These 5 Inland stories will be headlines in 2018

The story: Inland voters, and those across California, will head to the polls in June and November to fill elected offices from city council to governor.

What could happen in 2018: With President Donald Trump’s approval ratings at record lows, Democrats hope a blue wave will sweep them into control of Congress. Compared to Orange County, the Inland Empire’s congressional incumbents are considered to be relatively safe.

Potentially competitive races include Assembly seats held by Riverside Democrat Sabrina Cervantes and Rancho Cucamonga Republican Marc Steinorth. Both represent swing districts that could be targets in the larger battle over the Democratic supermajority in Sacramento.

Why it matters: Lawmakers in the majority party tend to be more influential than those in the minority. Competitive races draw millions of dollars in outside spending that fuels ads to fill mailboxes, social media as well as TV and radio airwaves.

-- Jeff Horseman

The story: Under Proposition 64, recreational marijuana use becomes legal across the state Monday, Jan. 1. Inland cities scrambled to adopt local rules for marijuana businesses before the calendar changes.

What could happen in 2018: Cities, using their broad authority under the proposition, have taken significantly different approaches.

Moreno Valley, which has perhaps the most liberal rules in the area, voted to allow a full range of commercial cannabis operations: cultivation, sales, testing and manufacturing. It hasn't yet restricted where those activities may take place. But rules are being crafted, according to a city website on the topic. Perris allows dispensaries but limits them to industrial and commercial zones. Lake Elsinore restricts dispensaries and delivery outlets to industrial zones, limits the total number to 10 and permits them only if they are accessories to larger cultivation or manufacturing facilities.

Other cities, such as San Bernardino, have temporary bans while they consider their rules. The city awaits a court decision that could determine the validity of a voter-approved ballot measure to pave the way for dispensaries in some areas. Other cities have just said no to marijuana businesses of all kinds. Among them are Menifee, Murrieta and Temecula. Menifee declared itself a "non-grow, non-delivery, non-dispensary city."

Why it matters: The local regulatory landscape is in flux and likely will continue to evolve rapidly. New businesses could open in just a few cities, concentrating community impacts from the fledgling marijuana industry.

-- David Downey

The story: Year-round wildfires have become a new normal, as evidenced by firefighters arriving on engines with Christmas wreaths attached to the grilles.

What could happen in 2018: Before the really hot weather hits, the forecast is for above-normal fire potential through January, with normal potential through March, because of above-normal temperatures and below-normal rain and snow, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department Chief John Hawkins said those who live in heavily residential areas should expect to see more fires such as those that rousted neighborhoods in Corona, Anaheim and Riverside during the Canyon and Riverbottom fires.

Why it matters: Fast-moving fires can obliterate neighborhoods and kill people and pets. As a result of the forecast, Cal Fire is keeping its airplanes on call at Hemet-Ryan Air Attack Base well beyond when they usually stand down and doesn't plan to decrease engine staffing to the usual seasonal levels this winter, Hawkins said. Hawkins also urged residents to make evacuation plans, using information at readyforwildfire.org and wildlandfirersg.com (ready, set, go) as a guide.

-- Brian Rokos

The story: After the March opening of the 91 Freeway toll lanes through Corona, the new year will see several new Inland transportation projects. Meanwhile, Caltrans expects to begin major repair projects thanks to the 2017 passage of SB1, the gas tax increase.

What could happen in 2018: The Riverside County Transportation Commission will start major work in late January on a $470 million, 14.6-mile, toll lane project on the 15 Freeway from Cajalco Road near near the Temescal Valley north to the 60 Freeway in Jurupa Valley. Towards the year's end, the San Bernadino County Transportation Authority anticipates starting the first phase of a 33-mile toll lane project on the 10 Freeway from the Los Angeles County line east to Redlands. With SB1 dollars, Caltrans will start work on a backlog of freeway repair projects as new improvements through $427 million earmarked just for Riverside County. Those include a connector ramp from the 91 toll lanes to the northbound 15 and a rebuilt 15/Limonite Avenue interchange serving Eastvale and Jurupa Valley.

Why it matters: The new toll lanes will bring more lanes and a faster choice for motorists on some of the busiest Inland corridors, transportation officials say. The Caltrans repair work will allow for longer-lasting fixes and smoother rides on roadways that have seen years of wear and tear, officials say.

-- Imran Ghori

The story: The Inland Empire will likely continue to be one of the top areas for warehouses, as logistics projects show no signs of decline due to the increase of e-commerce and bustling activity at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports.

What could happen in 2018: While the 40.6-million-square-foot World Logistics Center in Moreno Valley continues to face legal challenges, other projects are moving forward. In November 2017, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved a 1.8-million-square-foot industrial center near Cherry Valley that could see a construction start in 2019. In February 2017, the Riverside City Council gave its blessing to a 1.4-million-square-foot distribution center near the city's Sycamore Highlands area. Projects under construction that will open in 2018 include the 1.1-million-square-foot Modular Logistics Center in Moreno Valley and the 1-million square-foot Monster Energy warehouse in Rialto.

Why it matters: Logistics developers say the projects will bring jobs, while some residents say such projects mean increased traffic and pollution.

-- Imran Ghori