In This Issue of the CucamongaConnect Newsletter

🌧️ Today’s Weather

🌟 NEW Section: Yard Sales!

🚅 Federal Government Fuels $3 Billion into High-Speed Rail Linking Cucamonga to Vegas

🚨 Upland CEO Faces Major Legal Battle Over Consumer Fraud Charges

🎉 Things To Do

🔦 Local Business Highlight - My Healthy Penguin - SPECIAL OFFER!

Federal Government Fuels $3 Billion into High-Speed Rail Linking Cucamonga to Vegas

The U.S. federal government has committed $3 billion to support the construction of a high-speed rail line connecting Southern California and Las Vegas. This funding, as announced by Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen, is a significant portion of the $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that President Joe Biden signed into law in November 2021.

The project, spearheaded by Brightline West, aims to create a fully electric, high-speed rail network stretching 218 miles along Interstate 15, linking Las Vegas with Rancho Cucamonga. This ambitious $12 billion initiative is projected to divert approximately 3 million vehicles from the freeway each year, significantly cutting carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 400,000 tons annually. The project is not only an environmental stride but also a boon for local transportation, with Rancho Cucamonga's Cucamonga Station expected to handle over 11,000 passengers annually.

In July, the Federal Rail Administration gave the green light for the environmental review and permits required for the project, including a critical 49-mile segment connecting Rancho Cucamonga to the High Desert area.

Local officials in Rancho Cucamonga have highlighted the economic benefits of this project. The construction phase is expected to generate over 11,000 jobs annually and inject approximately $5 billion into San Bernardino County's economy, with the city of Rancho Cucamonga receiving about $300 million of this investment.

Brightline anticipates beginning construction by the end of 2023, with the aim of launching the rail service by 2027. This timeline aligns with the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, positioning the high-speed rail line as a crucial infrastructure component for the event.

Upland CEO Faces Major Legal Battle Over Consumer Fraud Charges

In a recent legal development, Jason Edward Thomas Cardiff, the 48-year-old former CEO of Redwood Scientific Technologies in Upland, California, has been formally charged with several criminal offenses. The allegations against Cardiff include access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, and witness tampering. The charges stem from Cardiff's alleged role in authorizing unauthorized transactions on thousands of consumer credit and debit card accounts.

Redwood Scientific Technologies, under Cardiff's leadership, was known for its sale of homeopathic thin film strip products. The indictment claims that between January and May 2018, Cardiff directed his staff to use previously acquired customer credit and debit card information to bill for unrequested additional products. Furthermore, Cardiff is accused of instructing employees to destroy evidence potentially pertinent to an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission.

The U.S. Department of Justice, represented by Principal Deputy Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, emphasized its commitment to investigating such unauthorized charges and holding accountable those responsible. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California condemned the alleged deception, stressing the importance of protecting consumers from fraudulent business practices.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, through Inspector in Charge Carroll Harris, played a pivotal role in uncovering the fraudulent activities, highlighting the organization's dedication to safeguarding American consumers.

Cardiff's initial court appearance occurred on November 27th before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brianna Fuller Mircheff. In this preliminary hearing, Cardiff pleaded not guilty. The potential penalties for the charges are severe, with maximum sentences ranging from 15 to 20 years for the various counts, alongside a mandatory minimum for aggravated identity theft. The final sentence will be determined considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other judicial factors, with the trial set for January 23, 2024.

4 Adults Arrested For Retail Theft In Upland

Late last night, 4 adults were arrested for shoplifting from a retail store in the 100 block of E. Foothill. All were arrested, booked at county jail, and the property returned.

Know Of Something Interesting To Do?
Tell Us About It Today!

Pictures With Santa
Tue. Nov 21 - Sat. Dec 23

It's the most wonderful time of the year, Santa's here! Don't miss out on capturing tree-mendous family photos this year - make your reservation to meet and take pictures with Santa today!

Get more details on the Facebook Event page by clicking here

Make A Free Wooden Christmas Ornament At Solorio Brewing
Wed. Dec 6 @ 7PM

San Bernadino Sheriff Dept
‘Stuff The Bus’ Charity Event
Dec. 6 & 7

Upland Hometown Holiday Parade & Faire
Sat. Dec 9 from 2PM on

Santa Paws Pet Adoption Event
Sun. Dec 10 from 2-5PM
Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center

Come hither, on the joyous day of December 10th, from the hours of 2PM to 5PM, and partake in our 3rd Annual Santa Paws Adoption Extravaganza. Behold! The grandest of guests, Santa Claus himself, graces us with his presence. Prepare your four-legged companions for a free festive photo session, capturing your furry friend's irresistible charm with Santa! Experience the warmth of your heart, as we showcase the most deserving of pets, where adoption fees will be waived for these select few. But that's not all - witness the raffle of the century, with prizes beyond your wildest dreams. Shop with ease at our holiday boutique and peruse our famed Adopt a Plant booth. Satisfy your cravings with our delectable bake sale, knowing that all proceeds will benefit our beloved homeless pets.

Local Resident Hosting A Unique Yard Sale
NO MONEY - Just Food Donations!

Having A Yard Sale?
Let Us Help You Spread The Word!

This Weeks Featured Business:
My Healthy Penguin

See the full story in Issue #21

Special Offer For CucamongaConnect Readers ONLY!

Get $20 Off your first order when you use the promo code: CC20

https://myhealthypenguin.com

We 💖 Love Local Businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "CucamongaConnect" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Rancho Cucamonga together!

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