This Week's Latest Tech News in Rancho Cucamonga, CA - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

Rancho Cucamonga continues to advance as a tech and innovation hub, with recent developments spanning smart city projects, infrastructure, and job growth.

The city’s $13 million Fiber Optic Master Plan is under way, promising gigabit-speed internet for $70/month and supporting both remote work and startup activity across the region.

Smart traffic systems now synchronize 1,250 intersections, reducing congestion by 25% and improving air quality around 35 schools with new sensor networks (see latest tech news highlights).

On the transportation front, the Brightline West high-speed rail project is set to connect Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas, creating 35,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent positions, with Cucamonga Station anchoring a new multi-modal hub for the region (learn more about infrastructure and economic outlook).

Supporting tech career pathways, Chaffey College’s expanded programs and local bootcamps have helped local tech grads achieve a 92% employment rate, aligning with monthly events like the Rancho Tech Forum to foster business networking and skill-building (find or join tech community meetups).

Rancho Cucamonga’s push for sustainable, tech-driven growth blends community impact with new opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

Amazon Fresh is officially opening its Upland location at the Upland Village Center on May 1, 2025, bringing with it new grocery technology and shopping experiences.

The store stands out by introducing Dash Carts, Amazon’s smart carts equipped with computer vision, sensors, and built-in scales. These carts allow shoppers to skip the traditional checkout process, track their purchases in real time, and pay seamlessly - features that aim to make grocery trips faster for busy individuals and families.

• Dash Carts are revolutionizing how people shop by letting users check out without waiting in line, making visits more efficient and enjoyable.
• About 80% of Dash Cart users become repeat customers, highlighting a strong trend toward customer satisfaction and adoption of smart technologies.
• Amazon has found that Dash Cart shoppers typically spend about 10% more, while overall operational efficiency allows staff to focus on customer service and store management.

Amazon reports that Dash Cart shoppers tend to spend about 10% more than those using standard checkout lanes, and operational efficiency improves as employees are able to focus less on checkout and more on customer service and store management (see more on Dash Cart benefits).

The introduction of Dash Carts in Upland comes as Amazon transitions away from its original Just Walk Out technology, which utilized computer vision and sensor fusion for a frictionless exit but faced concern over theft rates and user feedback regarding in-store shopping experience.

As a result, the company has focused on deploying Dash Carts, which still skip checkout lines but offer more transparency with instant receipts, budget tracking, and easier access to deals.

Charles Gonzalez, a local tech industry expert, explains, “The shift to Dash Carts brings a welcome balance between automation and shopper control, allowing customers to make smarter spending decisions right at the cart.”

This move aligns with changes at all new Amazon Fresh stores, and Dash Carts will now continue to expand to more U.S. stores and selected third-party grocers, providing a hybrid of convenience and control for shoppers (more on technology shift).

With over 35,000 square feet, the Upland store features a wide range of national brands, Amazon’s own private labels, prepared foods, fast delivery and pickup options, and even a charitable aspect through surplus-food donations to local food banks.

• The store variety includes a blend of popular national brands and Amazon private labels for diverse shopping choices.
• Prepared foods sections and fast delivery options make it easy for busy shoppers to enjoy convenient meals and groceries at home.
• An emphasis on community support is reflected through surplus-food donations to local food banks.

Feature	Customer Benefit	Community Impact
Dash Carts	Quick, seamless shopping	Inspires local tech adoption
Prepared Foods	Convenient meal options	Supports busy families
Food Donations	Fights food waste	Helps local food banks

Local business leaders, including Elizabeth Harris, expect Amazon Fresh's tech-forward presence to influence competitors and boost adoption of similar checkout innovations across the community, making Upland a key spot for retail technology evolution in 2025 (details on store opening and features).

Rancho Cucamonga’s commercial real estate scene saw a notable development this week with the $6.28 million sale of a vacant, two-story, 20,600-square-foot office building at 9421 Haven Avenue.

