Inland Empire battles low college grad rates to gain higher tech jobs, businesses

By Deborah Brennan | CalMatters

For many Californians the Inland Empire is a view from Interstate 10 of massive warehouses and desert en route to Las Vegas or other parts of the country.

To residents of the region, it’s a place of affordable housing yet interminable traffic, sweeping vistas shrouded by perpetual smog, and huge employers alongside family-owned businesses.

More than 4.7 million people — 12% of California’s population — live in its 27,000 square miles and more are moving in...