The Magazine of Artful Living
Ontario International Airport launches ONT+ to open terminals, restaurants and shops to non-travelers
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is borrowing from the past with a new program that allows the non-traveling public to greet families and friends at the gate — or spend more time with them as they prepare to depart — all while enjoying ONT’s enhanced amenities. CLICK IMAGE >>>
FOOD & DRINK
The Marketplace by Fabio Viviani
Fabio Viviani’s new Marketplace at Morongo Casino Resort and Spa is like a buffet “but more civilized,” he says. The food hall-style restaurant allows patrons to eat as much as they want, but servers prepare and plate the portions after orders are placed. Seven global food stations offer a wide variety of choices. www.morongocasinoresort.com
Pictured: Panang Chicken from Sukiru
DO & VIEW
March Field Air Museum
It’s like an air show every day at the March Field Air Museum. Explore humanity’s reach for the skies, learn about the pivotal role of March Field in the development of flight, and see early aircraft—including World War II bombing icons and Cold War fighters. www.marchfield.org
DO & VIEW
Snow Way! Winter Fest OC Is Back
Tickets are on sale for Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s largest winter festival, running Nov. 25 through Jan. 1 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Activities for all ages include ice skating, ice tubing slide, ice bumper cars, LED mini golf, carnival, shopping, food and live entertainment in a winter wonderland setting. New for 2022 is the “North Pole Journey” immersive walk-through experience. www.winterfestoc.com
ON THE MOVE
Connie Leyva Named Executive Director of KVCR & FNX
San Bernardino Community College District has named State Senator Connie Leyva as the next executive director of KVCR TV/FM – the IE’s only public media station, which this year celebrated its 60th anniversary. “I am so excited to join KVCR, a gem of the Inland Empire,” Senator Leyva said. She will oversee the implementation of KVCR’s long-range plan, which includes expanding student training for careers in media and journalism. (Photo: Erick Zambrano/SBCCD)
NATIVE INTEL
ONT: It’s a four-peat!
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the fastest-growing airport in the United States for the fourth consecutive year, based on a survey of frequent travelers by Global Traveler, a leading industry publication geared to business and luxury fliers who travel extensively in the U.S. and abroad. The recognition comes as ONT has seen passenger volumes approach pre-pandemic levels in what has proved to be one of the fastest recoveries among airports nationwide.
GIVING BACK
Call for Kindness Lands in Riverside
“Se amable contigo hoy’ means be ‘kind to yourself today,’” says Riverside Art Museum artist-in-residence Juan Navarro. “If we are able to be kind to ourselves first, then we will be able to pour that kindness into others.” The mural, at 2472 University Ave., was made possible by a grant from Verizon. One of over ten throughout the country, each mural has a QR code that links to “A Call for Kindness.”
NATIVE INTEL
Santa’s Village Playhouses
The whimsical playhouses and gigantic mushrooms that were part of Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead years ago have a new home at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. Children and adults alike delight in “Guard Shack,” “Doll House,” “Crooked Treehouse” and the colorful mushrooms that many of us remember from our childhood. Photo courtesy of The Flower Fields
NATIVE INTEL
Riverside National Cemetery
Riverside National Cemetery is the largest and busiest cemetery managed by the National Cemetery Administration. The cemetery was dedicated on Nov. 11, 1978. It is home of the Medal of Honor Memorial, the Fallen Soldier/Veterans’ Memorial, and the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action National Memorial. www.cem.va.gov
FOOD & DRINK
Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar
Watch tortillas roll off the centerpiece tortilla machine at this super popular, family-friendly restaurant. Those hot, fresh tortillas are served alongside mesquite-grilled meats and seafood and regional classics like fajitas, tacos and enchiladas. 10773 Hole Ave., Riverside; (951) 352-0240, www.anchos.net
FOOD & DRINK
Devilicious
What started as a popular food truck has become a popular brick and mortar gastropub in Old Town Temecula. Owner Kenneth Danko describes the menu as “twisted comfort food,” meaning the flavor combinations work on many levels. The menu includes shareables, burgers, sandwiches and salads. 28693 Old Town Front St., Temecula; (951) 506-4024, deviliciouseatery.com
FOOD & DRINK
Pepitos Mexican Restaurant
After pleasing Mexican food aficionados for over three decades in Riverside’s Magnolia Center, Pepito’s Mexican Restaurant is now in Canyon Crest Towne Centre. The dining room features bright colors and original paintings, and the menu reflects the various regions of Mexico. Enjoy favorites, like sizzling fajitas (pictured), combination plates, seafood and more. 5225 Canyon Crest Drive, Riverside; (951) 783-9444, pepitosfood.com
GIVING BACK
Freedom Sculpture Graces Norco Campus
Norco College is the permanent home of the sculpture Freedom, thanks to local artist and philanthropist Frank Heyming. Freedom is the second art installation donated by Heyming to the Riverside Community College District (RCCD). According to Heyming, Freedom is about “all the freedoms we share as Americans...those who died to defend her today.” The inspiration came from “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood.
