CSUSB Palm Desert campus to begin work on student services building
San Bernardino County Regional Parks introduces updated fees
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IE officials blast utility agency's water, sewer rate hikes
Riverside debuts Clean Air Carshare program
By Joe Taglieri
By Staff
joet@beaconmedianews.com
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iverside has launched the Clean Air Carshare program featuring a hydrogen-powered carsharing fleet for carbon-free, affordable and accessible transportation in the city's underserved areas. In addition to helping to improve air quality, the RCAC program is a big step in the effort to bolster "equitable access to zero-emission vehicles," according to a city statement. The program focuses on "first-and-last-mile transportation gaps," aiming to enhance access to public transit for neighborhoods that have historically lacked transportation options. The program is a partnership involving the city; Mobility Development Operations LLC, or MDO, which provides a vehicle-sharing platform that includes a smartphone app, operational support and other resources; the University of California, Riverside’s Center for Environmental
The IEUA Board of Directors meets April 16. | Photo courtesy of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency
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recent 18% rate increase for water services from the Inland Empire Utilities Agency drew the ire of officials from several cities in San Bernardino County and a local water district. A city of Ontario statement called the IEUA board's April 16 unanimous vote for the rate hike "a stunning disregard for public opposition and local economic realities." Officials from Chino, Montclair and the Monte Vista Water District also voiced displeasure with the increase for water and sewer services. “IEUA has chosen to ignore the voices of the very
people it was created to serve,” Ontario City Councilwoman Debra Porada said in a statement. “This rate hike is not about local water reliability; it is about funding a billion-dollar project that sends our water to the State while our communities get stuck with the bill.” The disgruntled local officials said the IEUA's refusal to grant more time to consider the rate increase and "to meaningfully collaborate" with impacted cities and the water district. “This wasn’t collaboration — it was a box-checking exercise,” Chino Mayor Eunice Ulloa said in a statement. “IEUA mischaracter-
ized the process as thorough, while withholding key documents and dismissing any agency or person who raised concerns. Even the rate study that underpins this decision was withheld until the legal deadline, leaving no time for cities or residents to evaluate its assumptions or implications. Public governance requires more than legal compliance — it demands transparency, accountability, and respect.” IEUA Board President Marco Tule defended the increase. “The decision to raise rates is not made lightly,” stated Marco Tule, IEUA
See Clean Air Carshare Page 27 Board President. “However, it is a necessary and responsible step to ensure we can continue delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable services to the community. The adopted rates conclude the transparent process led by staff over the last seven weeks.” According to IEUA, the higher rates and fees are needed to cover the rising cost of service that includes operational costs, infrastructure maintenance and replacement and regulatory compliance. The added revenue will go for upgrades to aging pipelines, water
uthorities Saturday continued searching for an arson suspect responsible for igniting seven separate vegetation fires at the Old Boy Scout Camp in Riverside. Firefighters responded to a report of three brush fires around 10:15 p.m. Friday, but upon arrival found seven separate fires burning from the area of the American Legion Riverside Post 79 at Lake Evans to Mission Inn Avenue, the Riverside Fire Department announced. As the first engine made entry onto the Santa Ana River Trail the company officer was notified by bystanders that a
See Rate hike Page 28
See Arson Page 14
Authorities seek arsonist who set 7 fires in Riverside By City News Service
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