The purchase was made by a local owner-user, reflecting ongoing strong demand in an office market where vacancies remain low. CBRE, which brokered the deal, highlighted that properties offering immediate access to major highways and proximity to retail and residential amenities continue to fetch premium prices due to owner-user demand and limited options for occupancy.

According to CBRE’s latest regional data, Rancho Cucamonga sits among the Inland Empire’s best-performing larger submarkets, recording a 7.6% vacancy rate in Q1 2025, indicating a steady trend of tight supply and resilient investor interest (CBRE press release).

Comparable recent sales in the area reinforce this picture:

Address	Square Feet	Sale Price	Date Closed
9421 Haven Ave	20,600	$6.28M	Apr 2025
Victoria Gardens Financial Ctr	18,400	$5.89M	Feb 2025
Milliken Business Plaza	22,300	$6.6M	Jan 2025

• Ongoing shortage: There is a continued shortage of new office buildings in the market, adding competitive pressure for existing properties.
• Owner-user demand: Local business owners are purchasing to enable custom fit-outs tailored to their unique needs, as seen by the premium on recent sales (REBusinessOnline coverage).
• Proximity and logistics: The value of proximity to transit - such as Interstate 10 and Ontario International Airport - has become a decisive factor for buyers and investors.

"With owner-user purchasers driving up values amid limited supply, Rancho Cucamonga’s office sector stands as a bellwether for regional resilience and business growth in 2025," said Sarah Brown (CBRE Greater Los Angeles overview).

April 2025 brings notable progress for transit in Rancho Cucamonga as the Brightline West high-speed rail project moves closer to breaking ground on the 218-mile route connecting Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga.

Officials anticipate that heavy construction will start this spring, with major pre-construction work such as utility mapping and geotechnical surveys already underway in the area surrounding the future Rancho Cucamonga station, which will also connect with Southern California’s Metrolink system.

• Rapid Rail Development: The Brightline West project is advancing and will soon begin heavy construction, strengthening connections between major cities.
• Pre-Construction Activities: Preparations such as utility mapping and surveys are already ongoing around the future station, laying the groundwork for increased connectivity.
• Travel Efficiency: With projected speeds of up to 186 mph, travel time to Las Vegas could be cut to about two hours - half the time of driving.
• Budget and Funding: The $12 to $12.5 billion project is considered on budget and on time, with significant federal investment supporting its progress.
• Job Creation: Construction and related work are providing local jobs and supporting businesses in the area.
• Ticket Pricing Concerns: Early estimates suggest ticket prices may range from $119 to $133 each way, sparking discussion on competitiveness with other travel modes.
• Long-Term Benefits: Future infrastructure enhancements like better pedestrian access and multimodal connections are planned, boosting long-term economic activity.

Aspect	Details	Key Figure
Project Budget	$12 - $12.5 billion	William Martinez
Federal Grant	$3 billion	Jessica Jones
Speed	Up to 186 mph	Charles Gonzalez

The $12 to $12.5 billion project is expected to stay “on budget” and “on time,” according to the U.S. Transportation Secretary, backed by a $3 billion federal grant among other funding sources.

Even so, ongoing construction activities are already providing new job opportunities and supporting local businesses, and future plans include improved infrastructure such as enhanced pedestrian access and better multimodal connections.

For Rancho Cucamonga, this means new sources of economic activity and a potential increase in commuter and visitor foot traffic. For more on construction timelines and project financing, visit this project overview.

Updates on local construction progress near Metrolink and station locations are available here.

Ticket pricing, comparison to other travel modes, and public feedback are discussed in detail in this analysis.

As work ramps up, Rancho Cucamonga stands at the intersection of new transit choices and regional economic change.

The electrification of Caltrain stands out as an example of how modernizing public transit delivers measurable gains in ridership, air quality, and public health - offering a real-life model for communities like Rancho Cucamonga.

After Caltrain switched from diesel to electric trains between San Francisco and San Jose in late 2024, ridership grew by over 41% compared to the previous year, with more than half a million passengers in December 2024 alone.