THE ARTS
Judith Valles Named Symphony President
The Board of Directors of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra has elected former San Bernardino Mayor Judith Valles as its new president. Her vision for the organization includes more accessible music and music education. “The arts are the life blood of a community, and I can think of no organization that is more successful in bringing the arts to the Inland Empire than our marvelous Symphony,” she says.
STYLE
Go Tropical with Tommy Bahama & Disney
Enjoy two of your favorite brands at the same time: Tommy Bahama and Disney. The two companies collaborated on a collection that features tropical prints, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and the cool comfort Tommy Bahama is known for. Tees and sweaters, aloha shirts, beach towels and more make up this fun collection. www.tommybahama.com
DO & VIEW
UC Riverside Botanic Gardens
Stroll through the UC Riverside Botanic Gardens for a breath of fresh air and a dose of nature. The 40-acre living plant museum is located on the UCR campus at 1 Botanic Gardens Drive, Riverside. As a part of the campus, the Botanic Gardens is used for teaching, research and demonstration purposes, as well as for enjoyment and appreciation of nature. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. gardens.ucr.edu
SHOWTIME
Memories of Elvis and Graceland
Priscilla Presley, the original first lady of rock ‘n’ roll, sat down with Variety’s editor-in-chief, Cynthia Littleton, during a moderated open discussion at The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage. The audience loved Priscilla’s stories about her career and life with Elvis Presley. Priscilla (center) is pictured backstage with Kris Jenner (left) and Agua Caliente Casinos director of entertainment Monica Reeves (right). Photo by Sam Threadgill
NATIVE INTEL
ONT, UCR Health Offer Modernized Nursing Stations
Ontario International Airport and UCR Health are providing a welcoming and private place for mothers to nurse their babies when flying through ONT. Nursing stations have been set up in both airport terminals. The partnership showcases ONT’s commitment to the health and safety of the travelers it serves and UCR Health’s commitment to bringing innovative healthcare to the region.
FOOD & DRINK
Mill Creek Cattle Co.
