This Month's Latest Tech News in San Bernardino, CA - Wednesday April 30th 2025 Edition

This April marked a remarkable period for San Bernardino's tech landscape, defined by rapid advances in logistics, clean transportation, and homegrown innovation.

Major logistics developments, including Maersk's 1.2 million sq. ft. deal in Hesperia and Goodyear's facility expansion in Victorville, have leveraged abundant land and talent, pushing the High Desert to the forefront of national warehousing and distribution industrial growth.

At the heart of this transformation, San Bernardino fosters entrepreneurial breakthroughs - electric motorcycle maker Ryvid, space tech startup Fenix Space, and Suveg Cellars are diversifying the economy while fueling job creation and local expertise.

As Ryvid CEO Dong Tran notes,

“Our workforce reflects a rich blend of personal and professional backgrounds, and San Bernardino provides a strong talent pool that helps us advance a sustainable future for urban transportation.”

Alongside these achievements, the city is investing in hydrogen-powered rail, zero-emission buses, and integrated regional development, positioning itself as Southern California's innovation gateway with global reach and local appeal.

For a closer look at the unique blend of startups, infrastructure, and community support shaping this transformation, explore detailed local business case studies profiling San Bernardino's innovators.

Amid San Bernardino's ambitions to ride the AI wave, California's energy policies are threatening the state's - and the region's - position as a tech innovation hub.

With AI data centers consuming energy at unprecedented rates - AI servers alone draw up to 10 times more power than standard servers - legislators are now debating bills regulating their rapid expansion and resource impact.

The state's restrictive permitting for new generation, high energy costs, and moratorium on nuclear power are incentivizing major tech players like Microsoft to invest elsewhere, while lawmakers mull regional electricity market changes that could weaken California's clean energy controls.

Furthermore, backup diesel generators, greenlighted by regulatory exemptions, are contributing to public health burdens through air pollutants linked to asthma and heart attacks.

As shown below, legislative efforts aim to balance innovation and sustainability, but critics warn the stakes for San Bernardino and the Inland Empire could escalate as energy-hungry tech facilities grow.

Policy/Trend	Impact
Moratorium on New Nuclear	Drives AI data centers to states like Texas and Virginia for reliable, carbon-free energy
SB 57, SB 58, AB 222 (2025)	Exclusive electric rates, green tax credits, and energy use reporting for data centers
Diesel Generator Approvals	Over 1 GW in backup power, raising pollution and health concerns

As UCSB's Prof. Eric Masanet observes, "AI's energy consumption is expected to keep growing. Alignment with sustainable energy deployment is crucial to avoid fossil fuel dependency."

As San Bernardino stands at a crossroads, energy policy will ultimately decide whether the region keeps pace or loses its competitive edge in the AI boom.

For a deeper dive into energy policy and local legislative moves, see how energy challenges threaten California's AI edge, new bills targeting data center growth and resource use, and the public health impact of AI-driven data center pollution.

Cal State San Bernardino (CSUSB) is rolling out ChatGPT Edu, joining a transformative, systemwide initiative that grants over 460,000 California State University students and 63,000 faculty and staff across 23 campuses secure, no-cost access to OpenAI's leading generative AI platform through July 2026.

The deployment began for CSUSB faculty and staff on March 24, with student access starting April 14, marking the largest academic AI rollout of its kind and aiming to bridge equity and accessibility gaps in higher education.

ChatGPT Edu offers robust privacy protections - student and campus data remain private and are not used to train OpenAI models - and features advanced tools like document summarization, coding, data analysis, language translation, and live internet search through single sign-on integration with MyCoyote.

Despite enthusiastic adoption, the $16.9 million initiative has received mixed reactions from faculty, with some lauding its innovation and others voicing concerns over academic integrity, environmental sustainability, and the necessity for clear curricular policies and transparency.

As one leader noted,

“We're in the middle of a critical transition - one where broad access to AI is essential infrastructure for education.”

For students and educators eager to harness the platform, CSUSB provides a variety of support resources and tutorials, as summarized below.

Feature	Details
Access	Free for students, faculty, staff; SSO via MyCoyote
Core Tools	GPT-4o, live search, analytics, code, translation, project management
Privacy	Data not shared with OpenAI for training; SOC 2 Type 2 compliance
Usage Limits	10 GPT-4o prompts per 5 hours; unlimited GPT-4o mini after cap

To see how CSUSB is shaping AI-powered education in San Bernardino, explore the official ChatGPT Edu announcement at California State University San Bernardino, the broader California State University AI Commons news and analysis, and insights on the deployment's national significance at IBL News coverage of CSU ChatGPT integration.