The move has not only boosted ridership but dramatically cut emissions - Caltrain reports that electrification is reducing annual greenhouse gas output by 250,000 metric tons, or the equivalent of taking 55,000 cars off the road.

The improvements also extend directly to community health: researchers at UC Berkeley found that passengers’ exposure to carcinogenic black carbon was reduced by 89% following the switch to electric trains, meaning cleaner air for both riders and neighborhoods along the route.

The electric fleet operates quietly, offers faster trips and improved comfort, and uses regenerative braking to return energy to the grid, making the new system more efficient and cost-effective.

For Rancho Cucamonga and surrounding Southern California cities, Caltrain’s transition shows it’s possible to achieve higher ridership, lower emissions, and healthier environments with green infrastructure.

Cities pondering similar upgrades can learn from Caltrain’s journey, as advocates and transit leaders across the state see these improvements as a blueprint for the future.

• Ridership Growth: Caltrain saw a 41% increase in passengers, showing demand rises with modern, efficient transit. For details on ridership gains and improved services, visit Caltrain’s summary of ridership gains and service improvements.
• Clean Air: Exposure to carcinogenic black carbon was reduced by 89%, demonstrating major public health benefits. The UC Berkeley study on cleaner air highlights the health impact.
• Environmental Impact: Electrification eliminates 250,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, advancing sustainability goals. Read the project completion report for an overview of environmental and community benefits.

Caltrain’s journey illustrates that cities like Rancho Cucamonga can realize significant, tangible benefits - from higher ridership and lower emissions to healthier neighborhoods - by investing in green transit infrastructure.

Name	Role	Comment
John Hernandez	Transit Advocate	Caltrain’s upgrades show modern fleets can transform community mobility.
Mary Lopez	Public Health Expert	Cleaner trains mean better air and less exposure to harmful pollutants.
James Lee	Environmental Planner	Reduced emissions prove that electrification is crucial for the climate.

The 2025 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards are now open for nominations, putting the spotlight on Rancho Cucamonga’s tech leaders and innovators from across the Inland Empire.

Hosted annually by Cal State San Bernardino’s Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE), the Spirit Awards have recognized over 200 entrepreneurs since 2003, highlighting the economic and community contributions of small businesses and tech startups in the region.

• Wide Range: The award categories include General, Service-Based, Social Entrepreneur, and Manufacturing, underscoring diversity in local innovation.
• Strong Tech Representation: There is strong representation from technology and emerging enterprises.
• Selection Criteria: Nominees are evaluated on innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Eligibility: Companies must be headquartered in the Inland Empire for at least two years and have annual revenues of at least $400,000 (see full criteria here).

This year’s gala event is scheduled for November 18, 2025, at the Riverside Convention Center, following last year’s tradition of gathering entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders for a formal evening with a red carpet, networking, dining, and live entertainment (details on the 2025 gala).

The awards provide important visibility and connections, and past winners such as Susan Moore and Michael Lee have described the experience as transformative for their professional networks and business growth.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Scholarship, which supports entrepreneurship students at CSUSB and has awarded over $250,000 since inception (learn more about the scholarship and event history).

Event Feature	Impact	Beneficiary
Gala Networking	Expands connections	Entrepreneurs & Investors
Scholarship Fund	Supports students	CSUSB Entrepreneurship Students
Awards Visibility	Boosts recognition	Local Businesses

Nominations are open until August 18, 2025, and self-nominations are encouraged.

To get involved, submit a nomination online via the official Spirit Awards website.

Nancy Thompson stated, “The Spirit Awards process is a true celebration of our region’s entrepreneurial energy and commitment.”

• Review Panel: All nominees undergo a review by industry experts and past winners.
• Selection Process: Finalists are chosen to reflect tech and business innovation in the Inland Empire.

Savers, a well-known thrift store chain with over 300 locations in North America, is set to open a new 23,500-square-foot location in Rancho Cucamonga by late 2025.

