On June 1, 2026, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) visited the Rocket convenience store on Lugonia Avenue in Redlands to learn how the business operates and how rising costs are affecting it. The visit was part of the National Association of Convenience Stores’ (NACS) In Store program, which gives members of Congress a firsthand look at how convenience stores serve their communities.
Aguilar noted that convenience stores are a daily fixture for Inland Empire residents, whether grabbing a snack, getting a car wash, filling up the tank, or using the ATM, and that they help support the local economy.
Joe Juliano, President & CEO of United Pacific, said the company hoped the visit gave the congressman a deeper understanding of convenience store operations and the challenges the industry faces.
Doug Kantor of NACS thanked Aguilar for the visit, describing convenience stores as “the backbone of local communities around the nation.”