This month, the Inland Empire's healthcare landscape takes a leap forward as Equiva partners with Belong.Life to deploy validated conversational AI health mentors across provider settings - impacting San Bernardino patients and caregivers alike.

The partnership enables seamless access, via mobile and tablets, to AI mentors like Dave (for cancer care), Fred (for weight management), and others, offering instant, empathetic, and medically-informed guidance 24/7.

These AI companions empower patients to ask real-time health questions, prepare for doctor visits, translate medical documents, and receive discharge support or emotional coaching - all tailored and scalable for diverse care settings.

As described by experts, this technology "...guides them, prepares them for meetings with physicians… had I not known that Dave is an AI consultant, I would have thought he is a physician with expertise in multiple cancer subtypes.

Very impressive!”

“The accuracy of the AI replies to the patients' questions, while being extensive and yet clear to understand, is a major step towards a better experience to our patients... we are not far from the day when the AI will provide similar quality of patient's support, if not better.”

Belong.Life's tools leverage over 2 billion patient data points, with swift five-second response times and customization to individual provider guidelines.

For a closer look at how these AI health mentors are transforming patient engagement, read the official Equiva and Belong.Life partnership announcement, learn more about how AI mentors support chronic illness patients, or explore the broader industry impact of integrating Belong.Life's AI into Equiva's platforms.

San Bernardino stands to benefit significantly from the forthcoming merger of California Coast Credit Union and San Diego County Credit Union, creating California's fourth-largest credit union - and the sixteenth largest in the nation - with nearly $13.5 billion in combined assets, over 1,400 employees, and 65 branches serving nine counties including San Bernardino.

This move promises members enhanced digital banking services, greater access to branch and ATM networks, and ongoing community support, while preserving all jobs and familiar local service.

As highlighted by SDCCU CEO Teresa Campbell,

“This merger creates a partnership between two large service-oriented and financially strong credit unions with deep, rich histories throughout Southern California. Together, we can offer members, employees and the communities we serve access through expanded branches and ATMs, plus a stronger, more resilient organization that is ready and able to embrace the evolving financial services landscape.”

Both credit unions emphasize a seamless member experience with no immediate changes to accounts or cards as full systems integration extends into 2027 and the Cal Coast name is retained.

For a deeper analysis of this landmark strategic partnership, review the official LA Times merger announcement, explore member benefits at the SDCCU merger information portal, and get expert insight on the significance for digital banking in the region via Credit Union Times coverage.

Combined Metrics	Pre-Merger Totals	Post-Merger Totals
Assets	$9.1B (SDCCU) + $3.3B (Cal Coast)	~$13.5B
Branches	-	65
Employees	-	1,400+
Members	200,000 (Cal Coast) + 428,000 (SDCCU)	635,000+

In a headline-grabbing incident that sent ripples through SoCal's cybersecurity circles, hackers tampered with audio-enabled crosswalk buttons in Silicon Valley, causing these pedestrian signals to broadcast AI-generated voices eerily imitating Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.

Recorded in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Redwood City, the hacked buttons played satirical monologues where “Musk” quipped, “You know, they say money can't buy happiness… But it can buy a Cybertruck and that's pretty sick, right? F - k, I'm so alone,” and “Zuckerberg” mockingly assured, “There's absolutely nothing you can do to stop it,” referencing AI's omnipresence.

Redwood City Deputy Manager Jennifer Yamaguma reminded the public, “Tampering with city infrastructure, including crosswalk signals, is unlawful and poses a safety risk.”

Authorities swiftly disabled the audio features at 12 intersections in Palo Alto and several more in Redwood City, pending security upgrades and repairs.

The hack exploited default passwords and Bluetooth-connected devices supplied by Polara, underlining glaring vulnerabilities in infrastructure that's increasingly digitized for accessibility.

Public responses ranged from amusement at the “tech prank” to serious concern about how easily such systems could be breached, raising alarms for broader applications in smart cities.

For a detailed breakdown of locations and official responses, see the table below:

Location	Crosswalks Affected	City Action
Palo Alto	12 intersections (downtown)	Audio features disabled, repairs underway
Redwood City	4 locations	Messages disabled, security review
Menlo Park	Caltrans-operated crosswalks	Under investigation, audio off

Explore full context and city reactions in these sources: TechCrunch's cyberattack analysis of Silicon Valley crosswalk hacks, the L.A. Times' report on protest tech hacks in Silicon Valley, and Gizmodo's exploration of public and security implications of the hack.