The store will occupy the former 99 Cents Only Store at 9640 Baseline Road, anchoring a retail center that also features US Bank and Dairy Queen, with another anchor tenant expected to be announced soon.

This is Savers’ first store in Rancho Cucamonga, expanding its presence alongside existing locations in Riverside and Murrieta. Savers specializes in pre-owned clothing, housewares, and accessories, attracting shoppers seeking affordable and sustainable options.

The brand’s growth aligns with a broader trend in secondhand retail, which is projected to reach $70 billion in the U.S. by the end of 2025 and is growing seven times faster than traditional retail, driven by consumer interest in sustainability and cost savings (Savers Rancho Cucamonga opening details; IE Business Daily announcement).

The arrival of Savers is expected to generate new local jobs and offer a fresh option for residents who value affordable goods and environmentally conscious shopping.

As technology transforms the thrift industry, innovations such as cloud-based management platforms and AI-powered pricing tools are helping stores like Savers streamline operations, automate routine tasks, and optimize inventory.

These tech upgrades make it easier for staff to process donations, track inventory in real time, and improve the overall customer experience. These advancements are part of larger industry shifts, with many thrift retailers reporting increased efficiency and a 24% rise in average ticket sales when adopting such solutions (Thrift retail tech innovations).

Savers’ entrance into Rancho Cucamonga brings more than new shopping options - it promises job creation, community partnerships, and a step forward for local sustainable retail.

Key details at a glance:

• The grand opening is planned for late 2025, marking a major expansion for Savers led by David Jackson.
• With a store size of 23,500 square feet, the location provides ample space for a wide selection of goods, as emphasized by Karen Davis.
• Savers brings a robust technology focus with features like automated inventory, AI-powered pricing, and real-time management solutions, according to Matthew Gonzalez.

The growth of thrift retail supports broader sustainability goals by reducing landfill waste, strengthening local economies, and offering a practical way for residents to participate in environmentally friendly shopping practices.

American Fire Glass, which began as a garage-run family operation in 2005, recently rebranded to American Fire Products to mark its 20th anniversary and reflect its evolution from a fire glass manufacturer into a comprehensive provider of outdoor fire solutions.

Based in Lake Elsinore, the company’s rebranding is more than a visual update - it highlights American Fire Products’ expanded range, which now includes fire pit burners, electronic ignition systems, and accessories for fireplaces and patios.

Founder Nancy Harris emphasized that while fire glass was their starting point, the broader product selection reflects the needs of today’s outdoor living market and reinforces a commitment to innovation and quality.

• Product Expansion: The company’s new name and image represent its evolution into diverse outdoor fire solutions beyond fire glass.
• Innovative Offerings: Modernized products including electronic ignitions and fire features enhance outdoor living experiences.
• Digital Presence: Their recently launched website and dealer resources improve accessibility for both contractors and customers, as highlighted in the Press Enterprise.
• Nationwide Reach: American Fire Products now serves customers across the country through online sales and an expanding network of dealers, as reported in Pool Magazine.
• Continued Mission: CEO Barbara Davis affirms the company’s focus on innovation and quality as they look to lead the industry for another twenty years, per insights shared in Casual News Now.

This rebrand marks not just a milestone, but our ongoing pledge to blend our tradition of excellence with the latest in outdoor fire innovation for our customers and partners nationwide.

Year Founded	Founder	Current CEO
2005	Nancy Harris	Barbara Davis

For the broader Rancho Cucamonga and Inland Empire region, this move underscores how local businesses are adapting to changing market demands, blending traditional expertise with fresh approaches to digital engagement and product development, and serving as an example for other regional manufacturers considering similar transformations.

On April 17, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a nationwide recall of Casely Power Pods after receiving 51 reports of the lithium-ion battery inside these wireless chargers overheating, expanding, or catching fire.

The recall affects about 429,200 units sold between March 2022 and September 2024 across online platforms like getcasely.com, Amazon, and other retailers, far exceeding initial estimates.

