Redlands officials say the number of homeless in their city has plunged 31 percent since the previous Point-In-Time count a year ago. The number of unsheltered people – those living on the streets, in vehicles or tents, with no roof over their heads – was down by 28 percent. In 2022, the City Council approved creation of the Homeless Solutions Office, hiring a Homeless Solutions Manager to coordinate resources and provide outreach to the homeless population. (INT)

In a sign of the approaching wildfire season, an evacuation warning was issued before CalFire got the upper hand on a 60-acre fire Thursday (May 15th) in Menifee. The Baxter Fire was reported in light, flashy fuels along Avenida Manana. There was no reported damage to buildings. (INT)

Retiring UC Riverside Chancellor Kim Wilcox’ name is now a lasting part of the campus landscape. A bright blue street sign unveiled against a brighter blue sky made it official: Campus Drive is now Kim Wilcox Drive. He lead UCR for almost 12 years, the second-longest serving chancellor in its history. (INT)

Authorities in Banning are considering charges in an assault at the Banning Health Care Center that left a 92-year-old patient dead and another under arrest. Attilio Cecchetto died 2-days after the May 8th incident. His roommate, Sam Timaloa, 76, a registered sex offender, was on parole and is awaiting a court hearing. (INT)

Visitors will be able to better find their way along the Santa Ana River Trail in Riverside County. More than 230 new wayfinding signs have been situated along 20 miles of the existing trail. The markers include interpretive panels, kiosks with maps, monuments, directional markers, and safety signs. (INT)

The City of Hemet has launched an incentive to attract more car dealerships. An ordinance would encourage existing ones to invest in significant facility upgrades and expansions. City leaders figure it would boost local employment and bolster the city's sales tax revenue. (INT)

The Inland Empire has gained a voice on the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson has been appointed to the powerful state agency. A statement from the CARB says she is a “longtime advocate for environmental sustainability.” Most recently, she championed the development of Riverside’s "Clean and Green Tech Hub."

One of San Bernardino’s ‘high risk’ corridors is getting some improvements. The city is getting nearly 3-million dollars to construct raised street medians along a 3-and-a-half mile stretch of E Street. The competitive grant was awarded under California’s Local Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). (INT)