Mill Creek Cattle Co. in Mentone has been serving a meat lover’s menu for more than 30 years. Feast on barbecued ribs, steaks, seafood, chicken, burgers and more, dished up in a family-friendly, western town environment filled with Old West memorabilia. The separate saloon offer live entertainment on select nights. A country-style breakfast is served on the weekend. 1874 Mentone Blvd., Mentone; (909) 389-0706; www.millcreekcattlecompany.com
NATIVE INTEL
Rancho Cucamonga: City with a View
Which cities offer the most stunning views? A survey by Lawn Love looked for cities with plenty of home listings featuring views of mountains, water, city skylines and parks, plus clean air. Rancho Cucamonga ranked No. 5 on the list, noting that many residents can see the towering San Gabriel Mountains from their homes. (For the record, Honolulu was No. 1, followed by Reno, Seattle and Anchorage.) Photo: Brian Karczewski/Shutterstock
STYLE
Houseplants Are Heading Outdoors
Large, lush plants that typically reside inside are trending as an outdoor design accessory, turning your backyard into an oasis. “One of this season’s garden design trends is about Upscale Relaxation,” says Katie Tamony of Monrovia garden center in Azusa. “This style involves using plants and furnishing to create the feel of a luxury spa, upscale restaurant or boutique hotel in your own backyard.” www.monrovia.com. Photo: Doreen Wynja for Monrovia
THE ARTS
“The Cheech” in Downtown Riverside
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture (a.k.a. “The Cheech”) is a public-private partnership between RAM, the City of Riverside and comedian Cheech Marin—one of the world’s foremost collectors of Chicano art. Marin’s gift of around 500 artworks to RAM’s permanent collection makes the collection a repository for one of the largest holdings of Chicana/o/x art by a non-ethnic specific contemporary art museum. www.thecheechcenter.org
THE ARTS
Slam Dunk Art Project
Local government officials recently joined with Five Star Basketball, Project Backboard and Blue Shield of California to unveil an art mural on the recently renovated basketball court at Elizabeth Davis Park in Colton. The mural was painted by local artist Victor Corral and will serve as the first step in the larger renovation of the park.
FOOD & DRINK
Two Guys Pasta and Pizza
This comfortable eatery serves all the dishes we associate with a neighborhood Italian-American restaurant. Dishes to try include lasagna, shrimp scampi and cheese ravioli. Pizzas can be custom made or selected from the menu. The Crew’s Favorite, shown, is topped with chicken, spinach, feta cheese, tomatoes and basil. 2566 E. Highland Ave., Highland; (909) 862-7700, www.twoguyspizza.net
GIVING BACK
Blood Donations Urgently Needed
LifeStream Blood Bank is a local, nonprofit blood bank that provides blood products and services to more than 80 Southern California hospitals and medical facilities in six counties. To fulfill patient need, LifeStream must collect 500 blood donations daily. There is a current need of all blood types. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome at all LifeStream donor centers and mobile blood drives. 1-800-879-4484, www.LStream.org
HEALTHY LIVING
Sensei Porcupine Creek
Wellness brand Sensei will welcome guests at its second location, Sensei Porcupine Creek, beginning November 1, 2022. Sensei Porcupine Creek in Rancho Mirage is converting a 230-acre private estate into an ultra-luxury wellness retreat, featuring a small number of hotel rooms and private villas and similar spa, nutrition, movement and other wellness programs found at its sister property, Sensei Lāna’i, A Four Seasons Resort in Hawaii. www.Sensei.com
NATIVE INTEL
The Next-Generation of Passenger Rail
A crowd of more than 300 helped usher in a new age of commuter transit in Southern California with a ribbon cutting for the new Arrow Line at the historic Redlands-Downtown station. Local, state and national officials joined community members and leaders from the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) and Metrolink in welcoming the highly anticipated new service. To read more, CLICK IMAGE >>>
FOOD & DRINK
The Great Oak Steakhouse
Pechanga Resort Casino’s signature restaurant—The Great Oak Steakhouse—is an elegant choice for a surf & turf lover who is also a wine aficionado. The Great Oak is the recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award, and is also recognized by Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast magazines for its wine list. For reservations, call (951) 770-8507 after 5 p.m., or vist www.pechanga.com. Photo courtesy of Pechanga Resort Casino
NATIVE INTEL
California Theatre of the Performing Arts
Located in San Bernardino, the theatre opened in 1928 as a vaudeville movie palace. It has been inducted into the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historic Resources, and has welcomed celebrities like Bob Hope, Lucille Ball and Rock Hudson. Humorist Will Rogers gave his last public performance there in 1935.
