Riverside County public health officials confirmed a measles outbreak Thursday in the western part of the county. The outbreak remains localized for now, but the virus’s high transmissibility has clinics and schools scrambling to contain it.

Officials with the Riverside County Department of Public Health reported initial cases tied to unvaccinated individuals. Symptoms start with high fever, cough and runny nose, progressing to a red rash days later. “Check your records today,” health director Kim Saruwatari said in a statement. “Vaccination is the best defense.” The county, a key commuter zone between Los Angeles and Inland Empire hubs, prioritizes rapid response to limit spread.

Shoppers at Moreno Valley Mall face sudden changes. Inspectors issued red tags on several wings this week after finding severe fire safety violations, including faulty sprinklers and blocked exits. The mall, long a retail anchor in the city of Moreno Valley, must halt operations in affected areas until repairs meet code. Developers have 30 days to submit fix plans, according to city building officials.

Drivers on the 91 Freeway through central Riverside County should expect prolonged headaches. Caltrans announced upgrades to boost traffic flow and safety, with work stretching into 2027. Nighttime lane closures and cone setups begin next month, promising 18 months of delays during peak hours. “Plan alternate routes,” a Caltrans spokesperson advised.

San Bernardino County notched a record Friday, with employment topping 1 million jobs for the first time. The milestone caps growth in logistics warehouses, hospitals and universities, officials said. Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin secured a settlement that day in Superior Court against Vivint Solar. The company agreed to pay $1.5 million after accusations it misled customers on solar panel costs and savings. “Consumers deserve straight talk on home upgrades,” Hestrin said.

UC Riverside broke ground on the SoCal OASIS Park, a center for green technology and clean energy research. The project, dubbed Opportunity to Advance Sustainability Innovation and Social Inclusion, draws $50 million in state and private funds. Planners aim to position the Inland Empire as a green economy leader by 2030.

Big Bear Lake mourns Sandy Steers, who died Wednesday at 62. As executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, she popularized the bald eagle cam featuring Jackie and Shadow. Viewership hit millions annually, funneling donations into wildlife protection. “She brought our eagles to the world,” said board chair Tom Leary.

These developments highlight the Inland Empire’s mix of challenges and progress. Health alerts demand vigilance. Construction tests patience. Yet job gains and innovation projects signal resilience as Southern California’s dry spell ends with sunny weekends ahead.