In This Issue of the CucamongaConnect Newsletter

🌧️ Today’s Weather

🍓 Rancho Cucamonga Residents Rally to Save Beloved Strawberry Farm from Apartment Complex Proposal

🚨 Upland CEO Faces Major Legal Battle Over Consumer Fraud Charges

🎉 Things To Do

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

Rancho Cucamonga Residents Rally to Save Beloved Strawberry Farm from Apartment Complex Proposal

In Rancho Cucamonga, a proposal to construct over 300 apartments at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Grove Avenue is facing opposition from local residents. This development threatens the existence of Nicolson Farms Strawberries, a cherished local strawberry farm that has been a fixture at 8112 Foothill Blvd for 36 years. Kyle Nicolson, the farm owner, shared that his family has been operating the farm for 75 years, originally in Ontario before relocating to Rancho Cucamonga. The farm, currently under a lease, might have to relocate if the city approves the proposed development.

This development is part of a broader trend where agricultural lands are being repurposed for housing, warehouses, and commercial projects. Nicolson expressed concern about the potential loss of the farm, which represents not just his livelihood but also a piece of local heritage. During a community meeting, about 40 residents voiced their disapproval of the plan, with some expressing fears that such developments could transform the city's character, likening it to Downtown Los Angeles.

California's farmland is rapidly decreasing, with approximately 50,000 acres lost annually. Urban development converted around 38,000 acres of farmland in the state between 2016 and 2018. Notably, two recent projects in Ontario also repurposed farmland for urban use, including the development of housing and a middle school on 113 acres of land, which included prime farmland.

Nicolson Farms, a family-owned and operated enterprise, leases its land from the San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland, which is considering selling the property to developers. The farm employs 20 to 30 people during the strawberry season and offers a "you-pick" program for visitors, along with selling additional fresh produce.

The proposed development includes a 308-unit apartment complex with a mix of one to three-bedroom units and 14,704 square feet of retail space. Plans also call for 521 parking spaces. Residents have raised concerns about parking, traffic congestion, and the loss of green space at the community meeting.

Jennifer Nakamura, the deputy city planner, explained that the property is zoned for mixed housing and retail development as per the city's 2010 General Plan. She highlighted that mixed-use developments are environmentally beneficial by reducing car usage and greenhouse gas emissions. The project is currently under environmental review, with the next step involving the city’s Design Review Committee. The city is engaging the community early in the process to address concerns and guide future discussions about the development.

Originally reported in the Daily Bulletin

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

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.

This Weeks Featured Business:
My Healthy Penguin

See the full story in Issue #21

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