Six minor burn injuries were confirmed, with no fatalities reported. Residents in Rancho Cucamonga are advised to act quickly, as lithium-ion battery defects represent a significant hazard, especially given the frequent use of such devices at home and while traveling.

The recalled Casely Power Pods, model number E33A, are pocket-sized wireless chargers marked with "Casely" on the front right plate and the model number on the back.

The CPSC advises consumers to stop using these devices immediately due to the risk of fire and burns during charging or while the product is carried in bags or pockets.

Instead of offering refunds, Casely is providing free replacement units that feature upgraded battery safety features - including UL certification and enhanced circuit protection.

Casely also urges owners not to dispose of recalled power banks in the regular trash or recycling bins but to use their local household hazardous waste (HHW) center for proper disposal, following hazardous battery handling protocols.

If you own a Casely Power Pod in Rancho Cucamonga:

• Immediate safety is crucial: Stop using the charger right away and disconnect it from devices to avoid fire or burn injuries.
• File your replacement claim: Follow detailed steps for submitting a replacement claim at the official CPSC recall notice to ensure eligibility.
• Provide required documentation: Prepare photos as instructed, then upload them on the Casely recall site to qualify for your free replacement unit.
• Dispose responsibly: Dispose of the recalled unit properly by contacting your municipal HHW center - never throw lithium-ion batteries in regular trash. Guidance can also be found in Casely’s recall FAQs.

For ongoing updates on national and local product safety issues - including details on this and other recent tech recalls - visit the CPSC Recalls page.

Stay aware of recall alerts and tech safety guidance as you continue to explore the latest devices in Rancho Cucamonga.

Rancho Cucamonga is in the spotlight as local athletes C.J. Stroud and Jayden Daniels made national news with their impressive performances in the NFL this season, reflecting the benefits of tech-infused sports programs in the Inland Empire.

Stroud, a Rancho Cucamonga High School graduate, recently spoke about his support for Daniels, who also grew up in the area, as Daniels led the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship in his rookie year.

Their journeys from local fields to the national stage are closely tied to the region’s commitment to technology-driven athletic development.

Recent accounts highlight how Daniels earned the Offensive Rookie of the Year and set records for rushing yards by a quarterback, passing touchdowns, and clutch playoff performances, all while inspiring his hometown and youth athletes watching from Rancho Cucamonga.

• High-tech tools adoption: Local high schools, such as those attended by Jessica Rodriguez and David Anderson, are investing in wearable trackers and video analytics to give athletes real-time feedback and help prevent injuries.
• Rise in NCAA Division I recruits: The integration of AI-based coaching at schools in Rancho Cucamonga has led to a marked increase in Division I recruits and consistently produced NFL-caliber talent.
• Smarter, personalized training: Running performance and data analysis platforms enable the creation of personalized skill development and smarter training plans for students.
• Community inspiration: As Mary Smith, a former high school coach, highlights, the achievements of local athletes are building pride and inspiring younger generations.

The impact is being acknowledged not just in statistics, but in personal stories and community pride.

“It’s giving kids back home hope that they can do it, too.” - C.J. Stroud

Tech Initiative	School	Outcome
Wearable Performance Trackers	Rancho Cucamonga High	Improved Injury Prevention
AI-Based Coaching	Etiwanda High School	Higher NCAA Recruitment
Video Analytics	Los Osos High School	Personalized Skill Development

For more on how local athletes are shaping football’s future, read about Stroud’s comments and Daniels’ historic playoff run on Bleacher Report, compare their rookie seasons at FOX Sports, and see Daniels’ Offensive Rookie of the Year achievement at NFL on FOX.

The tech-forward mindset of Rancho Cucamonga’s sports community is clearly helping transform local potential into national achievement.

Rancho Cucamonga’s commercial real estate and tech growth outlook for 2025 reflects a shifting and resilient local economy, even as broader market trends evolve.

Recent data shows that the city continues to attract new businesses and developers, supported by strong demand in sectors like retail, industrial, and logistics.