San Francisco has reaffirmed its reputation as the nation's foremost tech hotspot, driven by a surge in venture capital and unprecedented growth in artificial intelligence startups - raising over $15 billion in 2024 alone and securing nearly half (48.79%) of all U.S. venture capital, up significantly from 2023.

This dominance is reflected by Silicon Valley's 2,300+ VC firms overseeing $106 billion in investments, fueling innovation across sectors from AI to fintech and healthcare.

While Southern California, including the Inland Empire, captured $4.8 billion in AI-related funding this year, the gap with the Bay Area remains stark due to the latter's deep talent pool and entrenched VC ecosystem.

For San Bernardino, this means both opportunity and challenge: as emerging tech sectors and demand for engineering talent grow locally, the region must leverage partnerships and tailored workforce development to attract investment and retain skilled graduates.

As summarized in the following table, California's lead has only widened:

State	2023 VC Share	2024 VC Share	Rank
California	39.69%	48.79%	1
New York	9.82%	10.57%	2
Massachusetts	12.92%	8.06%	3

As one industry leader points out,

“Building new tech hubs is challenging; Silicon Valley remains dominant. Northern California's combination of tech talent, networks, capital, and universities powers its leading position.”

For a deeper dive into California's shifting investment landscape, explore the analysis on California's growing share of U.S. venture capital, details on the Bay Area's AI-driven funding momentum, and a summary of California's vital venture capital ecosystem.

Starting May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will phase out support for iPhones running iOS versions earlier than 15.1 - a move that particularly impacts San Bernardino residents still relying on older devices like the iPhone 5s, 6, and 6 Plus.

With these models marked "obsolete" by Apple and no longer eligible for security updates or hardware service, users face an imminent loss of connectivity unless they upgrade to newer hardware.

WhatsApp cites its annual review process - which considers security, usage data, and technical compatibility - as the impetus behind this shift, stating,

“Every year, we look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users. These devices also might not have the latest security updates or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp.”

Recent feature rollouts designed to keep users safe and provide privacy - such as chat locks, enhanced disappearing messages, and tools to prevent the copying of messages - require hardware capabilities not found in decade-old devices.

Both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business users are affected, making the upgrade essential for anyone in the region reliant on the platform for personal or business communication.

The following table summarizes the impacted devices and minimum requirements:

Device Model	Last Supported iOS	WhatsApp Access After May 5, 2025
iPhone 5s	12.5.7	No
iPhone 6	12.5.7	No
iPhone 6 Plus	12.5.7	No
iPhone 7 or newer	15.1 or later	Yes

Affected users are strongly advised to upgrade to a modern iPhone model for uninterrupted service and security.

For more on what's changing and how to check your iOS version, see WABetaInfo's detailed summary of WhatsApp's support changes, a comprehensive guide from Business Today on affected iPhone models, and step-by-step advice via Newswire's coverage of device compatibility and updates.

Microsoft is making headlines with its ambitious plan to power its AI-driven data centers by restarting the dormant Unit 1 reactor at Pennsylvania's historic Three Mile Island nuclear plant, now to be renamed the Crane Clean Energy Center.

Under a 20-year, $1.6 billion agreement with Constellation Energy, Microsoft will purchase all 835 megawatts of output - enough to supply about 800,000 homes - exclusively for its growing U.S. data center footprint, including sites in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and Chicago.

By tapping carbon-free, always-on nuclear energy, the company seeks to address the surging, electricity-intensive demands of generative AI while pursuing its carbon-negative goals.

The restart process is rigorous, requiring extensive regulatory approvals and a multi-year timeline, but promises significant economic benefits for the state, with an estimated $16 billion boost to Pennsylvania's GDP and the creation of thousands of jobs.

As Bobby Hollis, Microsoft's VP of Energy, explains,

“This agreement is a major milestone in Microsoft's efforts to help decarbonize the grid… Microsoft continues to collaborate with energy providers to develop carbon-free energy sources to help meet the grids' capacity and reliability needs.”

Tech giants like AWS and Oracle are joining this nuclear resurgence, highlighting a shift in how the industry secures reliable energy.

The broader energy and infrastructure context - including comparable natural gas projects and challenges faced by competitors - underscores the pivotal nature of reliable, emission-free power for the next generation of AI. For a deeper dive into the regulatory process and economic impact, see this detailed analysis of the Three Mile Island restart, a comprehensive update on Microsoft and Constellation's nuclear power strategy, and coverage of the direct role AI demand has played in this renewed nuclear investment here.

