San Bernardino Local Briefing: Winter Storm Impacts, Community Events and Innovation Hub

Storm leaves San Bernardino Mountains digging out

Mountain communities above San Bernardino are still recovering from this week’s powerful winter storm, which dumped several feet of snow, downed power lines and left some residents without electricity for days. Heavy snowfall and strong winds created blizzard-like conditions, forcing closures of key mountain routes and triggering chain controls.

Schools in the Bear Valley area, including Big Bear, canceled classes Friday because bus routes were unsafe. Utility crews and road workers have been out in force, clearing snow, restoring power and reminding visitors to carry chains, emergency supplies and to check conditions before heading up Highway 18 or Highway 330.

County officials say the storm was the first major winter blast of the season and warn that even as skies clear, melting snow and overnight refreezing can leave slick patches on local roads and mountain highways.

City gathers downtown for Lunar New Year celebration

San Bernardino’s third annual Lunar New Year Celebration takes over Court Street Square downtown today, bringing music, dance and food to the city core. The free event, running from midday into the evening, features traditional dragon and lion dances, Taiko drummers, school bands and cultural performances from across Asia and the Pacific.

Families can join arts and crafts activities, from paper lanterns and dragon puppets to origami stations. Organizers say the downtown square will be transformed with photo backdrops, vendor booths, and displays highlighting San Bernardino’s sister-city relationships.

The festival has quickly grown into one of the city’s signature cultural events, aimed at drawing residents back into the historic downtown and showcasing local small businesses and community groups.

Kinetic AI Hub opens as Inland Empire innovation anchor

San Bernardino is also stepping into the spotlight on the technology front with the grand opening of the Kinetic AI Hub at the BBOP Center on North Arrowhead Avenue. The new space is designed as a regional resource to help educators, nonprofits, government agencies and employers learn how to use artificial intelligence in practical, responsible ways.

Today’s ribbon-cutting is expected to draw local and state dignitaries, along with business and community leaders interested in workforce training and new tech-driven opportunities. The hub plans to host workshops, collaboration sessions and pilot projects focused on preparing residents for the fast-changing job market.

Backers say the center’s location in downtown San Bernardino is intentional, signaling a commitment to bringing future-focused jobs and skills to the heart of the city rather than exporting innovation elsewhere.

Sources

https://main.sbcounty.gov/2026/02/19/first-major-winter-storm-brings-snow-to-san-bernardino-county-mountains/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/schools-closed-heavy-snow-power-141632261.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/heavy-storm-brings-snow-power-071343240.html
https://sanbernardinonewsdaily.com/government/city-to-celebrate-lunar-new-year-this-saturday-feb-21/
https://lomalinda.citynewsgroup.com/events/0SOS42w1MEGFNVgTjbtNV6vxympsMpGN