NATIVE INTEL
Seeds of Life
If you’re running out of healthy things to cook at home, the nonprofit Seeds of Life can help. Founded by Temecula’s Vlada Vladic, the organization produces “Cooking & Kids,” a program that teaches kids to help create healthy family meals. “Cooking and Kids” airs in 41 states and can be seen on public television stations and on YouTube. For recipes and more information, see www.vladaseedsoflife.com.
FOOD & DRINK
The Gambling Cowboy
The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon is a rustic yet modern restaurant in Old Town Temecula. Expansive views from the third floor deck and the elegant turn-of-the-century decor offer an inviting atmosphere to enjoy appetizers (like Old Town Scampi, shown), Prime and Choice certified Angus beef, fresh seafood and chophouse classics. 42072 5th St.; (951) 699-2895, www.ilovethecowboy.com
DO & VIEW
Desert Escape for Golf and Dining
Desert Island Country Club has opened its formerly private links to the public and introduced several newly renovated/reimagined dining destinations. Located in the Playground of the Presidents, adjacent to Sunnylands on Frank Sinatra Drive, the property boasts a championship golf course designed by Desmond Muirhead. After a day on the links, guests can retreat to the Clubhouse, home to three dining areas, a ballroom, veranda bar and terrace. https://di71.com
DO & VIEW
Babies On Board!
There are babies on board…and lots of them at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. In the new Babies! exhibition, visitors can see baby animals like fuzzy sea otters, tiny cuttlefish that change color, miniature sea jellies and baby sharks. The exhibition runs through April 30, 2023. www.aquariumofpacific.org
Photo by Robin Riggs, courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific
FOOD & DRINK
Oscar’s Mexican Restaurant
For more than 40 years, Oscar’s Mexican Restaurant in Redlands has been serving home-style Mexican food. The menu includes breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring dishes that range from Huevos Rancheros with Chile Verde to fish platters, like the salmon shown here. Oscar’s also serves vegetarian and vegan dishes. 256 E. Citrus Ave.; (909) 792-8211, www.oscarsmex.com
FOOD & DRINK
Mario’s Place
At the Palagi family’s iconic fine-dining Northern Italian restaurant, Chef Leone Palagi (pictured) showcases his love affair with food and wine in a setting that is both elegant yet comfortable. The restaurant is the recipient of Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence” for its wine list. Call for reservations. 3646 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; (951) 684-7755, www.mariosplace.com
Morongo Resort and Casino
Our luxury Resort & Casino invites guests to experience the thrill of gaming alongside revitalizing pursuits in Spa, Fine Dining, & Legendary Entertainment.
Repainting the 1976 Bicentennial Mural
It’s taken several years, but ground has been broken to repaint the 1976 Bicentennial Mural on the Prado Dam Spillway. Forty-six years ago, 20 girls and 10 boys from Corona High painted a spillway six times the size of Mount Rushmore for the U.S. Bicentennial. This iconic mural has become a gateway to the Inland Empire on the 99 Freeway. To read more CLICK IMAGE >>>
Tribute to Courage 2022
Stephanie Johnstone, Suzi Johnson and Christine Almeida were among the guests at Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare’s annual fundraising gala, Tribute to Courage. Held at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, proceeds from the gala support free and subsidized care for Casa Colina patients. See more gala photos in the November issue of Inland Empire Magazine. Photo by Mia Santana
From the Archives, June 1985:
Inside the Miller Athletic Factory. A special interview with the parents of Reggie, Cheryl and Darrell Miller of Riverside. Click image for full story.
Home Run
How the IE became the Major League’s Talent Pipeline Since the 1900s, around 150 players have come from the Inland Empire.
The Preacher and The Icon
Why a Riverside megachurch pastor went on a biographical journey to discover the untold story of American icon Steve McQueen. Interview: MAKENNA SONES
A Spy Story
In January 1977, a UC Riverside student was arrested in the Inland Empire for acts of espionage he committed with his childhood friend during the cold war. The subject of books and a hit movie, the pair became known as The Falcon & The Snowman. This is their story. Text: JIM SHORT