Bridging the Digital Divide: WiFi Gardens Bloom in Edgemont by Ruby Stephenson - City News Group, Inc.

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Bridging the Digital Divide: WiFi Gardens Bloom in Edgemont

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer
February 17, 2026 at 04:28pm. Views: 968

MORENO VALLEY, CA -- The City of Moreno Valley is continuing its commitment to digital equity, with a significant expansion of its WiFi Gardens program, in the Edgemont area. By adding 14 new locations in the southeast corridor, the City is broadening access to free, reliable public internet—ensuring more residents and visitors can stay connected to essential online resources for education, employment, and everyday life. The expansion spans from Frederick Street on the east to Day Street on the west, and from Alessandro Boulevard south to Bay Avenue, and Cottonwood Golf Center to the north.

“Access to reliable internet is essential for education, job searches, small businesses, and staying connected with loved ones,” said Mayor Ulises Cabrera. “By expanding our WiFi Gardens in this Edgemont corridor, we are continuing to invest in digital equity and opportunity for Moreno Valley families.”

With the addition of these new sites, Moreno Valley now offers WiFi Gardens at 62 locations across the city. Funded through a Community Development Block Grant, the program provides residents with free internet access through the “ILoveMoVal” network at City facilities, parks, and designated outdoor spaces.

District 1 Council Member Elena Baca-Santa Cruz, whose district includes the expanded corridor, emphasized that the project reflects years of focused advocacy. “This expansion didn’t happen overnight. It’s something I’ve been pushing for since my first days on the Council because access to reliable internet is essential infrastructure. This investment ensures more residents can access the tools they need to succeed. Whether it’s completing homework, applying for jobs, or accessing important online services, it’s about meeting our community where they are and keeping them connected,” she said.

In today’s society, internet access underpins nearly every aspect of daily life, from education and workforce participation to healthcare access and small business growth. As more services, applications, and communications move online, reliable connectivity has become a fundamental expectation rather than a convenience. Expanding access helps ensure that families, students, and seniors alike are not left behind in an increasingly digital world, but instead are equipped to fully participate and thrive.

Residents can connect by selecting the “ILoveMoVal” network when visiting participating areas and looking for the green WiFi Garden signage. A full list of locations is available at moval.gov/clic, and an interactive map is available at moval.gov/wifi.

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