drink at Durango Cocina.”
Sanctity Hotel’s design is a modern interpretation of the five fundamental elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—woven into every detail of the property. Inspired by the palaces of India and brought to life with natural materials, the interiors are grounded in earth through the use of hand-carved Parota wood sourced from Mexico.
For guests seeking wellness treatments, Thriv Studio offers an advanced, holistic approach to relaxation and rejuvenation with innovative services like Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Infrared Ozone Therapy, and BrainTap Therapy—each designed to enhance mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Meanwhile, led by chef Alex Carrasco, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, Durango Cocina’s menu pays tribute to the culinary heritage of Durango, Mexico, while integrating locally sourced ingredients and modern cooking techniques. Brought to life by Boulevard Hospitality Group, the new concept is designed to bring a vibrant culinary destination and the city’s first rooftop dining experience.
Set against expansive mountain views, Rancho Cucamonga’s first rooftop bar has serpentine-style seating and cabana sections surrounding fire pits and offers guests menu options like its Ceviche and an extensive mezcal and tequila selection, handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and house-made agua frescas.
In the third episode of With Love, Meghan on Netflix, Meghan Markle brings a warm, nostalgic touch to the kitchen with her recipe for glazed baked donuts. Set against a backdrop of gentle music, relaxed conversation, and beautifully styled countertops, Meghan shares a recipe that feels both effortlessly elegant and comfortingly simple. She reflects on the joy of baking as a way to connect with loved ones and create moments of calm, saying, “There’s something special about slowing down and making something sweet—literally and figuratively.” These donuts are a perfect example: soft, delicately sweet, and finished with a whimsical glaze that makes them feel almost too pretty to eat.
Meghan walks viewers through the recipe with her signature warmth and clarity. She begins by mixing together pantry staples (flour, sugar, baking powder) then adds in a smooth blend of buttermilk, vanilla, egg, and melted butter. Using a piping bag, she neatly fills a donut pan and bakes them until just golden. Once cooled, each donut is dipped in a silky glaze made from icing sugar and buttermilk. To finish, she delicately presses dried edible flowers on top, giving them a floral, Instagram-worthy flair. As she says with a smile, “It’s about the little details.” Of course, viewers are encouraged to make it their own, think colorful sprinkles, chocolate chips, or crushed pistachios for a personal twist.
Ingredients (makes 6)
1 cup all-purpose (plain) flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons (30ml) melted butter
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
Icing Glaze
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 cup icing sugar
Method
Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
In a bowl mix together the flour, sugar and baking powder.
In a separate bowl whisk the egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract and melted butter together until smooth.
Mix the wet ingredients mix into the dry ingredients and gently stir until combined.
Spoon the donut batter into a piping bag and pipe the mix into the donut pan evenly, filling each one up to about 3/4 full.
Bake for 10 minutes until the donuts are very lightly golden and a skewer comes out clean.
To make the glaze, mix the buttermilk and icing sugar together until a smooth paste forms.
Dunk the top of the donuts into the glaze and place on a tray.
While the glaze is still wet, top with dried edible flowers.
Note: Meghan tops with edible dried flowers, but you could add sprinkles or choc chips or anything else that you prefer. Enjoy!
At its meeting Wednesday, the San Bernardino City Council authorized city staff to proceed with spending $1.39 million awarded to it by the state to help defray homelessness in the community.
The program seeks to help 60 city residents move from homeless encampments along Waterman Avenue into existing permanent housing, including 54 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units. The $1.39 million program includes $600,000 for a subcontractor to handle residents’ cases and to work with landlords, along with $693,378 for rental assistance and $99,054 in incentives for landlords.
The program is paid for with part of the $4.5 million in state Encampment Resolution Funding awarded to the city in April 2024. The program will run through June 30, 2027.
San Bernardino is looking for a subcontractor to administer its Rapid Rehousing Program. Nonprofits need to apply by Feb. 26. The city is explicitly looking for a subcontractor with a track record in obtaining rental housing and providing case management services to individuals in the program.
“Our goal is to hopefully have this program in place by the end of April,” Cassandra Searcy, the city’s deputy director of housing and homelessness, told the council.
According to the 2024 San Bernardino County Point in Time Count of homeless residents, San Bernardino had 1,417 homeless residents in January that year, more than any other in San Bernardino County. That works out to about 633 of every 100,000 residents in the city of San Bernardino who don’t have a consistent place to live, nearly triple the county average. It’s also worse than the statewide average of 455 homeless people per 100,000 residents, and the national average of 195 people per 100,000 residents.
Rancho Cucamonga/Ontario Community News 