San Bernardino's nonprofit sector is embracing artificial intelligence to enhance patient engagement, streamline operations, and safeguard sensitive data. Local organizations are gathering this month for events such as the Second Annual AI Healthcare Conference and practical AI implementation workshops, where experts like Brian Thomas Romo, MPP, are leading discussions on responsible use and policy updating.

These convenings are providing actionable strategies, including leveraging AI for improved outcomes, while also addressing challenges like data privacy and inclusivity within healthcare delivery.

The FDA continues to play a critical role in guiding safe and effective AI adoption in medical devices, outlining a clear regulatory path for innovations that can, for example, assist with diagnostic imaging or predict heart attack risk.

As summarized in their overview:

“AI and machine learning (ML) technologies have the potential to transform health care by deriving new and important insights from the vast amount of data generated during the delivery of health care every day.”

Those interested in practical knowledge will benefit from hands-on workshops like the “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Improve Nonprofit Impact” event, which focuses on applying AI while maintaining the highest standards for privacy and equity (see details at Inland Empire Community Collaborative).

The trend is clear: collaborative efforts and robust regulation are expanding AI-powered patient engagement in San Bernardino nonprofits - setting a standard others can follow (read the FDA's regulatory recommendations here).

April 2025 saw a surge of global cyberattacks that underscore a rising sense of urgency for local San Bernardino businesses and organizations to bolster their cybersecurity postures.

Landmark breaches, including the exposure of 5.5 million patient records at Yale New Haven Health and the compromise of over 4 million records in HR provider VeriSource, exemplify how vulnerabilities in third-party vendors and basic system misconfigurations put sensitive data at persistent risk.

A recent survey found that 43% of businesses worldwide faced a cyber incident in the past year, with organizations averaging 30 attacks annually - a chilling trend echoed by a 100% jump in ransomware prevalence from 2024 to 2025 and the consistent dominance of phishing attacks, which now affect over 85% of targeted businesses.

The table below summarizes several major incidents from April:

Organization	Records Affected	Data Compromised	Cause
Yale New Haven Health	5.5M	Names, SSNs, medical record numbers	Likely ransomware
Blue Shield of California	4.7M	Medical info, claims, personal identifiers	Misconfigured analytics integration
VeriSource Services	4M	Employee and dependent PII, SSNs	Email account compromise
Hertz Corporation	1M+	Customer PII, credit card, licenses	Third-party vendor breach

Recent regulatory moves by UK and US authorities are calling for stronger board-level involvement, risk assessments, and extended vendor oversight.

As cybersecurity expert Etay Maor advised,

“Boards must treat cybersecurity as core business concern” - prevention demands layered, adaptive controls from threat intelligence to post-breach response

(UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025).

For more detail on April's most significant breaches and their sector-specific impacts, read the comprehensive report from Strobes' analysis of April 2025 attacks and browse this evolving list of recent data breaches worldwide to inform your organization's next security step.

Looking ahead, San Bernardino's continued tech and AI momentum depends on navigating both statewide regulations and local workforce needs. With California now enforcing 18 new AI laws covering data privacy, deepfake protections, health care transparency, and K-12 AI literacy mandates, area businesses must adopt robust compliance measures and track legislative developments closely (California's new AI regulations explained).

Recent state policy shifts favor a balanced, evidence-based approach - focusing on voluntary compliance and risk monitoring rather than immediate mandates - yet the legislature's interest in more prescriptive rules remains strong (In-depth analysis of California's evolving AI policy direction).

Meanwhile, San Bernardino's workforce is rising to meet the opportunity: nearly 20,000 computer-specific job openings are projected for the Inland Empire this decade, and the county boasts a highly active Workforce Development Board that connects job seekers to free career workshops, job fairs, and partnerships with leading universities and community colleges (Workforce projections and training opportunities in San Bernardino).

Here's a snapshot of median annual salaries for regional tech roles:

Job Title	Median Salary	Education Required
Software & Hardware Engineering	$100,000+	Bachelor's
Electronic Engineering Technicians	$76,974	Associate's
Cybersecurity Analysts (est.)	$90,000+	Bachelor's/Certifications

Public agencies urge proactive engagement in state AI policy discussions and recommend investments in internal risk monitoring and employee upskilling.

As William Sterling, WDB Chair, puts it,

“San Bernardino County is ideal for business due to vibrant economy, diverse industries, and talented workforce.”

Staying competitive will require cross-sector collaboration, participation in state planning, and workforce development - backed by programs like Nucamp's bootcamps and scholarships - to ensure local talent is ready for the future of technology and AI.