Construction firm owner gets 2-year sentence for not reporting $4.8M to IRS

The owner of Mass Development Inc. (MDI), a Chino-based construction company in Inland Empire, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for filing false tax returns. The fraudulent tax returns didn’t report over $4.8 million in income over five years, failing to pay $1.6 million in taxes due to the IRS. Chen, the owner, pleaded guilty in September 2022 to aiding and assisting in preparing a false income tax return and has also been ordered to pay $1,642,935 in restitution by United States District Judge Marc C. Scarsi.

60 Public Advocacy Groups Want a Two-Year Halt on New Warehouses in Inland Empire

A coalition comprising environmental, labor, community, and academic groups has urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare the 1 billion square feet warehouse sprawl in Southern California’s Inland Empire a public health emergency. The coalition has requested to stop new warehouse development in the region for up to two years. The coalition’s demand concerns warehouse sprawl’s environmental and health impacts on the surrounding communities.

University of California, Riverside Hosts SoCal Youth Futures Summit

350 Inland Empire high school students participated in the SoCal Youth Futures Summit at the University of California, Riverside. The event took place on Feb. 10 and featured townhall type talks by elected officials, including California Assembly members Corey Jackson, Sabrina Cervantes, and U.S. Congress Representative Mark Takano. The students came from 17 area high schools in Moreno Valley, Riverside, and San Bernardino unified school districts.

Cheers to the Coast: Ritz-Carlton Hosts Brews & Bites Beer Festival

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, is bringing back its Culinary Cookout series and kicking it off with a beachside beer festival called Brews & Bites. On February 19th, from 1 to 4 pm, attendees can sample beers from well-known local breweries such as the Bruery and Bottle Logic Brewery. The festival will also offer a chance to try unique brews from innovative breweries while enjoying the beautiful Pacific Ocean views from the event’s location on the Dana Lawn. Beer enthusiasts are in for a treat at this fun afternoon event.

Online Job Ads Show Inland Empire’s Cities Gaining the Most Employment

According to online job ads in the Inland Empire’s largest cities, Riverside, Ontario, and San Bernardino are leading in employment gains. The region’s top three most numerous jobs are retail salesperson, registered nurse, and first-line supervisor of retail sales workers. Educational & Health Services, Government, and Transportation and Warehousing are the sectors with the most job holders in the region. Loma Linda University Health, University of CA Riverside, and Walmart/Sam’s are the top employers in Q4 2022.

San Bernardino County Questions Lack of State Funding for Inland Rail Extension

California State Transportation Authority denies funding for L.A.-to-San Bernardino light rail extension, angering local proponents. The proposed light rail extension would connect the Metro L Line to the Metrolink commuter rail system. Local leaders suspect the state favors splashy L.A. projects over those in less glamorous areas.

Events

1) March Mixer – Thu, Mar 2 – 5:30 pm [Kalmia Street, Murrieta] 

2) SBDC Start – Feb 2 – Mar 9 – 10 AM [Online]

3) Annual LEILA Awards by National Latina Business Women Association – Inland Empire – Fri, May 12 [DoubleTree Hotel / Ontario Convention Center]

4) The CBU Family Business Center Breakfast Series – Thu, Mar 16 – 7 AM [Innovators Auditorium]