Noteworthy

La Sierra University is launching a quantum-safe VPN pilot this June, positioning it among the first U.S. universities to pursue a fully quantum-secure campus network ahead of an anticipated 2030 commercial quantum computing era.

A new UCR study found that soil fungi survived virtually untouched beneath the 2020 Dome Fire's burn scar, suggesting fungal loss is not what's preventing Joshua tree recovery after the 43,000-acre blaze.

The Barbie Sports Club Truck will make a one-day stop at Galleria at Tyler this Saturday, May 30 (10 AM–7 PM), selling exclusive athletic-inspired apparel, accessories, and drinkware.

Riverside County honored RCCD's Elena Baca-Santa Cruz with its District 5 Community Champion and Women of Impact recognition, celebrating her 15-plus years serving all three colleges and her elected role on the Moreno Valley City Council.

UCR's School of Business is launching the only fully online MBA in the UC system based in Southern California this fall, offering working professionals a flexible path to a UC degree entirely from home or work.

Public Works is seeking community input on the South Main Complete Streets Project, which would bring bike lanes, diagonal parking, and traffic calming improvements to Main Street between Third Street and SR-60.

RCC's Natalie Vázquez has been named a 2026 Classified Employee of the Year by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office — one of only six selected statewide and the first in Riverside Community College District history to receive the honor.

A UCR School of Medicine professor explains the new Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, now a WHO public health emergency, noting the rare Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine and carries a roughly 35% fatality rate.

High School Summer Pass returns to Planet Fitness this summer, offering teens ages 14–19 free gym access June 1–August 31 with pre-registration now open.

The largest Rubik's Cube competition in California history comes to the Riverside Convention Center May 23–25, with ~1,000 attendees expected and free spectator admission.

RCC's LHSS Club launched a "Resource Gram" initiative, partnering with Umoja, Rainbow Engagement Center, La Casa, and other campus programs to distribute information cards connecting students — especially LGBTQ, undocumented, and students of color — with academic, wellness, and community support services.

La Sierra University awarded a record $1.1 million in scholarships to nearly 350 students during its annual Endowed Scholarships and Awards Ceremony on April 30, with funds drawn from 147 donor-based and institutional scholarship funds.