Voice of the People: The Truth about the Highgrove Metrolink StationThe $75,000,000 Federal Grant should be withheld until a by R. A. “Barney” Barnett - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Voice of the People: The Truth about the Highgrove Metrolink StationThe $75,000,000 Federal Grant should be withheld until a

By R. A. “Barney” Barnett ,
November 6, 2013 at 12:39pm. Views: 65

Thousands of Metrolink trains have passed through Highgrove since July 15, 2006, when commuter train service increased from 5 to 7 days a week between San Bernardino and Riverside. And for 12 years, both sides of the county line have supported a Metrolink stop at Highgrove. The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) spent over $16 million to buy two pieces of vacant land that are only one mile apart! RCTC bought 17.22 acres at Highgrove to build a track to connect the Perris Valley Line track to the BNSF main line. Then RCTC bought 9.75 acres one mile away at Marlborough Ave. for a total of $16,771,000. But only one is needed. RCTC’s Highgrove property could be used to connect the two railroads AND a Metrolink station. Deceptive Procedure: RCTC was required to pay $8,625,000 at Highgrove but are only charging 38% of the actual cost to the Perris Valley Line in order to qualify for a $75 million Federal Grant. They claim the remaining 62% of their property, or $5,347,500, is “an uneconomic remnant." But RCTC’s “uneconomic remnant” is the same Highgrove property where the public has asked for a Metrolink stop for the last 12 years! The Highgrove Metrolink location is perfect and will serve commuters in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties by using existing Metrolink trains that now pass through Colton, Grand Terrace and Highgrove 7 days a week. The Colton Flyover will allow more future commuter trains between San Bernardino and Riverside but future commuters will not be able to get between Marlborough Ave. and San Bernardino. A savings of $19,145,310 can be made if Marlborough Ave. was sold and the Highgrove property was used for the curved track AND the station. The above figures can be verified by going to: www.highgrovehappenings.net. Click on Metrolink and “RCTC Letters” to show the actual RCTC letters and the costs involved. PLEASE E-MAIL THE FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION ADMINISTRATION at: leslie.rogers@dot.gov and: peter.rogoff@dot.gov CONGRESSMAN GARY MILLER can be reached at: sarah.benoit@mail.house.gov SENATORS FEINSTEIN AND BOXER can be reached by just typing in their names. For more information please call 951-683-4994

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 501

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 583

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 500

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 309

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 526

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 679

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 649

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 734

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 504

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 447

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 725

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 358

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->