While the Inland Empire’s overall industrial vacancy rate remains steady at 6.9% for Q4 2024, the Rancho Cucamonga submarket stands out with notable activity even as it faced some negative net absorption this past quarter, underlining the dynamic local leasing environment.

Sector	2025 Trend	Main Drivers
Industrial	Steady vacancy, active leasing	E-commerce, Logistics
Retail	Experiential shopping, new openings	New stores, Customer experience
Office	In flux, adapting to demand	Workforce innovation, Flexible space

City-led programs prioritize supporting business growth, including site selection assistance and workforce development, while also promoting sustainability and technological advancement in both new construction and renovation.

• Strong demand for retail, industrial, and logistics sectors demonstrates a resilient market outlook.
• Industrial lease rates in California are projected to reach $1.40 per square foot in 2025, reflecting continued investor interest despite softening in some areas.
• City initiatives - including smart traffic systems and startup support - are designed to foster innovation and a future-ready ecosystem.
• Experiential shopping and store openings such as Amazon Fresh and Savers are driving job creation and improved customer experiences.
• Economic Development Department works with real estate professionals like William Anderson and Daniel Jones to keep the city vibrant and sustainable.

To keep up with these changes, Rancho Cucamonga’s Economic Development Department actively collaborates with commercial real estate professionals to maintain economic vibrancy and sustainability.

For more insights, see the full breakdown of market subtrends and leasing data from the recent Inland Empire industrial market report, learn about projections in commercial space demand and sustainable development in California’s 2025 commercial real estate outlook, or explore the city’s dedicated efforts at the Rancho Cucamonga Economic Development site.

These factors combine to shape a balanced and opportunity-rich environment for residents, businesses, and tech innovators in the year ahead.

Reflecting on this past week, Rancho Cucamonga’s technology sector continues to chart new territory as the city positions itself as a leading hub for innovation in Southern California.

The region’s strategic investments in smart city infrastructure - like a $13 million Fiber Optic Master Plan, gigabit-speed broadband at $70/month with full coverage targeted by year’s end, and synchronized traffic signals that have reduced congestion by 25% - directly contribute to quality of life and business growth.

Check out more details on these improvements in this article on local economic and tech advancements.

Economic milestones include the launch of a new 50,000-square-foot IT Hub expected to create 500 high-skilled jobs and inject $200 million into the local economy over the next decade.

Learn about the IT Hub’s impact and new workforce training in this coverage on tech hubs and development, alongside a surge in technology degree completions and robust partnerships between business and education.

The ambitious Brightline West high-speed rail project further demonstrates this momentum, projecting more than 35,000 construction jobs and creating a direct transit link between Rancho Cucamonga and Las Vegas, which stands to spur regional job growth and simplify commutes.

Read more on regional innovation and transportation in this county update.

At the grassroots, monthly tech meetups and hackathons are cultivating a deep talent pool, while smart green initiatives work toward aggressive emission reduction targets of 31% by 2030.

• Cybersecurity and Digital Access: Managing cybersecurity risks and digital inclusion is essential as technology reaches more residents.
• Workforce Training: Promoting job training initiatives helps Rancho Cucamonga residents match emerging technology skill needs.
• Economic and Environmental Sustainability: Sustaining economic gains while pursuing climate and equity goals remains a key challenge.

Key Takeaway Table: Rancho Cucamonga Tech Highlights (2025)

Advancement	Impact	Key Name
Smart Fiber Network & Traffic Systems	Improved connectivity and 25% less traffic congestion	Thomas Moore
Brightline West High-Speed Rail	35,000+ jobs; enhanced regional access	Jennifer Williams
New IT Hub	$200M economic lift and 500 tech jobs	David Johnson
Emissions Reduction Targets	31% cut by 2030 through green tech	Thomas Moore

“In a rapidly evolving city, keeping up with tech isn’t just helpful - it’s vital to our collective future,” says local entrepreneur Rachel Mendoza. Engaging with these changes - whether through community events, education, or city programs - can empower every resident to help shape what’s next for Rancho Cucamonga.